Viticulture & Enology Flashcards
Note about diversity of wine cultivars versus other plants
Genus and species of grape used for wine
Where this type is thought to have originated, and how it spread through human intervention
While some crops, such as apples and tomatoes, have as wide-ranging a selection of cultivars as do grapes, no other plant is grown commercially in so many different varieties.
Vitis vinifera
In the Caucasus Mountains between Europe and Asia, then spreading across Europe, into the Middle East, and then around the world.
Define grape varieties and how they came about
How many are there generally
What is the second most commercially important grape species after Vitis vinifera
Vine subspecies that evolved into distinct types over time in different regions.
Thousands
Vitis labrusca
Second most commercially important grape species
Famous variety within this species
Why it is important
Where and when was this species of grapes found
Why they did not work for wine, with term to describe
Vitis labrusca
Concord
its sweet, flavorful grapes make table grapes good for fresh consumption or unfermented grape juice.
found growing wild in America during the colonial period
these grapes were found to have extremely high acidity and a characteristic flavor component that, while pleasant in fresh grapes, is generally undesirable in wine (termed “foxy”).
Advantage that North American grapes have over vinifera, with description of the issue (place and date)
What did not work for spreading this advantage, and what did, and terms for plant parts involved (2)
North American variety most used for this practice
3 others alsoused
their natural resistance to the aphid-like insect phylloxera, which ravaged European vineyards in the nineteenth century and continues to wreak havoc worldwide.
breeding vinifera with native North American vines to create phylloxera-resistant hybrid wine grapes did not work. Grafting the vinifera part of the vine (the scion) onto the trunk (rootstock) of North American achieved a phylloxera-resistant plant.
Vitis labrusca
Vitis riparia
Vitis aestivalis
Vitis rupestris.
Define “species,” with 3 components
Two examples
A species is a scientific grouping of plants or animals that are
1) genetically similar
2) have broad characteristics in common
3) can produce viable offspring through sexual reproduction.
Vinifera
labrusca.
AKA for “variety”
What variety means in winemaking
Examples (2 for 1)
subspecies
an identifiable group of vines of the same species that share many characteristics of appearance, flavor, and growth.
Chardonnay and Syrah are varieties of vinifera.
How almost all grape varieties are propagated commercially
What clones are techinically
What they mean in winemaking
How clones occur
What happens if the a desirable clone shows a consistent distinction from the parent
asexually
Technically, clones are asexually propagated plants that are identical to the parent plants.
In winemaking, “clone” means grapes that are slightly different from their parent.
asexually reproduced grapevines are planted in new surroundings and slight genetic variations occur as the plant modifies itself to adapt to its new conditions.
It may be determined to be a new clone and be assigned a new name or, in some cases, a new number.
Define “mutation”
Nature of mutation
Example (2 from 1)
A variation from the parent that occurs through imperfect reproduction of cells as it grows.
natural but slow
Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, are considered mutant strains of Pinot Noir.
Define cross/crossing, with example
Define hybrid, with example
Cross: offspring of sexual reproduction between different subspecies within the same species. Ex: Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. H
Hybrid: the result of sexual reproduction between two closely related but different species, such as Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca.
Why hybrids were developed
Two problems with hybrid grapes that make them not universally accepted for wine production
Note about hybrid fertility and propagation
3 well known and liked hyrbid varieties
to create a grape that could withstand the ravages of powdery mildew, phylloxera, cold weather, humidity, or other such challenges.
1) They struggle to develop adequate levels of tannin
2) can be exceedingly acidic.
They are normally not fertile, but they may still be propagated indefinitely through cuttings.
Seyval Blanc
Vidal Blanc
Baco Noir
Example of an indigenous species of wine that is widely grown but not well known globally, and where it is grown and how used
Two varieties that became globally famous but originated in Bordeaux
Same, for Burgundy
Airen, primarily grown in central Spain and often distilled into brandy.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Example of a wine that is globally famous because it grows well in almost all regions
4 other examples of same
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sauvignon Blank
Chardonnary
Merlot
Malbec
3 terms used to describe grapes that are grown primarily in one area, either because of lack of interest or because they do not do well when grown elsewhere.
