White/Red Flashcards
Which three varieties are highlighted under “Off Dry: Sweetness”?
Chenin Blanc (Vouvray), Riesling (Germany), Gewürztraminer.
What are the key differentials for off-dry Gewurztraminer?
Pale yellow to gold color, medium acid, medium+ to high alcohol, high terpenes, possible botrytis.
Describe Vouvray Chenin Blanc often off dry?
It has a gold secondary color, medium- to medium alcohol, can have less residual sugar than Riesling, possible botrytis.
Which off-dry wine has low to medium- alcohol and possible petrol notes?
Riesling (Germany) with medium terpenes, possible botrytis.
Overall structure quality that includes Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Torrontes, Gewurztraminer?
These are the main dry styles: no residual sugar
What differentiates Chardonnay in Chablis vs. Côte de Beaune/California?
Chablis: neutral to partial new oak, higher acid, possible oxidation. Côte de Beaune/California: moderate-high new oak, partial/full malolactic, riper fruit.
Which dry white is medium to medium+ alcohol, medium+ acid, no oak, phenolic bitterness, and low terpenes?
Pinot Grigio (Italian style).
Which no-oak, high-terpene, soapy-quality wine is from Argentina?
Torrontes: medium+ acid, medium+ alcohol, extremely floral with soapy note.
Characteristics Gewurztraminer:
Medium acid, medium+ to high alcohol, high terpenes, can have botrytis – yet often no oak use.
Which four high-acid whites are key?
Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay (Chablis), Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre/NZ).
List the key differentiators for German Riesling vs. Loire Chenin.
Riesling: off-dry, low alcohol, medium terpenes, possible petrol. Chenin: off-dry, medium alcohol, possible botrytis, less residual sugar than Riesling.
Which dryness level do Chablis and Sancerre typically show?
Dry with medium+ to high acid, no oak for Sancerre, partial oak for Chablis.
Which region’s Sauvignon Blanc has intense pyrazines and ripe thiols?
New Zealand, leading to jalapeño, passionfruit, gooseberry notes.
For medium+ acid whites, which five grapes are classic?
Chardonnay (Chablis/Côte de Beaune), Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre/NZ), Albarino, Pinot Grigio, Torrontes.
Name two medium-acid white varieties:
Gewurz: high terpenes, can be off-dry. Cali Chard: partial-full malolactic, new oak, riper fruit.
Which two off-dry grapes are low/medium- in alcohol?
Riesling and Chenin Blanc.
What is the typical range for standard “medium to medium+ alcohol” whites?
Chablis, Cote de Beaune, CA Chard; Sancerre/NZ SB; Albarino, PG, Torrontes.
Which white can hit “high alcohol”?
California Chardonnay or Gewurztraminer.
Which new oak whites should we look for?
Chardonnay (Côte de Beaune, California).
What differentiates Cote de Beaune vs. California new-oak Chardonnay?
Cote de Beaune: Medium+ acid, moderate malolactic, more minerality. California: riper fruit, higher alcohol, more overt malolactic.
Which high-pyrazine whites are classic?
Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre vs. New Zealand.
Name two high-terpene white grapes.
Gewurztraminer, Torrontes.
List four medium-terpene grapes.
Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Albarino, Sauvignon Blanc.
Which grapes often see lees contact?
Chardonnay (Chablis, Cote de Beaune, CA), Albarino, Pinot Grigio.
Name three high-acid red varieties.
Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir.
What is Nebbiolo’s color, tannin, and acid profile?
Ruby to garnet, low color density, high tannin, high acid, possible volatile acidity, medium+ alcohol.
Which two grapes also show high tannin and high acid?
Nebbiolo and Sangiovese can have high tannins; Cabernet Sauvignon as well.
Name some medium+ acid red grapes.
Pinot Noir, Gamay, Sangiovese, Syrah/Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec, Tempranillo, Zinfandel.
Medium acid red grapes?
Grenache, Tempranillo, Australian Shiraz, Zinfandel can show around medium acid.
List grapes that can have high alcohol.
Nebbiolo, Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Australian Shiraz, Zinfandel.
Name reds with medium to medium+ acid that can also be “high alcohol”?
All testable red wines can push medium+ alcohol in ripe vintages: Pinot, Gamay, Sangiovese, etc.
Which grapes display medium tannin?
Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc (depending on style).
Name an example of extremely high tannin grapes.
Nebbiolo, Sangiovese (Brunello), Cabernet Sauvignon.
Which red wines often see new oak?
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Aussie Shiraz, Zinfandel.
Which red wines have rotundone?
Syrah/Shiraz, Grenache, Zinfandel (some peppery notes).
Which red grapes show pyrazines?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec.
Which can show brettanomyces?
Bordeaux Cab/Merlot, northern Rhône Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo.
Which grapes have potential for volatile acidity?
Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo.
White Alcohol Levels Breakdown:
Low: 8.0% – 10.5% ABV
Medium Minus (Med -): 10.5% – 11.9% ABV
Medium: 12.0% – 12.9% ABV
Medium Plus (Med +): 13.0% – 13.9% ABV
High: 14.0%+ ABV
Red Alcohol Levels Breakdown:
Medium Minus (Med -): 11.0% – 12.9% ABV
Medium: 13.0% – 13.9% ABV
Medium Plus (Med +): 14.0% – 14.9% ABV
High: 15.0%+ ABV
