Module 2: Chapter 3 - Grape Varieties Flashcards
1
Q
South African name for Chenin Blanc.*
A
Steen
2
Q
White grape made into sweet wines in Rutherglen.*
Bonus: Where is Rutherglen?
A
Muscat
Australia, Victoria, North East Victoria
3
Q
Leading white grape of Australia’s Clare Valley.*
Bonus: Where is Clare Valley
A
Riesling
South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges (Adelaide is the Super Zone)
4
Q
White grape grown in Sancerre.
Bonus: Where is Sancerre?
A
Sauvignon Blanc
Loire Valley, Upper Loire
5
Q
Term created by Robert Mondavi for a certain style of Sauvignon Blanc.*
A
Fume Blanc
6
Q
Leading white grape of Hunter Valley.*
Bonus: Where is Hunter Valley?
A
Semillon
Australia, New South Wales
7
Q
German name for Pinot Blanc.*
A
Weissburgunder
8
Q
Predominant white grape of Cognac.*
Bonus: Where is Cognac
A
Ugni Blanc
Western France, between Bordeaux and Loire Valley. Not a wine region, per se.
9
Q
White grape variety of Savennieres.*
Bonus: Where is Savennieres?
A
Chenin Blanc
Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur
10
Q
White grape variety of Pouilly-Fume.*
Bonus: Where is Pouilly-Fume
A
Sauvignon Blanc (Do not confuse with Pouilly-Fuisse, which is Chardonnay from the Maconnais in Burgundy)
Upper Loire Valley, just across the Loire from Sancerre
11
Q
Red grape variety of Chinon.*
Bonus: Where is Chinon?
A
Cabernet Franc
Loire Valley, Touraine
12
Q
Most widely planted red grape variety in the world.*
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
13
Q
Red grape also known as Cannonau.*
Where is it predominantly grown as Cannonau?
A
Grenache
Sardinia
14
Q
Leading red grape of Burgundy.*
Bonus: Where is Burgundy?
A
Pinot Noir
Central eastern France, bordering the Rhone river, north of the Rhone Valley.
15
Q
Three grapes of a G-S-M blend.*
A
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
16
Q
Leading red grape variety of Chianti.*
Bonus: Where is Chianti?
A
Sangiovese
Italy, Tuscany, centered around the town of Greve, between Florence and Siena
17
Q
Red grape variety of Barolo.*
Bonus: Where is Barolo?
A
Nebbiolo
Italy, Piedmont, along the Tanaro river, southwest of the town of Alba
18
Q
Red grape also known as Tinta Roriz.*
Bonus: Where is it known as Tinta Roriz?
A
Tempranillo
Portugal, Douro
19
Q
Red Grape of Cahors.*
Bonus: Where is Cahors?
A
Malbec (dark, inky, nearly black “The black wine of Cahors”)
France, Sud-Ouest (Southwest)
20
Q
Leading red grape variety of Rioja.*
Bonus: Where is Rioja?
A
Tempranillo
North Central Spain, along the Ebro River, south of the Cantabrian Mountains
21
Q
Where is it believed Vitis vinifera vines first developed?
A
In the Caucasus Mountains between Europe and Asia. Spread via human intervention into southern Europe, the Middle East, and around the world.
22
Q
What is the more common name for vine subspecies?
A
Varieties
23
Q
What is the second most important grape species, commercially speaking?
A
Vitis labrusca, native to North America.
24
Q
What are the characteristics of Vitis labrusca grapes?
A
Sweet, flavorful grapes. Extremely high acidity, and a flavor component called ‘foxy’ that is generally undesirable in wine.
25
What is important about native North American vines?
North American native vines are naturally resistant to the phylloxera aphid. The scion, the vinifera portion of the vine, can be grafted onto the trunk (or rootstock) of North American vines to create phylloxera resistant vines.
26
What species of native North American vines are used in rootstock grafting?
Several, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis aestivalis, and Vitis rupestris.
27
Are there phylloxera resistant grapes?