Define Autochtonous
3 features of grapes described by the 3 terms above
Tradition
Native
Indigenous
Refers to indigenous grapes that are the result of natural cross-breeding or mutation in a specific area
1—Grown primary in one place
2—have a long history in the area
3—have adjusted well to their local conditions
Note about traditional/ native/ indigenous grapes and replicability
Example of such a grape, with where it is grown.
They are thought to reach their highest quality under specific conditions that may be impossible to duplicate elsewhere
Nebbiolo, grown in northwestern Italy
6 international white grape varieties
Chardonnay Chenin Blanc Muscat Pinot Grigio/Pinto Gris Riesling Sauvignon Blanc
Honor held by Chardonnay grape
Where it is grown
Two features that make it especially popular
It is the world’s most popular white grape variety with wide consumer recognition
Almost everywhere in the new world, and making inroads in Europe
1—relatively easy to grow
2—no standout flavors or aromas that may be considered an acquired taste”
To where Chardonnay is thought to be indigenous, and of how some people think it reaches its highest expression
Another place where Chardonnay is especially important, and why
Describe Chardonnay grown in cooler climates
Describe Chardonnay grown in warmer climates, with 2 specific areas and a descriptive term
Burgundy; some feel it’s at its finest when grown in that area’s limestone soils.
Champagne, used in its sparkling wine
When grown in cooler climates, produces wines similar to its place or origin
When grown in warmer climates, such as California or Australia, it tends to produce less acidic and fuller- bodied wines known as “California Style.”
Flavor, alcohol and body of Chardonnay grown in warmer climates
Flavors, acidity and body of Chardonnay grown in cooler climates
Ripe, tropical fruit flavors with high alcohol and stronger body
Citrus and green fruit aromas with crisp acidity and light to medium body
Note about sugar use in Chardonnay, with two purposes and where often utilized
Note about Chardonnays and aging, with specific example
Rarely made into a truly sweet wine, but minimally detectable amounts may be retained to round out the body and keep ETOH level down, esp in New World wines.
This grape often improves with age, esp with barrel aged, which continue to improve in the bottle. Some top flight white Burgundies can evolve to more complexity and flavor for a decade or more
3 well known examples of Chardonnay
3 top producing countries for Chardonnay
White Burgundy
Champagne
“California Style” new world versions
France
US
Australia
Typical acidity of Chardonnay
Typical alcohol of Chardonnay
Acidity: medium to high
ETOH: medium to high
3 characteristic aromas of cool climate Chardonnays
1 characteristic aroma of warm climate Chardonnay
1 characteristic aroma of malolactic fermented Chardonnay
3 characteristic aromas of oak-aged Chardonnay
Green apple
Melon
Pear
Tropical fruit
Butter
Vanilla
Butterscotch
Toast
Special feature of Chenin Blanc variety, with example
Well known feature of Chenin Blanc, and under what circumstance, and how it is utilized
One of the most versatile grape varieties, capable of making world-class wines of all sweetness levels, from dry to sweet, in still or sparkling versions.
Known for high acidity, esp when grown in cool-climate vineyards, making it ideal for sparkling wines.
Note about use of sugar in Chenin Blanc wines, with particular descriptor
How long the product can last
Where is considered the home of Chenin Blanc
A small amount of sugar may be left to take the edge of their acidity, but more sugar can result in superb late-harvest dessert wines, sometimes with botrytis influence.
These can last for decades
Loire Valley
Two areas other that its home in the Loire Valley where Chenin Blanc is grown
What it is called in the first region mentioned
Note about popularity of this variety in the first mentioned region (2)
South Africa
Calfornia’s Central Valley
Steen
It is the most widely planted grape variety in Africa at 18% of all plantings.
There is twice as much Chenin Blanc grown in South African than in France.
