White Grape Varieties Flashcards
Grape varieties unknown outside their country of origin are known as
Indigenous
Grape varieties grown successfully all over the world are known as
International
What species are all of the international (and almost all of the indigenous) grape varieties used to make wine?
Vitis Vinifera
The world’s most widespread white grape variety
Chardonnay
Broadly speaking, Old World Chardonnay tends to be _____ , while New World Chardonnay is more _____ - ______
Subtle, Fruit Forward
Can Chardonnay be bottle aged?
Yes
In the vineyard, what combination of traits brings Chardonnay its body and weight?
Ripens to high sugar levels
Has good levels of extract
What is meant by a wine having a good level of extract?
Concentration of flavor
What must Chardonnay growers worry about happening as grapes ripen?
Too much acidity lost resulting in flabby, uninteresting wines
Where is Chardonnay native to?
Burgundy
What type of soil is ideal for Chardonnay?
Chalk
What type of climate is ideal for Chardonnay
Cool to moderate
Is Chardonnay considered to be an aromatic grape?
No
Name the grape:
Neutral flavor, showing green apples and minerals
Chardonnay
Name 4 techniques that winemakers may use to promote a wider array of aromas and flavors in Chardonnay
• Malolactic Fermentation
• Sur Lie Aging
• Barrel Fermentation
• Barrel Aging
What is the alcohol level of Chardonnay?
Medium to high
What is the acidity range of Chardonnay?
Full range: low, medium, and high depending on growing conditions
The major white grape of Champagne
Chardonnay
Klevner (Germany) is also known as
Chardonnay
Morillon (Austria) is another world for
Chardonnay
Does Chablis normally see oak?
No
Chablis is typically described as being
Mineral
Two Burgundy appellations known for complex, dry Chardonnay
Puligny Montrachet & Meursault
Burgundy appellation known for mouth-filling, luscious Chardonnay
Pouilly Fuissé
Name the grape that may exhibit:
Apricot, Peach, Quince, Apple, Pear, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Grapefruit, Vanilla, Caramel, Butter, Cream, Toasted Bread, Nutty, Toasted Oak, Mineral, Chalk, Flint
Chardonnay
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Citrus Fruit-Driven
Old World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Tropical Fruit-Driven
New World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Granny Smith Apples
Old World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Baked Apples
New World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Butter
Old World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Butterscotch / Caramel
New World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Nuts
Old World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Smoke / Toast
New World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Honey
Old World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Praline, Burnt Sugar
New World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Minerals, Flint
Old World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Vanilla, Ginger, Nutmeg
New World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
High Acid
Old World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Lower Acid
New World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Little use of new oak
Old World
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Heavy use of new oak
New World
White grape that shows widely different character depending on vineyard, soil, and climate. “Great Chameleon”
Sauvignon Blanc
White grape that is highly aromatic and characterized by high acidity, & crisp flavors. Most wines are dry, light to medium bodied, but can become fuller with barrel aging (used in a minority the wines)
Sauvignon Blanc
What is the soil type for Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley?
Chalk
What is the soil type for Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux
Gravel
What is the soil type for Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand?
Marl
What is the soil type for Sauvignon Blanc in California?
Sand
Sauvignon Blanc in ______________ expresses the flavors of lemon grass & gunflint
Loire Valley
Sauvignon Blanc in ______________ expresses the flavors of oregano, thyme, and tarragon
Bordeaux
Sauvignon Blanc in ______________ expresses the flavors of pink grapefruit and gooseberries
New Zealand
Sauvignon Blanc in ______________ expresses the flavors of fig and melon
California
What type of climate does Sauvignon Blanc prefer?
Cool to moderate
Sauvignon Blanc needs to have good _____ _____ or else it can become overly herbaceous
Sun Exposure
Sugar levels in Sauvignon Blanc can be
High
Alcohol levels in Sauvignon Blanc tend to be
Moderate
Sauvignon Blanc is most commonly fermented in
Stainless steel
Is Sauvignon Blanc typically aged?
