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
What characteristic does Malolactic Fermentation give to the wine?
Softer, creamier, rounder profile
What is one effect of stainless steel vessels on wine?
No oxygen interplay with the wine
How do stainless steel vessels affect the fresh aromatics of the grape?
Preserves fresh aromatics of the grape
What aspect of fermentation can be controlled using stainless steel vessels?
Control over fermentation temperatures
What is the primary reason new oak is often avoided in winemaking?
New oak is expensive
New oak barrels can significantly increase production costs.
What flavors can new oak impart to wine?
New oak can impart flavors of:
* vanilla
* baking spices
* toast
* dill
* coconut
* sawdust
These flavors enhance the complexity of the wine.
How does the size and type of barrel affect wine aging?
Different sizes of barrels and types of oak can be used in varying degrees by the winemaker. Small new barrel gives more flavour than a large old barrel.
The choice of barrel influences the flavor and texture of the wine.
Is oak aging more common for red or white wines?
Oak aging is more often used for red wines
Some white wines, like Chardonnay, can also undergo oak aging, but it’s not universal.
Fill in the blank: Oak aging is more often used for _______ wines.
red
While some white wines can also be aged in oak, red wines predominantly use this method.
True or False: All white wines benefit from oak aging.
False
Not all white wines utilize oak aging; it is more common in certain varieties.
What is the primary characteristic of the Torrontes grape?
Fresh and aromatic varietal
Torrontes is known for its vibrant aromas.
Which flavors are commonly associated with Torrontes?
Peach, apricot, rose, lilac, and lemon zest
These flavors contribute to its aromatic profile.
What is the acidity level of Torrontes?
Medium acid
Acidity can increase in very high altitude conditions.
How does altitude affect the freshness of Torrontes?
Can become fresher in very high altitude
High altitudes can enhance the grape’s acidity and freshness.
Does Torrontes typically see oak aging?
Rarely sees oak
Oak aging is avoided to maintain its fresh characteristics.
What is the most common variety of Torrontes?
Riojana
Riojana is the predominant variety found in Argentina.
When is Torrontes best consumed?
Drink young and fresh
It is recommended to enjoy Torrontes soon after production.
Where is Torrontes predominantly grown?
Argentina
It is often cultivated in high-altitude regions to enhance its qualities.
What type of wines can Semillon produce?
Dry to sweet wines
Semillon is versatile and can create a range of wine styles.
What flavor notes are commonly associated with Semillon?
Citrus, tropical, peach, and honey
These notes contribute to the wine’s complexity and appeal.
What is the typical acidity level of Semillon?
Moderate to low acidity
This characteristic influences the wine’s taste and aging potential.
What color can Semillon wines take on, particularly when sweet?
Gold
Sweet Semillon wines, such as those from Sauternes, often exhibit a golden hue.
Which grape is Semillon commonly blended with?
Sauvignon Blanc
This blend is popular in various wine regions, enhancing flavor and aroma.
In which famous French region is Semillon primarily used for dry white wines?
Bordeaux
Semillon is a key grape in the Bordeaux region, especially in Graves.
What famous sweet wine is Semillon known for in Bordeaux?
Sauternes
Sauternes is renowned for its rich, sweet wines made from Semillon.
Where else is Semillon notably grown besides Bordeaux?
Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley, located near Sydney, is another significant area for Semillon production.
Where is the white wine grape Assyrtiko indigenous to?
Island of Santorini, Greece
Assyrtiko is a notable grape variety from the Santorini region, known for its unique terroir.
What are some tasting notes of Assyrtiko?
Lime, passion fruit, beeswax, flint, saline
These notes contribute to the complexity and character of Assyrtiko wines.
What characteristic does Assyrtiko exhibit even in ripe years?
High acidity
High acidity is a defining trait of Assyrtiko, making it refreshing and suitable for aging.
What type of soil does Assyrtiko thrive in?
Volcanic soils
The volcanic soils of Santorini provide unique minerals that enhance the flavor profile of Assyrtiko.
How is Assyrtiko cultivated in Santorini?
Woven in little baskets hugging the ground
This traditional method helps protect the grapevines from harsh winds and retains moisture.
True or False: Assyrtiko has a strong mineral presence.
True
The mineral characteristics are a result of the volcanic soil and climate of Santorini.
What is a characteristic of Santorini’s rainfall?
Low rainfall
Despite low rainfall, the soil helps retain moisture.
How does the cool wind affect Santorini’s climate?
It brings down temperatures.