3 well known examples of Chenin Blanc
Top-producing countries for Chenin Blanc
Vouvray
Savennieres
Saumur
South Africa
France
United States
7 characteristic aromas of Chenin Blanc
2 characteristic aromas of aged Chenin Blanc
Green apple Melon Green plum Citrus blossom Earth Mineral Wet wool
Honey
Quince
General acidity of Chenin Blanc
General alcohol of Chenin Blanc
Acidity: medium-plus to high
ETOH: medium to high
Note about age and prevalence of muscat
What is primarily used for and how this influences popularity (statistic)
Note about other kind of wine it makes
It’s ancient grape variety carried in almost every wine region of the world.
Producing sweet wines; quality of sweet wines has increased its popularity, incl double digit grown in US
Almost makes good dry wines but these are less well known
3 popular Muscat varieties, a result of multiple mutations this vine has undergone, with the highest quality one first
Aromas all Muscats share (2)
Climate Muscat does best in, with one exception
Muscat Blac a Petit Grains (white Muscat with small berries)
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat Ottonel
1) floral
2) fresh white grape
Most do well in warm to hot weather, but Ottonel does well in cool climates
3 well known dessert Muscats with countries of origin
Most well known/ popular dessert Muscat, with country of origin and characteristics of the wine
Vins doux naturels from Southern France
Rutherglen Muscats from Australia
Moscatels from southern Spain
Moscato d’Asti from northwestern Italy; slightly sparkling, moderately sweet.
3 well known examples of Muscats
4 top producing countries of Muscats
Southern France
Northern Italy
Australia
Italy
France
Chile
Australia
6 characteristic aromas of Muscats
Musk Honey Orange blossom Floral Apricot Table grapes
Typical Muscat acidity
Typical Muscat alcohol
Low to medium
Medium to high
What Pino Gris means in French and Pinot Grigio means in Italian, and why it’s called that
What these are mutations of, and where they developed, and how they moved
Note about difference despite being the same type grape
“Gray Pinot,” in reference to grape’s dusky or light pink skin
Pino Noir from from Burgundy, then moved to Italy
While Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio are technically synonymous, each is associated with a particular variety of wine
Where characteristic Pinot Gris was originally grown
Another place where it is successfully grown, and when it was introduced
Climate type where it is grown
Another country where similar style of wine is made, with the name of the grape (2)
Alsace region of France
Oregon, introduced in the 1960s
Cool
Germany
Rulander or Grauburgunder
Pinto Gris:
Acidity
Body
Aroma type associated, with 3 specifics
Sugar
Acidity: medium-plus
Body: medium to full
Aroma: neutral, incl apple, pear, and almond
Sometimes a moderate amount of residual sugar
Why Pinot Grigio is more recognizable to most people than Pinot Gris
Three places where popularity led to new or increased plantings
It became a popular alternative to Chardonnay after being introduced to US market from northeastern Italy in the late 1970s
California
Australia
Italy
Difference in character b/w warmer-region Pinot Grigios grown in US and Australia vs those grown in cooler region of Italy
Two specific cool Italian regions where Pinot Grigio is grown
Describe normal characteristics of wine labeled Pinot Grigio (3), with an exception to the norm (2)
Those from warmer regions display medium-minus acidity and higher ETOH content vs those grown in cooler regions
Alto Adige
Veneto
Dry, neutral and unoaked; some can be aromatic and lees-aged
3 well known examples of Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
5 top producing countries for Grigio/Gris
Northeastern Italy
Alsace
Oregon
Italy US Germany France Australia
6 characteristic aromas of Pinto Gris/Grigio
Typical Gris/Grigio acidity
Typical ETOH
Apple Lemon Melon Peach Minerals Almond
Low to high
Medium
To where riesling is indigenous
Note about climate and location for riesling
Note about characteristic aroma and how it changes
Another aroma that makes it easy to identify
Germany
It can withstand cold weather and thus works well in German and in regions with other marginal climates
Floral bouquet changes with region of growth and reflects particular terroirs
Petrol
Note about Riesling and sweetness
Note about dryness and popularity
Dryness of many commercial rieslings
Note about alcohol, with example
Another thing riesling can produce, and from what (2)
Riesling wines cover the full spectrum of sweetness levels.
