WSET 3 Flashcards
What is chaptalization?
The process of adding sugar to unfermented grape must in order to increase the alcohol content after fermentation
Describe anaerobic and aerobic winemaking
- Anaerobic means “without oxygen.” Wine will be made in Staineless Steel or concrete and typically quite vibrant and fresh.
- Aerobic means “with oxygen”. Wines are made in oak are always aerobic.
What are two factors in food that make pairing with food harder? Give two examples of successful pairings with these components.
Sweet and Umami.
Pair:
- Gewurztraminer and spicy Thai or Port and with a chocolate dessert
- Shiitake mushrooms sushi rolls with and unoaked fruity red perhaps Beaujulais
Umami in food can make wine taste….
Bitter, astringent, higer in alcohol, high in acid
What temperature should wine be stored at (long term)?
10 - 15c
What are the Nobel grapes of Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Verdot
What are the main white varietal grown in Bordeaux?
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Muscadelle
How many grape varietals are permitted to grow in Bordeaux?
13
Name 3 premium New World Pinot Noir regions in 3 different countries
- Willamet Valley, California, USA
- Central Otogo, New Zealand
- Walker Bay, South Africa
Explain carbonic masceration
Grapes are fermented whole. Tanks flushed with CO2 to start fermentation. Ferments go to 2 or 3% before being removed from skins (fermentation continues after). Makes fresh fruity wines with notes of bubble gum & cinnamon.
4 methods of concentrating grape sugars in sweet wine
- Ice Wine
- Botrytis
- drying grapes
- late harvest
Service temperature of white Bordeaux?
10 - 13c
Service temperature of Sauternes?
6 - 8c
What do you observe in the glass with wines that are higher in alcohol and sugar?
More viscous + have thicker more persistent legs
What is the range in colours you can call a white wine?
Green lemon - Lemon - Gold - Amber - Brown
What type of climate does Champagne have?
Continental
What is passerillage?
A process in which grapes are air-dried and shriveled after harvest to increase their sugar concentration. This takes place in a dry, well-ventilated area in order to avoid spoilage.
Fermentation tempatures:
- White wine
- Red wine
White: 12 c - 22 c
Red: 20 c - 32 c
Describe Pierce’s Disease
Caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, is spread by sap-feeding insects called sharpshooters. When the bacterium invades the water-conducting vascular tissues (xylem) in grapevines, the vines respond with distinct, characteristic symptoms.
How do you identify Downy Mildew and what is it?
Oil spots on leaves, a fungus
What can happen to your vines under 20 c? What can you do to help manage?
Vines can be damaged or die. You can cover with earth to protect from cold.
Risk of mild winters?
No dormant period for vines
Name the sub-region in the Loire Valley with the smallest production
Central Vineyards
Name two AOP’s in Loire Valley that are known for Sauvignon Blanc
Pouilly Fume and Sancerre in Central Vineyards
What grape is Sancerre Rouge
Pinot Noir
What is the longest river in France?
The Loire
Rosé de Loire and Cremant de Loire are primarily produced in what areas?
Anjou and Saumur
What are the four main sub-regions of Loire?
Central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Samur, and Nantais
What climate does Central Vineyards in the Loire Valley have?
Continental Climate
Name a village in Sancerre
Chavignol
What is Menetou-Salon known for?
Sauvignon Blanc, that’s style is similar to Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé but at a lower price point
Where is the Majority of Sauvignon Blanc grown in The Loire Valley?
Touraine
What is White Touraine made from?
Sauvignon Blanc
What grape is responsible for the greatest white wines in both Touraine and Anjou-Samur
Chenin Blanc
What are the characteristics of Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley?
High acid, non-aromatic. Common to ripen unevenly
What type of Chenin Blanc is made in Vouray?
Rarely matured in oak, grown on clay soils, light to medium body wines
What two regions in the Loire Valley have a similar climate and soils to Vouray?
Anjou and Saumur
What type of Chenin Blanc is Saumur renowned for?
Traditional Method sparkling
What type of Chenin Blac is Anjou known for?
Dry. Often aged in oak.
Why is there no Noble Rot is Savenniers? What type of Chennin Blanc does this region produce?
Air flow prevents Nobel Rot.
Full body, dry style, typically suitable for aging.
Name a AOP in Loire Valley that is renowned for sweet wines.
Coteaux du Layon. Located in the sheltered valley of River Layon.
What are two of the most favoured sites in Coteaux du Layon?
