Theoretical Deduction Process

Question 1

What is the purpose of theoretical deduction?

Answer 1

To take all information gathered during wine evaluation phase and come to a conclusion on what the wine is

Question 2

How is theoretical deduction done?

Answer 2

Break down into Initial and Final conclusions

• *Take evidence** from sight, nose, and taste to form conclusion
• *Listen to yourself** and use process of deduction
• *Know markers** for classic grape varieties and wine styles
• *Use benchmark wines** tasted in past as frames of reference

Question 3

What is initial conclusion broken down into?

Answer 3

Possible Grape Varieties
Old world vs New world
Climate
Possible Countries
Age Range

Question 4

How does one narrow down the possible grape varieties?

Answer 4

Record and know markers for classic grape varieties and styles
Look at color of wine
Telltale or typical aromas or flavors
Typical structural elements present in the wine

Question 5

What are “markers” and how do we use them?

Answer 5

Markers are mental notes we make when we taste wines. It’s saying “this is the notes that are distinct that I sense when I am tasting this wine, it only applies to this wine and I should remember it.”

Question 6

What is helpful for determining Old vs New world?

Answer 6

Saying outloud the reasons for why it might be one or the other
Then revisiting your reasons as you think about the tasting descriptors you have identified

Question 7

What are Old world charateristics in wine?

Answer 7

Dominance of earth/mineral characteristics
Dominance of non-fruit aromas or flavors
The fruit is restrained compared to non-fruit/earth characteristics
Fruit becomes tart on the palate
Non-fruit aromas and flavors are more apparent on the finish

Question 8

What are New world characteristics in wine?

Answer 8

Fruit flavors and aromas dominate
Fruit smells sweet and ripe
Fruit stays ripe or gets riper on the palate

Question 9

What is evaluated when assessing climate?

Answer 9

Do the grapes grow in a cool, moderate, or warm climate?
Does this align with the descriptors described during tasting and smelling?

Question 10

What are cool climate characteristics?

Answer 10

Acidity is generally high for the grape variety
Alcohol is more restrained
The fruit smells and tastes somewhat tart
The wine feels linear on the palate

Question 11

What are warm climate characteristics

Answer 11

Acidity is restrained
Alcohol is elevated
Fruit seems ripe, even jammy
Wine feels round and lush

Question 12

What is evaluated when thinking about possible countries a wine is from?

Answer 12

Classically, which regions or countries make wines like this?
What are the logical options based on grape varieties mentioned?

Question 13

What elements should you consider when determining the age of the wine?

Answer 13

Color
Rim Variation
Youth vs Vinous aromas and flavors
Quality of texture and finish

Question 14

What is the scale for measuring age?

Answer 14

1-3 yrs old
3-5 yrs old
5-10 yrs old
10+ yrs old

Question 15

What aspects are chosen when determining your final conclusion?

Answer 15

Grape variety or blend
Country, region, appellation
Appellation quality level, if applicable
- village vs 1er cru vs Brand Cru
- Kabinett vs Spatlese vs Auslese
- Crianza vs Reserva vs Gran Reserva
Vintage: check color of wine, add six months for southern hemisphere wines

Question 16

What is a trick in making your final conclusion?

Answer 16

Pick a few notable traits that make this wine different from similar wines