Red Wine, Set 2 Flashcards
From Merlot, Grenache, and Malbec to Carménère, Barbera, and Sangiovese: learn what to expect from the world’s key medium- to full-bodied red wines; how they're made and what they taste like.
In what climates does Merlot prefer to grow?
- Moderate
- Warm
From which region does Merlot originate?
Bordeaux, France
Merlot is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux.
The 2 regional appellations used for Merlot grown anywhere in Bordeaux are Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC.
Bordeaux Supérieur AOC has tighter regulations, producing lower yields, wine of a higher minimum alcohol, and a slightly longer aging process. The result: more complex, expensive wines!
What grape variety/varieties go into making a red Bordeaux wine?
A blend of up to 6 varieties:
- Merlot,
- Cabernet Sauvignon,
- Cabernet Franc,
- Petit Verdot,
- Malbec,
- and occasionally Carménère.
Depending on the winemaker’s vision, Bordeaux blends are made from differing percentages of these grapes, all of which add a unique characteristic to the wine.
Overall, however, Bordeaux wines can be characterized as medium- to full-bodied with bold aromas of black currant, plums, and earthiness. There is a lot of variety depending on where in Bordeaux they originate, the producer, and vintage.
Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Supérieur AOC wines are usually dominated by Merlot.
What is the climate of the Bordeaux region?
Moderate
Describe the typical profile of Merlot made with just-ripe grapes.
- Dry
- Light to medium body
- Medium acidity
- Medium tannins
- Red fruit aromas and flavors
Describe the typical profile of Merlot made with riper grapes.
- Dry
- Medium to full body
- Medium acidity
- Medium tannins
- Black fruit flavors and aromas
Why is Merlot typically blended into other wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Merlot softens the harder-edged tannins of other grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Merlot also adds red fruit flavors and approachability, allowing the wine to be drunk younger.
What does it mean when a Bordeaux is classified as a “left bank” or “right bank” Bordeaux?
The grapes were sourced from vineyards that grow on the:
- Left bank or west side of the Gironde Estuary
- Right bank or **north/northeast side ** of the Dordogne River
The Gironde Estuary, which is fed by the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, supplies the region with much of the water and nutrients it needs to support viticulture.
While located in relatively close proximity to each other, the soils/terroir on the left- and right banks are substantially different, resulting in wines that have distinct characteristics.
Right Bank blends are typically Merlot-driven, while Left Bank blends are typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon.
What countries outside of France grow a fair amount of Merlot?
- United States
- Chile
- South Africa
- Australia
- New Zealand
What appellation in California makes Merlot in an easy-going, medium-bodied, fruity style?
California appellation
With the California appellation, the grapes can be sourced from anywhere within the state of California.
Which 2 appellations in California make full-bodied, robust styles of Merlot?
- Napa Valley
- Sonoma
Within this appelation, it’s super common for Merlots to be influenced by quite a bit of oak, whether it’s from oak chips or new oak barrels.
This imparts flavors of vanilla, coconut, spice, and smoke to the wine. Try to discern these flavors the next time you try a Merlot (or Merlot blend) from California!
What area of Chile produces high yields and volumes of Merlot?
Central Valley
Chile’s Central Valley is warm and dry, perfect for making soft, approachable Merlot.
Which region of South Africa is known for its Bordeaux-style red blends?
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch’s mountainous landscape ranges from a moderate to warm climate and is influenced by varying elevations and ocean breezes.
FYI: Bordeaux wine comes from Bordeaux, France but a Bordeaux-style wine can be made anywhere and is simply a red blend that contains a combination of the six principal Bordeaux varieties.
Which region in Australia uses Merlot in their Bordeaux-style red blends?
Margaret River
Margaret River is a wine region in southwest Western Australia made up predominantly of boutique-sized wine producers. The climate here is more strongly maritime-influenced than any other major Australian region.
The majority of Merlot in New Zealand comes from which region?
Hawke’s Bay, on the North Island
The climate here is moderate with good deal of rainfall.
Merlot in Hawke’s Bay can be bottled as a single varietal or used in blends, with styles ranging from light and approachable to full-bodied and age-worthy.
What climate does Grenache/Garnacha prefer?
Warm
In which country did Grenache originate?
Spain, where it is known as Garnacha.
Describe the typical profile of Grenache/Garnacha
Try to list 7 points
- Dry
- Low to medium acidity
- Low to medium tannin
- Medium to high alcohol
- Medium to full body
- Very red fruited (wild plum, red cherry)
- Occasionally spicy (white pepper, liquorice)
Is Grenache thin skinned or thick skinned?
Thin skinned
Grenache produces wines of just-medium color intensity, which makes it a good grape for making rosé.
What method of rosé production is usually deployed for Grenache/Garnacha?
Short maceration
Short maceration is where the red skins are in contact with the juice for only a few hours and so only the desired amount of color and tannin is extracted. The resultant pink juice is then drained from the skins and fermented at a temperature usually used for making white wine.
Why do winemakers often blend other grape varieties with Grenache/Garnacha, such as Syrah (in France) and Tempranillo (in Spain)?
Syrah and Tempranillo add depth of color, tannin, and acidity to Grenache’s light color, low acidity, and low-ish tannins.
It’s all about balance, baby!
True or false:
A simple Grenache crafted for early consumption will usually be fermented and aged for a short time in oak vessels, while a more complex, sturdy, and high-quality Grenache will usually be fermented and/or aged in inert vessels.
FALSE
Simple, easy drinking Grenache wines are typically fermented in inert vessels, while complex, high quality wines are fermented in oak—be it new, used, or a combination of both—which is what contributes to that complexity.
What 3 flavors do Grenache or Grenache-based wines develop as they age?
- Meat
- Earth/mushrooms
- Dried red fruits
Which region in France is known for Grenache?
The Rhône Valley, specifically the Southern Rhône
The climate here is particularly warm, which is influenced by its more southerly latitude than Northern Rhône and relative flatness, which allows for more direct sunlight.
Grenache is one of many black grapes grown in the Southern Rhône region. In fact, it’s typically blended with Syrah and other local grape varieties like Mourvèdre.
