Wine Basics and Identification Flashcards
Learn the basic characteristics of reds, whites, and rosés and how to properly describe a Merlot, a Chardonnay, a Zinfandel, or any other common variety of wine.
What are the three major types of wine?
- Red
- White
- Rosé
What are some of the top wine producing countries?
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- United States
- Argentina
- Australia
- Chile
- Germany
- South Africa
- Portugal
- China
Why is red wine red?
It is a result of the grape skin’s contact with the grape’s juice during fermentation
What characteristics should the ideal red wine glass have?
- Holds 10 to 22 ounces of liquid
- Allows room to swirl your wine
- Has enough surface area to allow the wine to breathe
At what temperature is red wine best served?
60-65 degrees Fahrenheit
(warmer than white wines)
What are the main varieties of red wine?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Malbec
- Merlot
- Petit Sirah
- Pinot Noir
- Sangiovese
- Shiraz/Syrah
- Zinfandel
What are some common berry and fruit flavors used
to describe red wines?
- blackberry
- boysenberry
- cherry
- currant
- fig
- gooseberry
- plum
- raisin
- raspberry
- strawberry
What are some non-fruit flavors often detected in red wine?
- cinnamon
- clove
- cocoa
- coffee
- mocha
- pepper (black, white)
Where does white wine get its color?
- From the grape juice and grape skin of green, gold, or yellowish colored grapes, or
- From just the juice (not the skin) of select red grapes (as in some Champagnes)
What characteristics should the ideal white wine glass have?
- Narrow
- A sharp taper at the top of the glass to allow the drinker to enjoy the full aroma of the wine
At what temperature is white wine best served?
45-50 degrees Fahrenheit
(cooler than reds)
What are the “Big Eight” white wines?
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Gewürztraminer
- Pinot Gris/Grigio
- Riesling
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Viognier
What are some common fruit flavors used to describe white wines?
- apple
- citrus
- grapefruit
- lemon
- lime
- melon
- pear
- pineapple
What are some non-fruit flavors often detected in white wine?
- butter
- earthy
- floral
- honey
- herb
What is a varietal wine?
- Must have at least 75% of one grape variety
- The wine is then named after this grape with a capital initial
- E.g., Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer
What is a non-varietal wine?
A blend of several types of grapes
Which white wines tend to be full bodied?
- Oaked Chardonnay
- Gewürztraminer*
- Dry white wines
- Wines aged either fully or partly in wood
*Can be vinified in a range of styles, depending on region/producer.
Which white wines tend to be medium bodied?
- Sauvignon Blanc*
- Riesling
*Can be vinified in a range of styles, depending on region/producer.
Which white wines tend to be lighter bodied?
- Chablis (unoaked Chardonnay)
- Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Which red wines tend to be full bodied?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Malbec*
*Can be vinified in a range of styles, depending on region/producer.
Which red wines tend to be medium bodied?
- Merlot
- Shiraz*
*Can be vinified in a range of styles, depending on region/producer.
Which red wines tend to be lighter bodied?
- Chianti
- Pinot Noir*
*Can be vinified in a range of styles, depending on region/producer.
Why is rosé blush-colored?
- Red-skinned grapes are used
- The skins are discarded in the middle of fermentation, rather than remaining throughout
What is tannin?
- Naturally occurring preservative from grape skins, stems and seeds
- Provides structure to the wine: not a taste, “puckering” sensation
- More dominant in young red wines, often mellows over time