No
Who created a style of oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc in the 1970’s
Robert Mondavi
What did Robert Mondavi call his oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc?
Fumé Blanc
Is Fumé Blanc trademarked?
No
Fumé Blanc is a legal synonym for
Sauvignon Blanc
Is there a legal requirement that Fumé Blanc be oak-aged?
No
What soft, round varietal is Sauvignon Blanc most often blended with?
Semillon
What are Sauvignon Blanc’s 2 “home” areas in France?
Loire Valley
Bordeaux
Which NZ region is particularly renowned for Sauvignon Blanc?
Marlborough
On which of NZ’s islands can Marlborough be found?
South Island
In which Bordeaux AOC may you find some oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc?
Graves
Name the grape:
Cut Grass, Asparagus, Bell Pepper, Olive, Celery, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Melon, Mango, Pineapple, Kiwi, Gooseberry, Mineral, Flint
Sauvignon Blanc
Oaked or Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc?
• Light-Bodied
• Varietal Flavor-Forward
• Refreshing
Unoaked
Oaked or Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc?
• Medium-Bodied
• Oak Flavor-Forward
• Mouth-Filling
Oaked
Sole international grape without French origins
Riesling
What is the flavor profile of Riesling grown on Blue Slate?
Minerals & Green Apple
What is the flavor profile of Riesling grown on Red Slate?
Peach & Smoke
What is the flavor profile of Riesling grown on Sandy Loams?
Spice & Pineapple
What is the flavor profile of Riesling grown on Volcanic Soils?
Mango, Papaya, & Tropical Fruits
What gives Riesling the power to age well?
High acidity
What is often used to counterbalance the bracing acidity of Riesling?
Stopping fermentation short of dryness / leaving residual sugar
What is the alcohol level of a typical Riesling?
Low
Despite residual sugar, a good balanced Riesling rarely
Tastes sweet
What type of climate does Riesling prefer?
Cool
Riesling buds _____ and ripens _____
Late, late
Neutral fermentation vessels include:
• Stainless steel
• Cement
• Old oak
_____ _____ brings out and rounds out Riesling’s fruitiness
Residual sugar
Riesling is the flagship grape of what country?
Germany
Where in Australia is quality Riesling grown?
Clare Valley & Eden Valley
What grape is also known as Grauer Riesling?
Pinot Gris
What grape is also known as Ruländer?
Pinot Gris
What is Emerald Riesling?
A crossing of Riesling & Muscadelle
What grape is also known as Cape Riesling?
Crouchen Blanc
What grape is also known as Paarl Riesling?
Crouchen Blanc
What grape is also known as Clare Riesling?
Crouchen Blanc
T / F
Welchriesling (Welch Rizling) is totally unrelated to Riesling
True
What grape is also known as Italian Riesling?
Welchsriesling (Welch Rizling)
What grape is also known as Schwarz Riesling?
Pinot Meunier
Riesling is native to
Germany
What grape is being described?
Fine aromatics, enduring acidity, and the special ability to reflect the character of the different regions in which it is grown. It never touches oak.
Riesling
The grape that may exhibit the following:
Rose, Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom, Apricot, Peach, Apple, Pear, Grapefruit, Lime, Pineapple, Lychee, Mineral, Steel, Flint, Petroleum, Gasoline, Almond, Pine Nuts, Game, Leather
Riesling
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Lean, reserved, and light-bodied
Cool
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Opulent, rich, and full-bodied
Warm
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Crisp and high in acid
Cool
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Round and lower in acidity
Warm
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Citrus fruits
Cool
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Tropical fruits
Warm
Grown as an inexpensive white blending component in California’s Central Valley where it can add acidity to flatter wines. High yields.
Chenin Blanc
Where is the home of Chenin Blanc
Loire Valley, France
Is Chenin Blanc typically vinified dry or sweet?