In recent years, dry Rieslings have become more common
Commercial Rieslings are often made in the off-dry or medium-sweet range.
Often have low levels of alcohol (7% or 8% abv (alcohol by volume)).
Produces luscious dessert wines from late-harvest or botrytis-affected grapes.
Note about Riesling acidity, with note about its tenacity
How acidity is often balanced, and benefit of this AND acid
What above factor means for Riesling
Note about Rieslings and oak aging
Has naturally high acidity that grape retains even at increasing levels of ripeness
With some residual sugar. Both acid and sugar have a preservative effect.
Rieslings are among the most long-lived of white wines, both in the bottle and after opening.
Oak aging in Rieslings is rare.
Note about use of term “Riesling” in labeling wines
Example of true and not true Riesling in US
Globally there are some grapes that use Riesling as part of their name, but many of these are unrelated to true Riesling.
White Riesling is the only synonym for true Riesling in US while
Missouri Riesling is an indigenous American grape and a completely different variety.
4 well known Riesling terroirs from German
1 well known Riesling terroir from France
2 well know Riesling terroir from Australia
Mosel
Rheingau
Rheinhessen
Pfalz
Alsace in France
Clare and Eden Valleys in Australia
2 well know Riesling terroirs from from the US
4 top producing Riesling countries
Finger Lakes in New York
Washington State
Germany
Australia
France
United States
Two factors that affect characteristic aromas of Riesling
7 characteristic aromas of Riesling
Ripeness and bottle age
lime peach nectarine apricot honeysuckle wet stone petrol/ kerosene
Characteristic aroma of well-aged Riesling
Typical acidity of Riesling
Alcohol range for Riesling
baking spices
Acidity: high to very high
Alcohol: very low to high
Two where Sauvignon Blanc is native
Two particular regions known for it there
Kinds of climate where Sauvignon Blanc flourishes
Note about Sauvignon Blanc response to different terroirs
France
Loire Valley
Bordeaux
Cooler climates
Sauvignon Blanc acts as a true barometer of soil, site, and viticultural practices and can produce many different styles of wine, depending on where it is grown and how it is handled in the winery.
Country (not France) for which Sauvignon Blanc has. Particular affinity
Describe characteristic aromas of Sauvignon Blanc from this region (2)
When Sauvignon Blancs from this region became popular
Sauvignon Blanc has a particular affinity for New Zealand
1) Herbal
2) fruit-forward grapefruit and tropical fruit
1980s
How Sauvignon is usually aged in Bordeaux
Another kind of Sauvignon Blanc, and where and when it was created, and when.
What he called it, and note about legality of term
in older oak
A more pronounced style of oaked Sauvignon Blanc, created by California winemaker Robert Mondavi in the 1960s.
“Fumé Blanc”; in the United States, Fumé Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are used interchangeably.
Typical acidity and sweetness of table wine Sauvignon Blanc
Practice done in response to Sauvignon Blanc acidity, with example (type and where)
Another use for Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux, with example
Quite high in acidity
Almost always dry.
Due to its naturally high acidity, the juice of these grapes is often blended with that of low-acid grapes, such as Sémillon, as is done in Bordeaux.
Used for classic sweet dessert wines, including Sauternes.
5 well known examples of Sauvignon Blancs
5 top producing countries of Sauvignon Blanc
Sancerre Pouilly-Fumé white Bordeaux Fumé Blanc New Zealand
France New Zealand Chile United States South Africa
4 characteristic aromas of cool climate Sauvignon Blancs
2 characteristic aromas of warm climate Sauvignon Blancs
1 characteristic aromas of Loire Sauvignon Blanc
grass
hay
grapefruit
green pepper
asparagus
melon
flint
Characteristic aroma of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
2 characteristic aromas of oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc
Acidity range of Sauvignon Blanc
Typical ETOH for Sauvignon Blanc
gooseberry
toast
smoke
Acidity: medium-plus to high
Alcohol: medium
5 additional important white grape varieties
Semillon Viognier Pinto Blanc Trebbiano Gewurztraminer
How Semillon is most often utilized (and how not)
How it’s paired in Bordeaux and Bordeaux-inspired wines
How it’s paired in Australia
Region and nation known for producing 100% varietal wines from Semillon
As a blending partner rather than a stand-alone varietal.