Phylloxera resistance is a characteristic of the vine, not the grape.
28
What is a species?
A scientific grouping of plants or animals that are genetically similar, have broad characteristics in common, and can produce viable offspring through sexual reproduction.
Grapevine species include vinifera and labrusca.
29
What is a variety?
A variety is a subspecies. Chardonnay and Syrah are varieties of vinifera.
30
What is a clone?
Generally, the term is used to mean grapes that are slightly different than their parent, having developed slight genetic variations as the plant modifies itself to adapt to new conditions.
31
True or false: In commercial viticulture, almost all grape varieties are propagated asexually.
True. They can technically be considered clones, but are perfect genetic copies of the parent.
32
What determines a new clone?
A consistent desirable distinction from the parent. New clones generally have a new name or, sometimes, a number assigned to them.
33
What creates a mutation?
The imperfect reproduction of cells as the vine grows. It is a slow process that takes many generations, finally showing such significant differences from its ancestors that it is determined to be a separate variety.
Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are both considered to be mutant strains of Pinot Noir.
34
What is a cross?
The offspring of sexual reproduction between different subspecies within same species.
Example: Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.
35
What is a hybrid?
Offspring of sexual reproduction between two different but closely related species (vinifera and labrusca, for example). Many have been attempted to breed specific traits (resistances t cold, mildew, phylloxera, etc.), but the grpes tend to struggle developing adequate tannin and are highly acidic. Typically infertile, they are propagated through cuttings.
Examples of successful hybrids include Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, and Baco Noir.
36
True or false: Airen is one of the most widely grown white grapes in the world.
True. Grown primarily in central Spain and often distilled into brandy.
37
What makes an 'international variety'?
An arbitrary distinction between international and indigenous grapes. International varieties grow in a wide range of conditions in many areas around the world.
Cab Sauv, Chard, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, and Malbec are other examples.
38
What is an indigenous grape?
Grapes in their native home that have not been widely transplanted in other areas.
Nebbiolo is a prime example - produces great wines in northwest Italy, but not planted much around the world.
39
What is autochthonous?
Indigenous grapes that are the result of natural cross-breeding or natural mutation in a specific area.
40
True or false: Chardonnay is thought to be indigenous to Bordeaux.
False. Burgundy.
| California style is the New World style, fuller bodied and less acidic. Typically a touch of RS left to round out body.
41
Chardonnay characteristics in warm climates? Cooler?
Warm: Ripe, tropical flavors, higher alcohol, considerable body
Cool: Citrus flavors, green fruit aromas, crisp acidity, light to medium body.
42
True or false: Chardonnay is one of the few white varieties that benefits from interaction with wood.
True. Barrel aged chard will improve with age and time in in the bottle. Some top end Burgundies can evolve complexity for more than a decade. New World chards will take on characteristics of new oak.
43
Chardonnay Profile (flavors, examples, acid level, alcohol level)
Examples: white Burgundy, Champagne, "California style" new world wines.
Top Producers: France, USA, Australia
Acidity: Medium to high
Alcohol: medium to high
Characteristic aromas: green apple, melon, pears (cool climate; tropical fruit (warm climate); butter (malolactic ferm); vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, toast (oak-aged)
44
True or false: Chenin Blanc is among the most versatile of all grapes.
True. Chenin produces world class wines at all sweetness levels from dry to very sweet, still or sparkling. It is known for high acidity, especially in cool climates,
45
Is residual sugar common in Chenin Blanc?
Yes. A touch of it is often left to take the edge off the naturally high acidity. Taken to its extreme, this sugar makes superb late-harvest dessert wines, often botrytized, that can last for years.
46
True or false: France produces the most Chenin Blanc.
False. South Africa produces almost twice as much Chenin Blanc, where it is responsible for 18% of all plantings (the most widely planted grape in South Africa).
