Wine Overviews

Question 1

Pinot Noir USA

Answer 1

• High in alcohol compared to elsewhere and are more full-bodied.
• The quality of the fruit is ripe to very ripe
• Dried herb or evergreen undertone for Oregon & Anderson Valley

Question 2

Beajolais

Answer 2

• Tart red fruit (strawberry, red cherry, raspberry), watermelon
• Carbonic maceration notes: Pear drop, banana, bubblegum, cotton candy, lifted red fruit/floral aromatics
• Dry, moderate-minus to moderate body, diminished to moderate tannin, elevated acidity, moderate alcohol

Question 3

Grenache

Answer 3

• Cooked to dried red fruits (strawberry, cherry, raspberry), roasted red plum, blackberry, raisin/fig
• Possible volatile acidity, oxidation.
• Floral, Herbal, Spice Notes
• Dry, moderate-plus to full body, moderate to elevated tannin, diminished to moderate acidity, elevated to high alcohol

Question 4

Northern Rhone Syrah

Answer 4

• Tart/ripe black fruit (blackberry, black cherry), blue fruit (blueberry, boysenberry), red fruit (raspberry)
• Herbal, Black Pepper, Tar, Cured Meat, smoke, Savory
• Oak: Neutral barrel/cask
• Dry, moderate-plus body, moderate to elevated tannin, elevated to high acidity, moderate to elevated alcohol

Question 5

USA Syrah

Answer 5

While there is less of a typical style here compared to Australia, Central Coast Syrah will also show lush, ripe fruit, although perhaps toned down a notch from the jammy fruit of South Australia. The fruit profile, while also anchored around blue and black fruit, also stretches to include ripe red fruit, such as raspberry and red plum. Flavors and aromas associated with new oak will be prominent, and the tannins will be more assertive and firm than the satiny, round tannins of Australia. Likewise, the acidity will be a touch higher and more refreshing.

Question 6

Australian Shiraz

Answer 6

Most of these wines will be inky purple, with heavy staining. Highly intense on the nose, the fruit will be quite lush, and possibly even stewed or cooked. Most unique to Australia, however, is an herbaceous note of eucalyptus. While some winegrowing regions of California also have eucalyptus, and certainly not every Australian Shiraz displays a minty, green edge, the majority do. Australian Shiraz generally will be fuller bodied than California or New Zealand, and also will have elevated to high alcohol and a corresponding warmth on the palate. The tannins can be quite supple and plush, as well, in comparison to other regions.

Question 7

Sangiovese

Answer 7

Tart red fruit (sour cherry, raspberry, cranberry)
Dried flowers, Fennel, herbs, balsamic, animal, leather, tar, Earthy

Chianti: Dry, moderate to moderate-plus body, elevated to high tannin, elevated to high acidity, moderate to elevated alcohol

Brunello: Dry, full body, elevated to high tannin, elevated to high acidity, elevated alcohol

Question 8

Nebbiolo

Answer 8

Fruit: Tart red fruit (sour cherry, red plum), blackberry, mulberry, dried plum/prune and dried cherry
Significant volatile acidity, oxidation
Floral, Herbal, Spice, Tar, Mushroom, Earth
Oak: Neutral large casks
Structure: Dry, medium to full body, high tannin, elevated to high acidity, elevated to high alcohol

Question 9

Cab Franc

Answer 9

• Bright red fruit (raspberry, cranberry), tart black fruit (black cherry), underripe fruit flavors
  Floral, Herbal, Bell pepper, High minerality
  Oak: Neutral French oak barrels
  Structure: Dry, moderate-plus body, elevated tannin, elevated acidity, moderate alcohol

Question 10

Malbec

Answer 10

• Ripe/lush black fruit (black raspberry, black cherry, blackberry), ripe/lush blue fruit (concord grape jam, blueberry, plum), lush red fruit (raspberry liqueur), fig, raisin, prune
  Floral, Herbal/green,
  Oak: Low to high use of new French and/or American oak, vanilla, baking spices, chocolate, cinnamon
  Structure: Dry (with ripe attack), full body, elevated tannin, diminished to moderate acidity, elevated to high alcohol

Question 11

Napa Cabernet

Answer 11

Fruit: Ripe/lush black fruit (black currant/cassis, blackberry, black cherry), lush red fruit (sweet cherry, raspberry),blueberry
Floral, Herbal, Green bell pepper,
New French Oak
Structure: Dry (with ripe attack), full body, elevated to high tannin, moderate acidity, elevated to high alcohol

Question 12

Classified Growth Medoc left bank

Answer 12

Aromas/Flavors: Moderate-plus intensity
Fruit: Black fruit (blackberry, black cherry), slight red fruit and plum
Floral, Herbal, Green bell pepper,
Spice (savory): Green peppercorn
Other: Leather
Oak: New French oak (smoke, coffee, vanilla)
Structure: Dry, moderate-plus body, elevated tannin, moderate to elevated acidity, moderate to elevated alcohol