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
The Hunter Valley in Australia
Character Semillon has on its own on the palate
Three general aroma types assoc w/ Semillon with 2-3 examples for each
How Semillon tastes when underripe, and type of wine it resembles
A waxy or oily character
1) Citrus: lemon, yellow grapefruit 2) Flowers: honeysuckle, lemon blossom 3) Tree fruit: peach, pear, or green apple
Herbal notes reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc.
Area to which Viognier was considered indigenous until recently, when it started to be grown more widely
4 places it’s been grown outside of that area since the mid-1980s
Northern Rhône Valley in France
Australia, California
South America
Texas
East Coast of the United States.
Which state wine board recently declared Viognier the state’s signature grape variety?
Note about Viognier body/texture
3 aromas assoc with Viognier
Virginia Wine Board declared Viognier to be the state’s signature grape variety.
Has a rich, viscous, full-bodied heft
flowers
peach
tangerine.
Describe lineage of Pinto Blanc
While grown globally, name three main places where majority is grown, and what it’s called in each
Are that Pinto Blanc is the “main grape”
It’s a descendant of Pinot Noir, having mutated from Pinot Gris.
1) Italy: called Pinot Bianco
2) Germany and Austria: called Weissburgunder.
Alsace.
Variety Pinot Blanc is similar to and can be difficult to tell apart from
How Pinot Blanc differs from that variety
Pinot Gris
Pinto Blanc is generally lighter on the palate and more exotic in its aromas than Pinot Gris.
General character of Trebbiano
Nation with which Trebbiano is most often associated, and how it’s used there (2)
What Trebbiano is called in France, and how it is used there
Neutral
Italy, where it is used for white wines as well as for commercial balsamic vinegar.
Ugni Blanc, used for the production of brandy, including cognac
Additional important white wine variety of Argentina
And of Austria (1)
And of France (3)
Argentina:
Torrontés
Austria:
Grüner Veltliner
France:
Aligoté
Marsanne
Roussanne
2 additional import white grape varieties of Germany
And from Greece (3)
And from Hungary
Germay:
Müller-Thurgau
Silvaner
Greece:
Assyrtiko
Moschofilero
Rhoditis
Hungary:
Furmint
6 important white wine varieties of Italy
Italy: Cortese Garganega Glera Verdicchio Vermentino Vernaccia
4 additional important white wine varieties from Portugal
And of Switzerland (1)
Portugal: Alvarinho Arinto Fernão Pires Loureiro
Switzerland:
Chasselas
8 important additional white wine grape varieties from Spain
Spain: Albariño Godello Macabeo/ Viura Palomino Parellada Pedro Ximénez Verdejo Xarel-lo
Range or color or red wine grapes (range)
6 most important red grape varieties
bluish to garnet to coal
Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache Merlot Pinot Noir Syrah/Shiraz
How Cabernet Franc is best known (how used)
What famous variety was Cabernet crossed with, and what famous variety was produced with this crossing?
Where is Cabernet Franc often bottled as a varietal wine (despite varietal bottling of this wine being uncommon), and why
As the blending partner of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the famous reds of Bordeaux and similar blends produced elsewhere.
Cabernet Franc + Sauvignon Blanc=Cabernet Sauvignon
In some cooler regions that have trouble ripening Cabernet Sauvignon.
First area, with two sub-regions, where wines dominated by Cabernet Franc is produced
Second area (country with two areas) that does the same
Another way these areas use Cabernet Franc
France’s Loire Valley; Chinon and Bourgueil
United States: some parts of California and the eastern United States
For rosé wines as well.
