Moderate Climate Whites Flashcards
Sugar Scale
Bone Dry <2g
Dry 2-10g
Off Dry 11-20g
Medium Sweet 20-40g
Sweet 40-160g
Esters and Thiols are products of what?
Fermentation
What are phenols?
A large family of chemical compounds found in various forms, residing in the skins, pulp, and seeds of plants.
Phenols can affect the flavor and characteristics of wines.
How do certain phenols affect white wines?
They can add bitterness, specifically tannin, to the wine.
Tannins are a type of phenolic compound that contribute to the mouthfeel and complexity of wine.
Which grape varieties are known for distinctive phenolic bitterness?
- Viognier
- Marsanne
- Torrontes
- Gewurztraminer
- Albarino
- Pinot Grigio
- Gruner Veltliner
These grape varieties are particularly noted for their phenolic characteristics that contribute to bitterness.
What is the process of keeping wine in contact with dead yeast cells called?
Sur lie aging
This technique is used primarily in white wine production.
Name a classic example of wine that undergoes sur lie aging.
Champagne
Muscadet is also a classic example.
List other types of white wines that can benefit from sur lie aging.
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
- Albarino
- Gruner Veltliner
These varieties can develop additional complexity through this aging process.
What are some flavors added to wine through sur lie aging?
- Stale beer
- Biscuit
- Bread dough
- Nuttiness
- Vanilla
- Spice
- Mild floral notes like acacia flower
These flavors contribute to the overall texture and profile of the wine.
True or False: Heavy stirring of the lees can produce aromas of cheese rind and sour cream.
True
This technique can enhance the aromatic complexity of the wine.
What effect does sur lie aging have on the texture of a wine?
It adds roundness to the wine
This is an important aspect of mouthfeel in winemaking.
What is Botrytis?
A fungus/mold that can develop on grapes
Botrytis is also known as noble rot.
What type of wines is Botrytis responsible for producing?
Some of the world’s great dessert wines (like Sauternes)
Sauternes is a famous dessert wine from the Bordeaux region of France.
In addition to dessert wines, on what types of wines can Botrytis be found?
Dry to off-dry wines such as:
* Pinot Gris from Alsace
* Riesling from Germany or Alsace
* Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley
These wines may exhibit varying degrees of influence from Botrytis.
What effect does Botrytis have on the color of wine?
It can oxidize the color of the wine, making it a degree or two darker/more gold
This oxidation contributes to the visual appeal of certain wines.
What flavors and aromas can Botrytis impart to wine?
Flavors and aromas such as:
* Honey
* Saffron
* Honeysuckle
* Apricot
* Marmalade
* Ginger
* Button mushrooms
* Chamomile
* Caramel
These complex flavors contribute to the richness of the wines affected by Botrytis.
What is Malolactic Fermentation?
A secondary fermentation process that occurs in all red wines and some white wines
What is the primary function of Malolactic Fermentation?
To convert green malic acid into softer lactic acid
True or False: Malolactic Fermentation results in a significant increase in alcohol content.
False
What type of acid is converted during Malolactic Fermentation?
Green Malic Acid
What type of acid is produced from the conversion in Malolactic Fermentation?
Lactic Acid
Fill in the blank: Aromatic compounds resulting from Malolactic Fermentation include _______.
diacetyl
What aroma is commonly associated with diacetyl?
Butter or buttered popcorn
Can Malolactic Fermentation be applied to part of the wine or all of the wine?
Yes