Tasting Notes Flashcards
Merlot is loved for it’s boisterous black cherry flavors, supple tannins, and chocolatey finish. On the high end, it’s often mistaken with Cabernet Sauvignon and commonly blended with it. Cherry, plum, chocolate, vanilla.
Bone-dry Medium-full body Medium-high Tannins Medium Acidity 13.5–15% ABV
Cabernet Sauvignon
The world’s most popular red wine grape is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux, France. Cabernet Sauvignon is loved for its high concentration and age worthiness. Black cherry, black currant, cedar, baking spices.
Dry Full Body Medium-high Tannins Medium Acidity 13.5–15% ABV
Pinot Noir is the world’s most popular light-bodied red wine. It’s loved for its red fruit, flower, and spice aromas that are accentuated by a long, smooth finish. Cherry, raspberry, mushroom. Clove, hibiscus.
Dry Medium Body Low Tannins Medium-high Acidity 11.5–13.5% ABV
Sangiovese (chianti)
Italy’s most planted wine variety and the pride of the Tuscan regional wine, Chianti. Sangiovese is a sensitive grape that takes on different stylistic expressions based on where it grows. Cherry, roasted tomato, espresso, sweet balsamic.
Bone-dry Medium-full body Medium-high Tannins Medium-high Acidity 13.5–15% ABV
Tempranillo. Spain’s top red wine, made famous by Rioja, where wines are classified (in part) by how long they age in oak. What’s amazing, is a well-made Tempranillo ages for over 20 years. Chery, fig. Cedar, tobacco, dill.
Dry Medium-full Body Medium-high Tannins Medium-high Acidity 13.5–15% ABV
Malbec. Argentina’s most important variety came by way of France, where it’s commonly called Côt (sounds like “coat”). Wines are loved for their rich, dark fruit flavors and smooth chocolatey finish. Red plum, black cherry, vanilla, Cocoa, tobacco
Dry Full Body Medium Tannins Medium-low Acidity 13.5–15% ABV
Grenache (aka Garnacha) produces rich, flavorful red wines and deep, ruby-tinted rosé. The French have championed this grape in the Southern Rhône Valley but it’s original home is Spain! Stewed strawberry, grilled plums, leather, dry herbs
Dry Medium-full Body Medium Tannins Medium Acidity Over 15% ABV
Chardonnay. One of the world’s most popular grapes, Chardonnay is made in a wide range of styles from lean, sparkling Blanc de Blancs to rich, creamy white wines aged in oak. Yellow Apple, pineapple, star fruit, butter, vanilla.
Dry Medium Body None Tannins Medium Acidity 13.5–15% ABV
Reisling. An aromatic white variety that can produce white wines ranging in style from bone-dry to very sweet. Germany is the world’s most important producer of Riesling. Lime, green apple, beeswax, petroleum, jasmine.
Off-dry Light Body None Tannins High Acidity Under 10% ABV
Gewürztraminer . Treasured for its intense floral aromas, Gewürztraminer has thrived for centuries around Germany. Quality examples are ageworthy, but most are best enjoyed in their youth to preserve acidity. Lychee, rose, grapefruit, tangerine, ginger.
Off-dry Medium Body None Tannins Low Acidity 13.5–15% ABV
Sauvignon Blanc. A popular and unmistakable white that’s loved for its “green” herbal flavors and sky high acidity. Sauvignon Blanc grows nearly everywhere and is produced in a variety of methods resulting in a wide that range from lean to bountiful. Honeydew, grapefuit, peach, passion fruit.
Dry Medium-light Body None Tannins High Acidity 11.5–13.5% ABV
Pinot Gris (aka Pinot Grigio) is a pinkish grape mutation of Pinot Noir. It’s famously known for zesty white wines, but can also be used for rosé. Look to Northern Italy, Oregon, and Alsace for benchmark examples. Peach, lemon zest, cantalope, almond, crushed gravel.
Dry Medium-light Body None Tannins Medium-high Acidity 11.5–13.5% ABV
Chenin Blanc; given its diversity of styles from lean, dry whites and aromatic sparklers, to sweet golden nectars as well as rich brandies. Quince, yellow apple, pear, honey, chamomile.
Dry Medium-light Body None Tannins High Acidity 11.5–13.5% ABV
Moscato wine is famous for its sweet flavors of peaches and orange blossom. The word Moscato (“moe-ska-toe”) is the Italian name for Muscat Blanc. Still, Sparkling or Dessert style. Lemon, orange, pear, honeysuckle.
Low acid
None Tannins
Low alcohol. 5.5% ABV
