Viticulture and Enology

Question 1

A scientific grouping of plants or animals that are genetically similar and can produce viable offspring via sexual production.

Answer 1

A Species ex. Vinifera, Labrusca

Question 2

An identifiable group of vines of the same species that share many characteristics, flavour, appearance, growth.

Answer 2

A variety (sub-species) ex; Chardonnay, Syrah

Question 3

Propagated by asexual means - perfect copies of their parents (usually slightly different) used frequently in viticulture.

Answer 3

Clone

Question 4

When a vine developers new characteristics from its parents or fellow clones through imperfect reproduction. Significant differences lead to new varieties.

Answer 4

Mutation ex. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris

Question 5

The offspring of sexual reproduction between 2 different subspecies within the same species.

Answer 5

Cross ex. Cabernet Sauvignon created by a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Canernet Franc

Question 6

The result of sexual reproduction between 2 different but closely related Species such as viniferea and labrusca.

Answer 6

Hybrid ex. Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Baco Noir,

Question 7

One of the mostly widely grown white grapes in the world grown primarily in Spain.

Answer 7

Airén

Question 8

What are the characteristics of vitas vinifera grapes that make them ideally suited to the production of fine wines?

Answer 8

Levels of fructose, glucose, high level of phenolics, aromas and flavors, ideal balance between acids and sugar.

Question 9

Ex. of genus, species, sub-species or variety

Answer 9

Vitus, Vinifera, Merlot

Question 10

A chenin blanc based wine produced in the Touraine region of the Loire.

Answer 10

Vouvray (still and sparkling)

Question 11

Define the term Autochthonous.

Answer 11

Native or Traditional grapes, usually referring to grapes grown in their native region. ex. Nebbiolo and Airén

Question 12

Aromas of cut green grass, gooseberry, bell pepper, grapefruit, pipi de chat. Superstar of Sancerre, known as Fumé Blanc in California ( usually expected to be influenced by wood) Made NZ famous

Answer 12

Sauvignon Blanc

Question 13

Aromas of lime, peach, nectarine, and flowers.
Does well in cold weather. Famous for smelling like petrol.
Consumers often think of it as sweet but the best versions are dry.

Answer 13

Reisling

Question 14

Aromas of Honey, musk, table grapes Widely grown in Southern France, Italy and Australia.
Forms a large family of related varieties.
Known as an accent grape that has been carried to nearly every wine region of the world.
Often made in to a dessert wine but dry versions as well.

Answer 14

Muscat

Question 15

Aromas of apple, pear, apricot and vanilla. Well known for low natural acidity and an oily, waxy character on the palate. Sauvignons blending partner in Bordeaux and single varietal wine in Hunter Vally Australia.

Answer 15

Semillon

Question 16

Aromas of fruit, apples, grass, honey, quince.
Very versatile/ used in still and sparkling wines and dry and sweet wines.
Represents 20% of the grapes grown in South Africa.
Made in to Vouvray and Savennières

Answer 16

Chenin Blanc

Question 17

Aromas of fruit, raspberry and spice.
Tends to oxidise quickly, and often takes on an orange tint.
Known as Cannonau in Sardina and Grenacha in Spain.
Part of the GSM blend

Answer 17

Grenache

Question 18

Aromas of meat, black pepper, tar, leather, anise.
Full body, tart acidity and hard tannins.
Widely grown in Southern France - Northern Rhone
Gaining acreage and reputation in Washington State
Superstar grape of Australia.

Answer 18

Syrah - Shiraz

Question 19

Aromas of strawberry, red cherry, current and spice.
Also know as Tinta Arogonez.
Commonly blended with Mazuelo, Garnacha, and Graciano.
Superstar grape of Rioja, and much of Spain.

Answer 19

Tempranillo

Question 20

Aromas of berry, cherry, and plum with flavors of cherry, black pepper, spicy, earthy. Inky dark coloured wines.
Minor component in many Bordeaux blends.
Superstar grape in the black wine of Cahor.
Leading red grape in Argentina

Answer 20

Malbec

Question 21

Aromas of peach, flowers, tangerines, citrus, pears, apricot, pineapple. Can be rich full-bodied and viscous.
Grown in the Northern Rhone, recently declared the state grape of Virginia, superstar grape of Chateau Grillet.

Answer 21

Viognier

Question 22

Aromas of green apple, melon, fresh pear, citrus, lemon,, grass, oak, smoke, cinnamon, vanilla, toast, butter, creamy.
Cool climate versions differ from warm climate versions - crisp green apples and citrus vs tropical fruits
Made in a wide variety of styles with diverse production techniques.
Superstar of Chablis

Answer 22

Chardonnay

Question 23

Aromas of fruit, floral, spice herbal neutral aromas.
Italy’s most widely grown white variety.
Widely grown in France for Cognac and its used to produce balsamic vinegar.

Answer 23

Trebbiano (Italy) - Ugni Blanc (France)

Question 24

Aromas of honey, tropical fruit and smoke. One of the main varieties grown in Alsace, France. 3000 acres in Baden Germany and grown in quite a few places in the old and new world. Pinot Bianco in Italy

Answer 24

Pinot Blanc - Weissburgunder

Question 25

Aromas of herbal,blueberry, plum, black cherry, mint, coffee and chocolate.
Known as an early ripening grape.
Most widely planted grape on the right bank in Bordeaux

Answer 25

Merlot

Question 26

Aromas of roses, fruit, black cherry, berries, current and plum. Often described as smelling of wet dirt or forest floor.
Genetically unstable and highly prone to mutation.
Leading red grape in Burgundy, NZ and Oregon

Answer 26

Pinot Noir - Spätburgunder

Question 27

Aromas of green bell pepper, black currents, eucalyptus, cigar box, black cherry, mint.
The grape that made Napa Valley famous. The number one grape in Chilie and the superstar of the left bank in Bordeaux.

Answer 27

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 28

Aromas of cranberry, raspberry, tobacco, bell pepper, and violets.
Can thrive in cool climates, at least compared to other red grapes.
Superstar of Chinon and the third most widely grown grape in Bordeaux.

Answer 28

Cabernet Franc