5 well known Cabernet Franc-producing regions
3 top producing countries for Cabernet Franc
Bordeaux Loire Valley northeast Italy New York State California
France
Italy
United States
6 characteristic aromas of Cabernet Franc grow in COOL climate
cranberry strawberry tobacco mushroom bell pepper tea
Two characteristic aromas of Cabernet Franc grown n WARM climates
Acidity range for Cabernet Franc
Tannin range for Cabernet Franc
raspberry
violet
Acidity: medium to high
Tannin: light to medium
4 features that make Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most respected and widely grown varieties
To what these features can be attributed, and how it is even further bolstered
1) consistency
2) reliability
3) depth of flavor
4) its ability to develop complex flavors over a long, graceful aging period.
High tannin levels, bolstered even further by maturation in new oak barrels.
Where Cabernet Sauvignon originated, and how it’s used there
Note about Cabernet Sauvignon and its role in fine wine, including era
Note about Cabernet adapts to different regions
Bordeaux, for blended red wines
Bordeaux wines made from a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon came to be recognized as some of the best wines of France, and therefore of the world, in the mid-nineteenth century.
It thrives in a variety of growing conditions
What is the most widely planted quality wine grape in the world?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Regions in which Cabernet Sauvignon does not grow well, and why
What Cabernet Sauvignon requires to fully ripen, and where it does well as a result, with example
How wines from that example region differ from Bordeaux because of warmer growing conditions and “different winemaking priorities” (3)
In areas with early winters, because Cabernet Sauvignon is a late-blooming vine
Sufficient heat and sun exposure to fully ripen. Does well in regions much hotter than Bordeaux, and is a leading variety in California’s Napa Valley.
1) higher in alcohol
2) lower in acidity
3) more fruit-forward than the typical Bordeaux.
Note about prevalence of Cabernet Sauvignon
Style of those, with 3 features
Almost all of the major New World wine regions include Cabernet Sauvignon in their repertoire.
Most are in the same style as Napa’s: fruit-forward, alcoholic, and powerful.
Two ways Cabernet Sauvignon can be used, with example for 2nd
What Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with in Australia
1) bottled as a varietal wine
2) blended with Merlot or Cabernet Franc, as in Bordeaux.
Shiraz.
2 well known examples (regions) of Cabernet Sauvignon
4 top-producing countries with Cabernet Sauvignon
red Bordeaux
Napa Valley
France
Chile
United States
Australia
5 characteristic aromas of cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon
4 characteristic aromas of Cabernet aged in new oak
black currant black cherry eucalyptus mint bell pepper
dark chocolate
cedar
vanilla
tobacco
3 characteristic aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon that is well aged
Acidity range for Cabernet Sauvignon
Tannin level
Alcohol level
coffee
caramel
cigar box
Acidity: medium to high
Tannin: high
Alcohol: high
How Grenache is not often used
How it often is used, with example
3 things that Grenache can add
As a single varietal wine.
In blends such as G-S-M (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre)
color
acidity
complexity.
Climate in which Grenache thrives, and what results from that climate.
2 place where Grenache was found earliest (area of true origin unknown), and what it was called there
In hot, dry conditions; develops considerable sugar and, therefore, high alcohol.
Spain: Grenacha
Italian Island of Sardinia: Cannonau
Where Grenache grows in abundance
3 additional places where it was grown, with how it is used in first
South of France
Australia, where it is made into both varietal wines and blends
California
Washington State.
What “old vine” Grenache is highly prized for
Two specific ways it may be used
What Grenache is vulnerable to, and what it results in
Old-vine Grenache is highly prized for its concentration of flavor.
Rosés
Sweet fortified wines.
They tend to oxidize quickly, picking up a salmon or somewhat orange tinge as well as a rusticity noticeable in the wine’s aroma or bouquet.
5 well known example regions of Grenache
2 top producing countries with Grenache
southern Rhône Priorat Rioja Navarra Australia
France
Spain
5 characteristic aromas of Grenache
Acidity range of Grenache
Tannin
Alcohol level
strawberry sour cherry flowers black pepper cranberry
Acidity: low to medium
Tannin: low to medium
Alcohol: high
Variety Merlot resembles in style and aroma
But, how does Merlot differ in tannin, ETOH, and flavor
Where Merlot was first noticed as a distinct variety, and how it’s often used there
Where Merlot is often the majority of the blend
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot is less tannic, less alcoholic
Bordeaux, normally blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux reds.