Both
Is Chenin Blanc typically vinified still or sparkling?
Both
Is Chenin Blanc typically simple or complex?
Either
Chenin Blanc has _____ acidity
High
What is the alcohol range for Chenin Blanc?
Medium to high
Is Chenin Blanc left with residual sugar?
Yes, sometimes
What grape is being described?
Apple, Melon, Straw, Almond, Apricot, Orange Blossom
Chenin Blanc
What grape is being described?
White grape that is tough, with good disease resistance, resistance to winds, and has high yields
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc ripens _____
Late
Chenin Blanc does particularly well in _____ and _____ climate areas
Cool , Marginal
Favorite soil(s) of Chenin Blanc
Chalk or Tuffeau
The distinctive soil of the Loire Valley
Tuffeau
Tuffeau is a type of
Limestone
Is skin contact allowed with Chenin Blanc?
Yes
When working with Chenin Blanc, which winemakers tend to use higher temperatures, Old World or New?
Old World
Does Chenin Blanc typically go through malolactic fermentation?
Yes
An appellation in France with a reputation for Chenin Blanc that can age for even longer than 100 years
Savennières
What region of the Loire Valley best known for Chenin Blanc?
Anjou-Saumur
What grape is famously produced in:
Anjou
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in:
Bonnezeaux
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in:
Crémant de Loire
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in:
Coteaux de l’Aubance
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in:
Coteaux du Layon
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in:
Jasnières
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in:
Montlouis
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in:
Quarts de Chaume
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in: Saumur
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in: Savennières
Chenin Blanc
What grape is famously produced in: Vouvray
Chenin Blanc
Country that produces the most Chenin Blanc
South Africa
Country that has adopted Chenin Blanc as its “own”
South Africa
What is Chenin Blanc known as in South Africa?
Steen
Name the grape being described:
Known for floral and fruity aromatics, high acidity, it produces often mouth-filling wines that range from dry to sweet, as well as dessert and sparkling wines, along with both easy-to-drink and age-worthy representations
Chenin Blanc
Name the grape being described:
Apple, Pear, Quince, Apricot, Melon, Lemon, Honeysuckle, Straw, Cream, Yogurt, Sour Cream, Almond, Hazelnut, Bread, Flint, Mineral
Chenin Blanc
With Pinot Grigio grown in warm regions, what can happen with ripening?
Acidity can drop very quickly
How do many mass producers of Pinot Grigio keep the grapes’ acidity?
Picking very early
What kind of wine can result when Pinot Grigio is picked prematurely?
Quaffable wine with little character
Pinot Grigio is usually fermented in
Stainless steel
Pinot Grigio may be bottled cold, which tends to give the wine
A gentle spritz
The two homes for Pinot Grigio in Italy
Trentino Alto Adige
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Home of Pinot Gris in France
Alsace
The two German names for Pinot Gris
Rülander
Grau Burgunder
In the US, a distinct full-bodied style of Pinot Gris is made in:
Oregon
Pinot Grigio is a mutation of:
Pinot Noir
Is Pinot Grigio oaked?
No
Is Pinot Gris oaked?
Yes, sometimes
Why is Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris considered to be a good food wine?
Lacks strong aromatic qualities that could compete with food
Acidity compliments the food
Name the grape being described:
Apple, Pear, Lemon, Flint, Chalk, Metallic, Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom, (& sometimes Vanilla)
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
Highly aromatic grape that produces wines with high extract, high alcohol, and distinctly lower levels of acidity
Gewürztraminer
Grape that characteristically has a slightly bitter nutty taste at the finish which may sometimes be masked by residual sugar
Gewürztraminer
“Gewürz” is German for:
Spice
Likely original home of Gewürztraminer
Italian Tyrol / Termino
Gewürztraminer is _____ -yielding and ripens quite ______
Low, early
What soil type does Gewürztraminer DISLIKE?
