Moderate Climate Varietals

Question 1

Describe Torrontès.

Answer 1

Moderate climate
Cafayete, Salta province, Argentina

Visual
Pale

Nose
Aromatic Intensity: High
Floral, citrus zest, stone
Bath and Body Works: soap

Structure
Acid: Medium acid; M+ in very high altitudes

Notes
Oaking: rare
Riojana most common variety
Drink young and fresh

Question 2

Describe Sémillon

Answer 2

Moderate climate
Sauternes, Hunter Valley

Visual
Gold, especially with sweet wines

Nose
Neutral
Honey, citrus, stone, tropical

Structure
Sugar: Dry to sweet
* Botrytis (Sauternes)
Acid: medium to low
Alcohol: low to medium
Body: full and oily

Notes
Ageing: 10+ years (toasted marshmallow in Hunter Valley)
Used as a blend with SB in Sauternes

Question 3

Describe Assyrtiko

Answer 3

Moderate climate
Greece
* Indigenous to Santorini, thrives on volcanic soil
* Vines: basket shaped, low to ground, 100+ years old

Visual - nothing of note

Nose
Neutral grape
Green apple, citrus, minerality

Structure
High acid, even in hot years
High alcohol

Notes:
Greece’s Chablis

Question 4

Describe Chardonnay.

Answer 4

Moderate climate
Chablis, California, everywhere

Visual
Lighter to darker

Nose
Neutral aromatic intensity
Citrus, stone, tropical

Structure
Acid: fresh , especially in cooler climates

Notes
MLC, sur lie, battonage, ageing
Oak: all degrees
“Canvas” for winemakers

Question 5

Describe Burgundian Chardonnay.

Answer 5

1. Acidity due to moderate continental climate
2. Mineral driven and flinty.
3. Lees stirring adds texture
4. Aged in new oak for premium wines
5. Ageworthy and complex

Question 6

Describe Vermentino

Answer 6

Moderate climate
France (Rolle); Italy

Visual - nothing of note

Nose
Green apple, citrus, herbaceous, almond
Salinity

Structure
Acid: medium plus
Oily texture

Notes
MLC: some
Oak: some
Vermentino di Gallura: only DOCG in Sardinia

Question 7

Describe Viognier

Answer 7

Moderate climate
Condrieu, CA with oak-aged styles

Visual
Yellow to gold, deeply coloured

Nose
Aromatic intensity: high
Jasmine, honeysuckle, green, stone, tropical

Structure
Sugar: dry to sweet
Acid: low
Tannin: phenolic bitterness possible
Alcohol: high in warm climates
Body: oily, full, rich

Notes
Oak, MLC, batonnage

Question 8

Describe Grenache Blanc

Answer 8

1. Plush like Chardonnay when oaked
2. Citrus, tropical
3. Prone to oxidation
4. Often blended

Question 9

Describe Marsanne

Answer 9

Moderate climate
Northern Rhône

Visual
Deeply coloured

Nose
Jasmine, honeysuckle, green, stone, tropical

Structure
Acid: flabby if too hot
Alcohol: high
Body: oily

Notes
Oak: affinity
Northern Rhône: blended with Roussane to make up to 15% of Hermitage

Question 10

Descibe Roussane

Answer 10

Moderate climate
Northern Rhône

Visual
Prone to oxidation
Russet colour (brown with orange tinge)

Nose
More aromatic in moderate climates
Chamomile, wax, apricot, brioche, honey, tea

Notes
Difficult to grow: mildew, sensitive to wind, drought

Question 11

Name 9 moderate climate whites.

Answer 11

1. Torrontès
2. Sémillon
3. Assyrtiko
4. Chardonnay Burgundy/Sonoma
5. Vermentino (di Gallura DOCG - Sardinia)
6. Viognier
7. Grenache Blanc
8. Marsanne
9. Roussane

Question 12

Name 7 varietals with phenolic bitterness.

Answer 12

VATM GGG
1. Viognier
2. Albarino
3. Torrontès
2. Marsanne

4. Gewürztraminer
5. Grüner Veltliner
6. Pinot Grigio