Quartz de Chaume & Bonnexeaux
What grape is Muscadet and Melon de Bougogne?
Melon Blanc
Characteristics of Melon Blanc
Ripens early, frost resistant
Where is the vast majority of Melon Blanc grown in the Loire Valley?
Nantais (south of Loire, close to Atlantic)
The best Melon Blanc comes from?
Muscadet Sevre et Maine
What is the maximum abv allowed in Mucadet?
12%
What vessels are used in Muscadet?
Traditionally large oak vessels. Today concrete and stainless steel most common
Explain Muscadet Sur Lie
Typically from Muscadet Sevre et Maine. Bottled in spring after spending the winter on lees.
Why is Cabernet Franc suitable to grow in Loire Valley?
flowers and ripens early making it ideal to grown in cooler regions
What regions in Tourraine is Cab Franc primarily grow in?
Chinnon, Bougueil, and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
Saumur and Saumur-Champigny typically make what style Cabernet Franc?
Light in body and tannins. Wines from Saumur are typically drink you and you can served chilled. There are a few producers in this region making fuller body Cab Franc suitable for aging.
What area in The Loire Valley is Rosé mainly produced?
Anjou- Saumur
What areas in the Loire Valley can Rose de Loire be produced?
Anjou-Saumur and Touraine (mainly in Anjou-Saumur)
What are the characteristics of Rose de Loire?
Always dry. Minimum 30% Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon
The highest quality rosé in Anjou-Saumur is?
Cabernet d’Anjou
What is the primary grape in Rose d’Anjou
Grolleau
What is the only grape in Sancerre Rosé?
Pinot Noir
Characteristics of Sancerre Rose?
Pale, dry, delicate
What winemaking techniques can be used to make Rosé in the Loire Valley?
Direct press or short maceration
What vessel is rose in the Loire Valley typically fermented in?
Inert temperature control vessels
What fermentation method is used to soften the tannins in Carignane?
Semi-carbonic masceration
What grape is Rose d’Anjou primarily made out of?
Grolleau
What ocean does Langudoc lie along?
Mediterranean Sea
The three main areas of Southern France are?
Langedoc, Roussillion, Provence
What is the climate in Southern France?
Warm Meditteranean
Describe tramontane
a strong, dry cold wind from the north (on the Mediterranean) or from the northwest (in lower Languedoc, Roussillon, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands).
In Langudoc it blows through Massif Central and Pyrenees.
What is the biggest grape-growing problem in Southern Franc?
Drought
What are 5 red grapes commonly grown in Southern France?
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Mouverdre
Common international grapes grown in Southern France
Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
What are the two most popular white grapes grown in Southern France?
Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc
What is Langudocs only white wine region?
Picpoul de Pinet
Can grapes other than Picpoul be grown in Picpoul de Pinet?
Yes but they may not put AOC on lable
What are the most popular local white varietals grown in southern France?
Muscat and Grenache Blanc.
What grape do they predominantly use for fortified wines in Southern France?
Muscat
Describe a wine made from Picpoul from Languedoc
Refreshing acidity, green fruit, citrus
What can only the best sub-regions in Languedoc put on their labels?
Their name, along side Languedoc AC
Name two sub-regions in Languedoc that have their own set of regulations:
Cotes du Roussillon & Minervois
What is the mass majority of wine that comes from Languedoc? What are their grapes?
Red wine. Made predominately from Carignane, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
What black grape do the cooler areas in Languedoc grow best?
Syrah
What type of topography does Coted du Roussillion have?
Rugged & Mountainous.
What is the name of the wind that affects Corbieres?
Tramontane
From North/East to South/West name the main sub-regions in Languedoc?
Picpoul de Pinet, Minervois, Corbieres,Limoux, Fitou, Cotes du Roussillion Villages, Cotes du Rousillion
What are the mountain ranges that affect growing conditions in Southern France?
Alps, Massif Central, Pyrenees
Best sub-region in Corbieres (Languedoc)
Boutenac
Red wine appellation. Created in 2005. Lies between two rivers. Carignane, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre.
Best sub-region in Minervois (Languedoc)
La Liviniere
- red wine appellation. Carignane, cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
What mountain range is Minervois (Languedoc) situated on?
Massif Central
Describe Provences landscape
Varied, broken up by hills
What is the name of the wind affects provence
Mistral
What characteristics do Roses from Provence usually have?
Pale in colour, light-bodied, dry. Notes of grapefruit and red fruit.
What grapes do the best white wines from Provence use?