Chalk
Two vineyard problems for Gewürztraminer
Frost
Very susceptible to viral disease
Technique often used in the winery with Gewürztraminer that sets it apart from most other “white” wines
Skin contact
What region of France produces Gewürztraminer?
Alsace
German: Roter Traminer aka
Gewürztraminer
Region of Austria that produces Gewürztraminer
Stiermark
Name the grape:
Rose, Gardenia, Honeysuckle, Lychee, Mango, Peach, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cardamom, Allspice, Citrus Peel, Sandalwood
Gewürztraminer
Light-bodied, highly aromatic and flavorful wine from the Galicia area of Spain
Albariño
Albariño is often likened to _____ for its sweet fruit aromas of peaches and kiwis, and to _____ for its spicy flavors
Viognier, Riesling
Does Albariño see oak?
Very rarely
Albariño accounts for 90% of plantings in what area of Galicia?
Rías Baixas
In Portugal, Albariño is known as
Alvarinho
In Portugal, what wine uses Alvarinho?
Vinho Verde
Albariño has _____ berries with _____ skin
Small, thick
Albariño vines were traditionally trained to grow up
Poplar trees
The climate of Galicia is ______ and _____
Cool, damp
Does Albariño see oak
Very rarely
Does Albariño age well in bottle?
No
In Spain, most Albariño is released by _____ in the same year it was bottled
Christmas
Grape whose name means “the white from Rhine”
Albariño
Famous grape of Galicia
Albariño
Cainho Branco, aka
Albariño
Spain’s premier white grape
Albariño
Apple, Peach, Lemon, Honeydew, Honeysuckle, Ginger
Albariño
When well done, white grape varietal that is supremely aromatic, rich, ripe, and sensuous with high extract and low acidity
Viognier
Viognier prefers _____ environments
Warm
A poor and erratic producer that doesn’t produce optimally until it is 10-15 years old
Viognier
With Viognier, _____ is sacrificed and the best producers pick the grapes on flavor
Acidity
Sugar/ acid balance is often set aside in the vineyard with this grape variety in favor of flavor
Viognier
Viognier is picked in the _______ to assure the clearest juice
Morning
Viognier is best consumed: Young? or Aged?
Young
Do some winemakers allow Viognier skin contact?
Yes
The only variety permitted in Condrieu & Château Grillet
Viognier
How much Viognier is permitted to be co-fermented with Syrah in Côte-Rôtie?
Up to 20%
Original home of Viognier
Northern Rhône
Highly aromatic with aromas of tropical fruits, florals, and baking spice and vanilla (if it sees oak).
Viognier
Does Viognier see oak?
Sometimes
Does Viognier age?
Sometimes, but it is often better young
May be confused with a full-bodied Chardonnay
Viognier
Apricot, Peach, White Peach, Nectarine, Rose, Honeysuckle, Vanilla, Cinnamon;
Oily & Waxy texture
Viognier
Crisp, aromatic white grape grown almost exclusively in Argentina
Torrontés
Grape that thrives at extremely high altitudes, developing high acidity and heady aromas of jasmine blossoms, herbs, and citrus fruits
Torrontés
T/F
Argentina has 3 different cultivars which may be bottled as Torrontés
True
T / F
Torrontés is an example of a Crossing
True
Name the 3 Torrontés cultivars:
Torrontés Riojano
Torrontés Sanjuanino
Torrontés Mendocino
Name the parent that all 3 Torrontés cultivars share
Muscat of Alexandria
Criolla Chica aka
Mission grape
Region of Argentina where Torrontés had made its name
Salta
The highest vineyards in the world are located in what region
Salta, Argentina
Soil of Salta vineyards
Sand
Climate in Salta
Arid
Grape often picked at different levels of ripeness to balance flavor profile
Torrontés
Is phylloxera a problem in Argentina?
No
Is Torrontés grown on its own rootstock?
Yes
Is Torrontés in Salta irrigated?