47
Chenin Blanc profile (Examples, Top producers, Acidity, Alcohol, Typical aromas)
```
Examples: Vouvray, Saumur, Savennieres
Top Producers: South Africa, France, USA
Acidity: Medium-plus to high
Alcohol: Medium to high
Characteristic Aromas: green apple, yellow pear, melon, citrus, almond, white flowers, chamomile tea; honey and quince (when aged)
```
48
True or false: Muscat has mutated many times.
True. It is a family of several different varieties. Most prevalent members are Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains (white Muscat with small berries, generally considered the highest quality), Muscat of Alexandria, and Muscat Ottonel.
49
What does Muscat generally produce?
While capable of producing dry wines, Muscat is known primarily for producing a range of sweet wines: Moscato d'Asti (NW Italy), Rutherglen Muscat (Australia), vins doux naturels (southern France), Moscatel (southern Spain).
50
Which Muscat produces well in cool climates?
Muscat Ottonel. The others perform best in warm to hot climates.
51
Muscat Profile (Examples, top producers, Acidity, Alcohol, Characteristic aromas)
Examples: southern France, southern Spain, northern Italy, Australia
Top producers: Italy, France, Chile, Australia
Acidity: low to medium
Alcohol: medium to high
Aromas: musk, honey, orange blossom, florals, apricots, table grapes.
52
True or False: Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are two names for the same grape variety.
True, It is a mutation of Pinot Noir, and both names translate roughly to "gray Pinot." Pinot gris was first, became Pinot Grigio when moving from France to Italy centuries ago.
53
Are there distinct stylistic different between Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?
Yes. Pinot Gris is generally used to identify the style from Alsace (and Oregon, to some extent, since the mid 1960's). Cool climate, with medium plus acidity, medium to full body, neutral aromas of apple-, pear-, or almond- and up to a moderate RS
Pinot Grigio: Typically dry (Northeastern Italy, California, Australia) with medium-minus acidity, higher alcohol (Cali and Australia), neutral and unoaked, although sometimes lees aged and aromatic.
54
What has Pinot Grigio become a popular alternative to? Since when?
It is a popular alternative to Chardonnay in the US market since the 1970's, which led to the expanded plantings in Cali and Australia.
55
What is Pinot Gris known as in Germany?
Grauburgunder or Rulander (generally same style as Alsace)
56
Pinot Grigio/Gris Profile (Examples, top producers, Acidity, Alcohol, Aromas)
Examples: northeastern Italy, Alsace, Oregon
Top producers: Italy, USA, Germany, France, Australia
Acidity: Low (New world Grigio) to high (Alsace)
Alcohol: Medium
Aromas: apple, lemon, melon, peach, almond, minerals
57
True or False: Riesling is indigenous to Alsace
False. It is indigenous to Germany, where its ability to withstand cold makes in one of the few quality grapes grown in marginal climates.
58
What sweetness levels does Riesling have?
The whole spectrum, from dry to botrytised late-harvest. Dry rieslings have become more common recently, but most commercialized Rieslings are in the off-dry to medium-sweet range (often with lower alcohol, some as low as the 7%-8% range).
59
What is the notable characteristic of Riesling?
The outstanding naturally high acidity, which it retains even at increasing ripeness. When finished, the acidity is often tempered with a bit of RS, which functions as a natural preservative, thus making Riesling one of most long-lived white wines. Oak aging is rare as a result.
60
Are there wines that use Riesling in their names, but aren't Riesling?
Yes. In the USA, White Riesling is the only synonym for true Riesling, while an indigenous grape called Missouri Riesling is unrelated to actual Riesling. There are other examples of this phenomenon around the world.
61
Riesling Profile (Examples, Top producers, Acidity, Alcohol, Aromas)
Examples: Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz, Rheinhessen (Germany) Alsace (France), Clare and Eden Valleys (Australia), Finger Lakes and Washington state (USA)
Top producers: Germany, Australia, France, USA
Acidity: High to very high
Alcohol: Very low to high
Aromas: Lime, peach, nectarine, apricot, honeysuckle, wet stone, petrol/kerosene (ripeness and bottle age dependent); baking spices (in well aged Riesling)
62
Where is Sauvignon Blanc native to?