Rolle (vermentino) & Clairette
What is the largest appellation in Provence?
Cotes de Provence
What is Bandol (Provence) known for?
Premium Mouvedre. Requires bottle age.
How many Grand Crus are there in Cote D’or?
33
What is the only village in Cote de Beaune that is 100% Aligote?
Bouzeron
What is the only Grand Cru is Cote de Beaune that produces red wine?
Corton
4 key villages of Cote de Nuits:
Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Vosne-Ramanee, Nuits-St-Georges
What is the climate in Burgundy?
Continental. Ranging from cool Continental to Moderate Continental.
What is the mountain range to the West of Cote d’or?
Massif Central
What weather pattern frequently disrupts flowering and harvest in Burgundy?
rain
What grape in Burgundy is most susceptible to Grey Rot?
Pinot Noir
Where would you find a Grand Cru in Burgundy? Why?
Mid slope. Less risk of frost, extended sun exposure, less fertile soils.
What direction are the highest quality vinyards in Burgundy typically facing
South or East.
Provides protection from Westernly winds.
What is the most important grape grown in Cote d’Or
Pinot Noir
The best Pinot Noirs is Burgundy typically spend how much time in barrel?
16 - 18 months
Describe Chardonnay characteristics in Chablis, Cote d’Or, and Maccaonise?
Chablis - Lean, stealy, high acid
Cote d’or - expressive, complex
Macconaise - Fuller body, ripe fruit
What Chardonnay winemaking techniques did Burgundian winemaker pioneer?
- Barrel Fermentation & aging (Typically aged 6-9 months)
- Malolactic Fermenting white
- Use of lees while aging
Besides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, what are two other varietals commonly grown in Burgundy?
Aligote and Gamay
What is the only red grape allowed to be used at Village level or above in Burgundy?
Pinot Noir
The best vinyards in Chablis are facing which direction?
South (on hillsides)
What are lesser vineyards in Chablis called?
Petite Chablis
What major climate problem do vineyards in Chablis face? What efforts are made to mitigate this problem?
Frost. Sprinkles and heaters.
What vessels are commonly used in Chablis for fermentation?
Oak and stainless steel
What are the four main appellations of Burgundy?
Chablis, Cote d’Or, The Cote Chalonnaise, Maconnais
What are the two main regions of Cote d’Or? What is each region known for?
Cote de Nuits - Pinot Noir
Cote de Beaune - Chardonnay
What is the only Grand Cru in Cote de Nuits that can produce red wine?
Musigny
What % of wine in Burgundy comes from regional appellations?
50%
What are the most generic appellations in Burgundy?
Bourgogne Rouge & Bourgogne Blanc
Name 3 regional appellations in Burgundy?
Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuit, Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune, Bourgogne Cotes Chalonnaise
What are the regional appellations in Maconnaise?
Macon & Macon Villages
Name 5 commune appellations in Burgundy:
Chablis, Gevrey-Chambertin, Puligny Montrachet, Volnay, Pommard, Pouilly Fuisse, Marsannay
What are single-vineyard appellations called in Burgundy?
Premier Cru and Grand Cru
Define monopole?
One owner/producer for a vineyard
Are Burgundian Premeir Crus aloud to blend?
Yes, but only from other premier crus within a village
Grand Cru vineyards account for little more than _____ % of Burgundy’s wine production.
1%
How many Grand Crus are there in Chablis?
1 ( called Chablis Grand Cru - 7 climats within this Grand Cru)
From North to South what are the most important villages of Cote de Beaune?
- Aloxe-Corton (Grand Crus: Corton & Corton Charlemagne)
- Beaune
- Pommard
- Volnay
- Meursault
- Puligny-Montrachet (Montrachet)
- Chassagne-Montrachet (Montrachet)
From North to South what are the most important villages in Cote de Nuits?
- Gevrey-Chambertin (Grand Cru: Chamberin, Charmes-Chambertin + )
- Vougeot (Clos de Vougeot)
- Vosne-Romanee (Romanée-Conti, Romanée Saint-Vivant, La Romanée, La Tâche, La Grande-Rue et Richebourg)
- Nuits st-Georges
Name 2 Grand Crus within Gevery Chambertin:
Chamberin, Charmes-Chambertin
How many Grand Crus does Cotes de Beaune have?
8
How many Grand Crus does Cote de Nuits have?
24
Which two villages share the Montrachet Grand Cru? (Cote de Beaune)
Puligny-Montrechet & Chassange-Montechet