Wine Knowledge Flashcards
Chardonnay (shar-dun-NAY)
White
Queen of white wine grapes.Widely grown in many of the wine-growing.It is a very versatile grape whose character reflects its growing region
and production process .Chardonnay produces the most complex wines in the world.Most chardonnays are full, golden and velvety with hints of fruit, nuts, butter, oak, spice or vanilla and have medium to high acidity.
Chenin Blanc (SHEN'N BLAHNK) White
Cultivated for thousands of years in the Loire Valley of France. It is grown widely in California where it is the grape used in many jug
wines or inexpensive table wines. Chenin Blanc has higher than average acidit. The character of Chenin Blanc can be difficult to define, but it generally is light and fruity.
Gewurztraminer (geh-VERTS-trah-mee-ner)
White
Literally translated as “spicy”. Gewurztraminer is grown primarily in Germany and in the Alsace region of France where the cooler climate allows it to ripen fully. It has a light, crisp acidity and a bold flavor.
Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio (PEE-no GREE or GREE-zho)
White
Known as Pinot Grigio in Italy and the Alsace region of France Pinot Gris in the United States. This grape’s character will vary depending upon its growing region. European Pinot Grigio tends to be more acidic with less body than its American counterpart. All Pinot Grigio/Gris possess a citrus aroma.
Riesling (REES-ling)
White
Riesling, the most notable white wine grape from Germany, is also grown in France’s Alcase region and in New York’s Finger Lakes District. It is grown in California and Washington, although with less frequency. Riesling has medium to high acidity and light to medium body with a distinct flowery, fruity aroma.
Sauvignon Blanc (SO-vin-yon BLAHNK) White
Sauvignon Blanc, also known as Fumé Blanc, is grown in the Bordeaux and Loire regions of France, and in California, New Zealand and South Africa. It is characterized by a light, crisp acidity. It will often contain several fruit components and is frequently blended with Semillion from the Bordeaux region of France.
Semillon (SEM-ih-yon)
White
Semillon is one of the more unique types of white wine. It rarely stand alone and is frequently blended with Sauvignon Blanc. Semillon can also be very rich, making a favorable dessert wine.
Viognier (vee-oh-NYAY])
White
Viognier is grown primarily in the Rhone region of France and in California. It has low to moderate acidity with hints of peach and apricot, and without the flowery aromas of some other white wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon (cab-er-NAY SO-vin-yon) Red
Found in many wine regions
In the Bordeaux region of France, it is considered the noblest grape of all ( the grape that makes fine Bordeaux wines)
Cabernet Sauvignon can age well for decades.
i. Dark purple or ruby in color
ii. Medium to full bodied
iii. Beautiful array of intense aromas and flavors.
Cabernet Sauvignon is considered a dry red wine and blends well with Sangiovese, Merlot and Shiraz.
Gamay (ga-may)
Red
Wines from the Beaujolais region of France
Lower alcohol content
Gamay is meant to be drunk soon after it is bottled
Fresh, light and fruity
Even though two “Gamay” wines are produced in California, they are not true Gamay and their quality does not come close to their French cousins.
Pinot Noir (PEE-no NWA) Red
Pairs well with a variety of foods
Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to grow
Exceptional wine with great complexity when conditions are correct
From Burgundy region of France, Oregon and in the cooler regions of California
Many California grown Pinot Noir grapes are used for Rose style Champagnes
Light to moderate body with deliciously varied aromas and flavors
Zinfandel (ZIHM-fan-dell)
Red
Zinfandel wine is most always grown in California
Unlike other red wine grapes, it thrives in the heat and sunshine
Low to moderate acidity
medium to full body with jammy, spicy flavors
Zinfandel is often blended with other grapes but not named on the bottle.
Sangiovese (san-geeo-VEHS-eh)
Red
The signature red wine grape of the Tuscany and Chianti regions,
Sangiovese has been produced with little success outside of Italy.
A good Sangiovese can be beautiful and complex, with varied aromas and flavors.
It is frequently blended with Cabernet.
Syrah or Shiraz (sih-RAH or shih-RAHZ)
Red
Known as Shiraz in Australia and South Africa and as Syrah in California and France
low to moderate acidity making it very drinkable
Shiraz/Syrah exhibits wonderful flavors of spice and fruit. Many think the French version is more acidic, therefore better to accompany food than the Australian version
Shiraz/Syrah is blended with Grenache and Cabernet.
It is thought that Petit Syrah, which thrives in sunny California, is not related to Syrah.
Brunello (broo-NEHL-oh)
Red
offshoot of the Sangiovese grape. It is notable because it is the only grape permitted for Brunello di Montalcino, a rare, expensive, fruity and bold Tuscan red wine.