France. Achieved reputation in Loire Valley and Bordeaux
63
What climate does Sauvignon Blanc prefer?
Cool climate. Particularly New Zealand since the 1980's. It functions as a barometer for soil, site and viticultural practices.
64
Does Sauvignon Blanc see a lot of oak?
Oak aging is popular, particularly in Bordeaux with older oak. Fume Blanc is more pronounced oak, pioneered by Robert Mondavi in the 1960's it is an approved USA synonym and legally interchangeable).
65
True or false: Sauvignon Blanc is nearly always high-acid.
True. And almost always dry. Often blended with low acid grapes like Semillon (in Bordeaux), and used to add acidity to classic dessert wines like Sauternes.
66
Sauvignon Blanc Profile (Examples, top producers, acidity, alcohol, aromas)
Examples: Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, white Bordeaux, Fume Blanc, New Zealand
Top producers: France, New Zealand, Chile, USA, South Africa
Acidity: Medium-plus to high
Alcohol: medium
Aromas: grass, hay, grapefruit, green pepper (cool climate); asparagus, melon (warm climate); flint (Loire); gooseberry (NZ); toast, smoke (oak-aged)
67
What is Semillon best known as?
A blending grape, rather than a stand-alone grape. In Bordeaux it is blended with Sauvignon Blanc. In Australia, it is typically blended with Chardonnay.
68
Where DOES Semillon function as a stand-alone grape?
Hunter Valley, in Australia.
69
Semillon Profile (examples, aromas)
Examples: France (Bordeaux Blanc blends), Australia (Chardonnay blends, Hunter Valley as 100% varietal wine)
Aromas: Distinct waxy/oily note on palate, aromas of lemon, yellow grapefruit, honeysuckle, lemon blossom, peach, pear, green apple. May be herbal if slightly underripe.
70
Is Viognier indigenous anywhere?
Formerly classified as indigenous to Northern Rhone, it is now widely planted in Australia, California, Texas, South America, and East Coast of the USA.
71
Viognier Profile (examples, characteristics)
Examples: Northern Rhone, California, Texas, East Coast of USA
Characteristics: Full bodied, viscous, potent floral notes with peach and tangerine.
72
True or false: Pinot Blanc is descendant of Pinot Noir
True. Mutated from Pinot Gris.
73
Pinot Blanc Profile
Examples: Italy (Pinot Bianco; Germany, Austria (Weissburgunder); Alsace
Similar to Pinot Gris in flavor, with slightly more exotic aromas, and a lighter feel on the palate.
74
Where was Gewurztraminer first recorded?
In the Italian Alps. It is most common now in Alsace. (In Germany and Austria, there is an umlaut over the u)
75
Gewurztraminer Profile
Examples: Alsace, Germany, Austria
Characteristics: Highly aromatic with aromas of lychee, flowers, spices, and rose
76
True or false: Trebbiano Toscano and Ugni Blanc are the same grape
True. Trebbiano in Italy (most common variety for white wine, also used extensively in balsamic vinegar); Ugni in France (grown in large quantities for cognac and other brandies).
77
True or false: Cabernet Franc is the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon
True. Cab Franc crossed with Sauv Blanc to create Cab Sauv.
78
What is Cab Franc primarily known for?
Best known as a blending partner with Cab Sauv and Merlot in Bordeaux wines. Less common as a varietal bottling, but prevalent in cooler areas like the Loire (Chinon, Bourgeuil) and the eastern USA that have trouble fully ripening Cab Sauv. Used in those places for rose as well.
79
Cabernet Franc Profile (Examples, top producers, Acidity, Alcohol, tannins, aromas)
```
Examples: Red Bordeaux, Loire Valley, northeast Italy, USA (NY state, California)
Top Producers: France, Italy, USA
Acidity: Medium to high
Alcohol: Medium
Tannin: Light to medium
```
80
Where does Cabernet Sauvignon's reputation come from?
A combo of consistency, reliability, depth of flavor and ability to develop complex flavors over a long aging period. It is naturally tannic, often bolstered by maturation in new oak.
