Exam Questions Flashcards
Paragraph on Chenin Blanc in relation to Australasia, Africa and or Asia
WHAT IT IS: A white grape variety
CHARACTERISTICS: Semi-aromatic, high acid, prone to rot and raisining, uneven ripening, vigourous, early budding and late ripening
WINE STYLE: mostly makes light, off dry, crisp but simple wines but some premium full bodied (and high alcohol) oaked versions
WHERE GROWN: Widely planted in South Africa (19% of plantings) where is is also known as Steen; Stellenbosch makes the best examples for old bush vines; approx 200 ha in NZ and 600 ha in OZ but not highly regarded
QUALITY: Most commonly seen in New World basic wine production - also used as a blending grape (for good acidity)
Paragraph on Swan Valley in relation in Australasia, Africa and or Asia
WHAT IT IS: A GI in Western Australia
CHARACTERISTICS: Alluvial soil. Hot Mediterranean climate
PRODUCTION: Harvest usually in January, tendency to high alcohol. Falling levels of wine production since 1970 - competition from Margaret River
PRODUCERS and WINES: Houghton (Constellation Wines) major producer. HWB (Houghton White Burgundy) made from Verdelho, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay = one of Australia’s best selling dry whites.
With reference to Australia, Africa and or Asia write a short paragraph on Mataro
WHAT IS IT? Black grape variety, synonym of Mourvèdre and Monastrell - used primarily in Australia
CHARACTERISTICS: Tolerates drought, high temperatures but needs high temperatures to ripen. Buds early, ripens late.
WINE STYLE: Deep colour, spicy dark fruit, blackberries - sometimes gamey/animal, high alcohol, rustic high tannins, and intense flavour when young. Prone to reduction.
Often treated with disdain in Australia and used in bulk wines though slowly gaining recognition.
Can be used in blending (Rhône style wines)
With reference to Australasia, Africa and or Asia write a short paragraph on Hawkes Bay
WHAT IS IT: Wine region located around the town of Napier - North Island New Zealand
CHARACTERISTICS: Complex soil patterns and meso climates - a diverse region, frequently records the country’s highest sunshine hours, surrounded by the Coastal ranges, fertile plains with high water table / Gimlet Gravels have well drained soils and stressed vines, so many vineyards irrigated
RED WINE: Reputed for its Bordeaux blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (+ Cab Franc). Blends tend to be dominated by earlier ripening Merlot as Cabernet can struggle to fully ripen. Berry, Cassis and sometimes herbaceous - cool climate Irvin. Some Syrah (increasing)
WHITE WINE: Chardonnay, often has intense citrus fruit and pronounced oak and high acid. Sauvignon Blanc planted
GEOGRAPHY: sheltered from prevailing winds by mountains and benefits from abundant sunshine and cooling sea breezes
SIZE: 5,000 ha making it is the second most important NZ wine region
With reference to Australasia, Africa and or Asia write a short paragraph on KWV?
WHAT IS IT? Actually not so straight forward. In 2002 the historical KWV was split into a producers co-operative (Wijngaard /Vin Pro) and a brand owning company (KWV Limited which indirectly has a share of Distell)
Founded in 1918 (South African Wine Growers Cooperative Association) to regulate and control production of wine and protect growers interests after Phylloxera and other crisis (replanting of vines with inferior high yielding varieties and supply outstripped demand and Cape Wine fell into long term decline
Enforced quotes and minimum pricing schemes saved stakeholders from wholesale bankruptcy but ultimately privileged quantity over quality
Formerly functions included research, vine propagation, advisory services, administration of wine origin schemes, wine education and wine marketing schemes. Wine Industry Trust (govt money) to address inequalities of the PST and assist management and promotion of the industry.
Now exports a wide range of table wines include blended, fortified and major supplier of bulk brandy.
How does terroir influence style of wines in Alsace?
Definition of terroir
Explanation of impact of;
Latitude 47-49•N
Cool climate continental
Low rainfall, protection of Vosges, long growing season
South or South East facing steepish slopes sheltered for late ripening Riesling and Sylvaner
Best sites in South (Haut-Rhin)
Variety of soils (heavy clay soils give broad flavours; limestone/sand give light flavours
White wines and Pinot Noir
Matching grape variety to soil type eg slate for Riesling, marl for Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc/Auxerrois survive in light but fertile soils
Tasting notes should relate to 2 different grape varieties or styles (eg Grand Cru, VT, SGN).
1800+ sunshine hours
One of driest regions in France ~400mm rain
Spring is mild often accompanied by frosts that settle due to lack of circulation and wind
What are the main effects of high altitude?
Lower average temperature (by approx 0.6• per 100m, effectively creating a cooler local climate with higher acids, lower alcohol levels and slower ripening
Increased sunlight intensity - due to thinner air and less cloud cover. This increases colour and tannin in red grapes but can cause sunburn
Increased diurnal range (as air gets thinner, it’s ability to retain heat is reduced. This can enhance fruit aromas and help acid retention
Name high altitude wine regions
Argentina (Mendoza at 600-1300m, Salta at ~2200m. Increased sun light but also hail risk (another affect of altitude)
Spain (much is at high altitude and Ribera del Duero in particular gains a brighter fruit spectrum in part due to wide diurnal temperature range
Australia (regions such as Orange 900m and Great Western) where altitude creates cooler local climates suitable for premium wines.
Beqaa Valley Lebanon 1400m 42• 10•
Salta same latitude as Sahara
Mendoza 95% desert
Malbec in Mendoza vs Cahors
Altura Maxima, Salta Argentina 3,111m