On the Right Bank
Why Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon complement each other
How they benefit each other viticulturally
Note about Merlot popularity
Their aromas are similar but not identical, giving the combination a much richer array of flavors.
Merlot ripens early and Cabernet ripens late, thus mitigating the risk of damage from extreme weather at either end of the growing season.
Merlot is one of the most popular red wines among consumers and is successfully grown in almost every wine-producing country in the world.
Two well known examples (regions) for Merlot
Top 5 top producing countries for Merlot
Bordeaux
many New World examples
France United States Spain Italy Chile
6 characteristic flavors for Merlot
Typical Merlot acidity level
Typical Merlot tannin level
Merlot ETOH range
blueberry plum black cherry mint coffee chocolate
Acidity: medium
Tannin: medium
Alcohol: medium to high
Where Pinot Noir is thought to be native to, and where many wine lovers consider Pinot Noir to be most perfectly produced
Note about Pinot Noir and climate, and what this has resulted in
3 of these places that have had greatest success
Burgundy, France
It is able to thrive and ripen in cool climates, and for this reason, every cool-climate wine region in the New World has at least experimented with Pinot Noir.
Oregon
New Zealand
the cooler regions of California
Another benefit of Pinot Noir’s performance in cool climates, and how a substantial proportion of Pinot Noir is used globally
Note about Pinot Noir in France (regions)
Note about popularity in Germany, and what it’s called there
Why is it popular in Germany?
Often used in sparkling wines.
More Pinot Noir is planted in the Champagne region than in Burgundy.
It is the most widely grown red variety in Germany, where it’s called
Spätburgunder
It’s affinity for cool climate
Describe Merlot:
Tannin
Acidity
Color
Tannin: low to moderate
Acidity: high
Color: pale to medium color
3 characteristic aromas of Pinot Noir when newer
General description of how Pinto Noir tastes as it matures (2)
3 specific aromas of mature Pinot Noir
berry (raspberries, strawberries)
cherry
red flowers
Forest floor
leather
mushroom
Note about Pinot Noir and mutation
3 examples
It is genetically unstable and highly prone to mutation
Pinot Gris
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Meunier
Well known Pinot Noir examples (5 regions)
3 top producing countries for Pinot Noir
Burgundy Champagne New Zealand Oregon California
France
United States
Germany
8 characteristic aromas of Pinot Noir
Cherry Raspberry Strawberry Earth Violet Lilac Sandalwood Mushroom
Pinot Noir acidity range
Pinot Noir tannin range
Pinot Noir alcohol level
Medium to high
Low to medium
Medium
Where Syrah is particularly well known
General place where Syrah is known as Shiraz, with two specific countries
Where Shiraz is the leading red grape
4 places where Shiraz is gaining popularity
Southern France
In the New World, specifically Australia and South Africa
Australia
California’s central coast
Washington state
South Africa
Argentina
Describe Syrah/Shiraz single varietal wine, and what it rivals, and how
One wine style for which it is used
Two varieties with which Syrah is blended in southern France, and famous wine produced from this blending
Inky, dark-flavored and tannic, with some rivaling Cabernet Sauvignon in price and reputation
For dry, full-bodied roses with bright flavors
Grenache
Mourvedre
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Two blends using Syrah in Australia
Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre
Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon
Three well known examples of Syrah/Shiraz (regions)
Three top producing countries for Syrah/Shiraz
Rhone Valley
Australia
Paso Robles
France
Australia
United States
11 characteristic aromas of Syrah/Shiraz
Blackberry Tar Leather Anise Rosemary Black pepper Smoke Lavender Forest floor Earth Dried fruit
Characteristic aroma of well aged Syrah/Shiraz (1)
Syrah/Shiraz acidity range
Tannin level
Alcohol level
Smoked meaths
Low to medium
High
High
6 other important red wine varieties
Zinfandel Sangiovese Nebbiolo Tempranillo Malbec Gamay