81
True or false: Cabernet Sauvignon is an early blooming grape.
False. It requires sufficient heat and sun exposure to ripen fully, and is not well-suited to areas with early winters.
82
What do the hotter growing conditions in Napa cause for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Creates 'Napa Cabs'; usually higher in alcohol, lower in acidity, and more fruit-forward than those of Bordeaux.
83
What are standard blending grapes for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Franc and Merlot (Bordeaux, New World blends)
Shiraz (Australia)
Sangiovese ("Super-Tuscans" in Italy)
84
Cabernet Sauvignon Profile (Examples, top producers, Acidity, Alcohol, Tannin Level, Aromas)
Examples: red Bordeaux, Napa Valley
Top Producing Countries: France, Chile, USA, Australia
Acidity: Medium to High
Alcohol: High
Tannin level: High
Characteristic Aromas: black currant, black cherry, eucalyptus, mint, bell pepper (cool climates); dark chocolate, cedar, vanilla, tobacco, (aged in new oak); coffee, caramel, cigar box (well aged)
85
True or false: Grenache is not typically bottled by itself.
True. Typically appears in blends like GSM. Found as a varietal bottling in Spain and Australia.
86
What does Grenache add to blends?
Depth of color, acidity, and complexity.
87
True or false: Grenache originated in the South of France.
False. It is recorded earlier in both Spain and Sardinia (as Cannonau) but it is unclear which of those two was first.
88
Outside of Australia, where in the new world is Grenache being grown?
Increasingly in both California and Washington state.
89
Grenache-based wines oxidize quickly; what are the signs of this?
A salmon or orange tinge, and a rusticity of flavor or aroma.
Old-vine Grenache is prized for its concentration of flavor.
90
Grenache Profile (Examples, Top producing countries, Acidity, Alcohol, Tannin level, Aromas)
Examples: southern Rhone, Priorat, Rioja, Navarra, Australia, California, Washington state
Top producers: France, Spain
Acidity: low to medium
Alcohol: high
Tannin level: low to medium
Aromas: Strawberry, sour cherry, flowers, black pepper, cranberry
91
In comparison to Cabernet Sauvignon, what are the differences with Merlot?
In general, Merlot tends to be less intense, less tannic, less alcoholic, and has lighter, brighter fruit flavors.
92
True or false: Merlot was first noted as a distinct variety in Bordeaux.
True. It often forms the majority of the blend on the Right Bank.
93
CLMR
(Cab Left, Merlot Right)
| Dominant grape in Bordeaux blends based on bank.
94
True or false: Merlot and Cab Sauv are complementary and even varietally labeled wines often contain the other.
True. Because not all varietally labeled wines have to be 100% of the labeled variety, this occurs often.
95
True or false: Merlot is a late-ripening grape.
False. Merlot ripens early, which is why it blends well with Cab Sauv, mitigating risk of extreme weather at either end of the growing season.
96
Merlot Profile (Examples, top producing countries, Acidity, Alcohol, Tannin Level, Aromas)
Examples: red Bordeaux, many New World examples
Top producers: France, USA, Spain, Italy, Chile
Acidity: medium
Alcohol: Medium
Tannin level: Medium
Aromas: blueberry, plum, black cherry, mint coffee, chocolate
97
Where is Pinot Noir generally considered to have originated?
Burgundy, which remains the standard for perfection in PN.
98
True or false: Pinot Noir is suited to warm climates.
False. PN is uniquely suited to cool climates, thriving and ripening there. Nearly every cool-climate wine region in the New World has at least experimented with it. (NZ, Oregon, portions of California have been the most successful)
99
Why does a substantial portion of Pinot Noir round the world go into sparkling wines?
The ability to produce flavorful grapes in cool conditions. More PN is planted in Champagne than Chardonnay.
High acidity, low tannins, and pale to medium color.
100
What is Pinot Noir called in Germany?
Spatburgunder. It is the most widely planted grape variety.
101
Pinot Noir is genetically unstable and highly prone to mutation, leading to a large number of clones.