Yes, through a complex trench-canal system that harnesses the glacial melt from the Andes mountains
What other white grape is Torrontés often likened to?
Gewürztraminer
The most common Torrontés cultivar, and the only one that tends to be varietally bottled
Torrontés Riojano
Is Torrontés indigenous to Argentina?
Nobody knows
Besides Argentina, where else is Torrontés grown?
Not really anywhere.
Small amounts in Córdoba in Andalucía Spain
There is a grape called Torrontés that is grown in the Canary Islands. Is this the same as the Torrontés grown in Argentina?
No
There is a grape grown in Portugal called Terrantez. Is this the same grape as Argentinian Torrontés?
No
Nectarines, Peaches, Lemon, Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Rose Petal, Geranium, Apples
Torrontés
Muscat is one of the world’s ______ varieties of grapes
Oldest
One of the few wine grapes that also succeeds as a table grape
Muscat
Produces many styles linked by high acid, high alcohol, high extract, and the distinct flavor of grapes themselves
Muscat
Believed to be the original vinifera grape from which all others descended
Muscat
What climate does Muscat prefer?
Warm to hot
What soil type does Muscat prefer?
Deep, damp soils
Muscat buds early, leaving it susceptible to
Spring frosts
T / F
Muscat grapes can be a range of colors, from white or pale yellow to black and every color in-between
True
T / F
Muscat works well with maderization
True
Italian term for Muscat
Moscato
Grape, Raisin, Peach, Pineapple, Apricot, Mango, Orange, Rose, Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom, Coriander, Cinnamon, Ginger, Earthy, Caramel, Musk
Muscat
Sparkling wine produced primarily from Glera
Prosecco
Glera’s home
Veneto
Conegliano and Valdobbiadene are known for what grape
Glera
Does Glera ripen early or late?
Late (mid-September)
What method is used to produce Prosecco?
Charmat
What percentage of Prosecco must be Glera?
85%
What sweetness level is a typical Prosecco?
Extra Dry
Wine produced in stainless steel, never seeing wood, using the tank method for sparkling wine with notes of White Peach, Apricot, Lemon, Grapefruit, Apple, Pear
Prosecco
Neutral Italian white that sees high levels of production for a range of white wines
Trebbiano
Crisp white of Piedmont’s Gavi
Cortese
Grape of the Veneto’s dry Soave
Garganega
White grape of Italy’s Marche region
Verdicchio
Italian white, used for both dry and sweet wines, famously from Sardinia
Vermentino
Italian white, used for both dry and sweet wines, famously from Sardinia
Vermentino
Burgundy’s other white grape, the basis for the cocktail known as the Kir
Aligoté
What is the acid level for Aligoté
High
The grape of the western Loire’s light-bodied Muscadet wine, frequently paired with seafood
Melon de Bourgogne
Rhône whites often blended together or blended into the famous Rhône appellations of Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Marsanne & Roussane
Number one white of Austria
Grüner Veltliner
Grecian white known for its minerality, produced on the volcanic island of Santorini
Assyrtiko
Aromatic & spicy Greek white varietal
Moschofilero
Widely planted aromatic Greek white varietal used to produce both white and rosé wines as well as Restina
Roditis
Neutral German grape that makes many ordinary wines
Müller-Thurgau
Higher acid German white that is a common component in blends, but shines on its own in some regions
Silvaner
Produces dry white wines and is also the principal grape of Hungary’s famed Tokaji dessert wine
Furmint
Dry fruity white from Switzerland
Chasselas
Macebeo aka
Viura
Viura aka
Macabeo
Basis for white Rioja and a component of much Cava
Macabeo / Viura
Basis for white Rioja and a component of much Cava
Macabeo / Viura
Besides Macabeo / Viura, two other major Cava components
Xarel-lo & Parellada
Major grape in Sherry production
Palomino
Characteristic grape of the Rueda region
Verdejo