What are three popular varieties that have mutated from Pinot Noir?
Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Meunier (some have dropped the Pinot and simply refer to the variety as Meunier now)
102
Pinot Noir Profile (Examples, Top producing countries, Acidity, Alcohol, Tannin Level, Aromas
Examples: red Burgundy, Champagne, New Zealand, Oregon, California
Top producers: France, USA, Germany
Acidity: Medium to high
Alcohol: Medium
Tannin level: Low to medium
Aromas: Cherry, raspberry, strawberry, lilac (young); violet, sandalwood, earth, mushroom, leather (well aged)
103
What is the leading red grape of Australia?
Shiraz (Syrah).
| Growing in New World popularity in South Africa, Argentina, California's Central Coast, and Washington state
104
Briefly describe 3 styles of Syrah
Inky, dark-flavored, and tannic (Northern Rhone)
GSM blends or CdP
Dry, full-bodied rose.
(Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia)
105
Syrah/Shiraz Profile: (examples, top-producing countries, Acidity, Alcohol, Tannin level, Aromas)
Examples: Rhone Valley, Australia, Paso Robles
Top producers: France, Australia, USA
Acidity: low to medium
Alcohol: high
Tannin level: high
Aromas: blackberry, tar, leather, anise, rosemary, black pepper, smoke, lavender, forest floor, earth, dried fruits; smoked meats (well-aged)
106
What are the general characteristics of California red Zinfandel?
Densely pigmented, high-alcohol, spicy, jammy fruit (raspberry, blackberry, raisin)
107
Who is Dr. Carole Meredith?
She and her team at UC-Davis determined in 1994 that Zinfandel is genetically identical to Primitivo (Italy) and Tribidrag (Croatia).
The EU has made Zinfandel a legal synonym for Primitivo, the USA has not.
108
True or false: Sangiovese was traditionally used in a blend to make Chianti.
True. As of 1996, producers in Chianti have the option of producing Chianti with 100% Sangiovese.
109
Traditional flavor profile of Sangiovese?
Lightly colored, with sour cherry and orange peel, and high acidity.
110
Traditional profile of Nebbiolo?
"Tar and roses", with cherry, blackberry, licorice.
| Long-lived, highly tannic, benefit from oak and bottle aging.
111
Traditional profile of Tempranillo?
Leather, tobacco, chalky dust. Aromas of strawberries, red cherry, currant, spice.
112
Where is Tempranillo grown (name Spanish regions)
Rioja (blended with Mazuelo, others)
Portugal (as Tinta Roriz or Aragonez)
California, and to a lesser extent Texas and Oregon.
113
What is the "black wine of Cahors"?
Malbec. Also used to blend in some Bordeaux blends.
114
Characteristics of Malbec?
Deeply colored, often almost inky black. Blackberry and plum flavors. Argentina and Cahors primarily.
Smaller amounts in Loire Valley, California, Chile, Washington state
115
What is the technical name for Gamay? What is it primarily known for?
Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc
| Primarily produces the low-tannin, fruit forward reds of Beaujolais.
116
What is unique about the production of traditional Beaujolais reds?
At least partially, they are traditionally made via carbonic maceration. Leads to aromas of red cherry, strawberry, banana, and red candy.
117
What sets Cru Beaujolais apart from traditional Beaujolais?
Granite soils. Creates age-worthy reds with black fruit, raspberry, and spice.
118
Are "Napa Gamay" and "Gamay Beaujolais" related to Gamay?
No. And the terms are no longer allowed to be used on wine labels.
119
What is a teinturier? Name an example.
Teinturier is a grape with red flesh as well as red skin. Alicante Bouschet is an example.
120
What is Alicante Bouschet a cross of?
Grenache and Petit Bouschet, first cultivated Henri Bouschet and family in 1866.
121
What is Alicante Bouschet typically used for?
Adding body and color intensity to red blends (because of thick skins and red flesh).
Can be found as varietal wine, also known as Garnacha Tintorera in Spain
