Classic grape markers

Question 1

What is the primary grape variety associated with Left Bank Bordeaux?

Answer 1

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its deep ruby color and complex aromas.

Question 2

Which regions are known for producing Pinot Noir?

Answer 2

Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, California, Oregon, New Zealand

Each region imparts unique characteristics to the Pinot Noir wines.

Question 3

What are the common tasting notes for Cabernet Sauvignon from cooler vintages?

Answer 3

Red fruit character, pronounced herbal notes, pyrazine, green pepper

These notes are often coupled with elements of earthiness.

Question 4

What style is typically associated with New World Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 4

Ripe, jammy black fruits, pronounced mint/eucalyptus, full-bodied

New World styles are generally richer than their Old World counterparts.

Question 5

What is the primary grape variety associated with Right Bank Bordeaux?

Answer 5

Merlot

Merlot is characterized by its softer tannins and richer fruit profile.

Question 6

What are the ID keys for Merlot-based right bank wines?

Answer 6

Softer tannins, more herbal/vegetal characteristics

These wines tend to be lush and rich.

Question 7

What is the typical sight characteristic of Pinot Noir from Burgundy?

Answer 7

Light to medium ruby

The color can be deceptively light while the flavor is concentrated.

Question 8

What aromas are commonly found in Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre?

Answer 8

Grapefruit, lemon/lime citrus, chalky minerality, herbal-grass

Sancerre typically uses little to no wood.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The primary grape variety for Sauternes is _______.

Answer 9

Sémillon

Sémillon is known for its sweet and rich characteristics.

Question 10

What are the common characteristics of Chardonnay from California?

Answer 10

Pale to medium yellow, riper styles deeper in color, tropical fruit, oak influence

Chardonnay from California often exhibits a range of styles based on climate.

Question 11

What is a key ID characteristic of Chablis?

Answer 11

Pronounced chalky minerality

Chablis wines are often bone dry with high acidity.

Question 12

What are the typical tasting notes for Gamay from Beaujolais?

Answer 12

Candied fruit, floral, green herb, stony earth

Gamay is often recognized for its fruit-forward profile derived from carbonic fermentation.

Question 13

True or False: Cabernet Franc is known for its robust and heavy flavor profile.

Answer 13

False

Cabernet Franc is lighter with pronounced green herb characteristics.

Question 14

What is the typical structure of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand?

Answer 14

Medium-bodied, dry, high acidity

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is known for its intense citrus and herbal flavors.

Question 15

What is the typical aroma profile for Pinot Noir from New Zealand?

Answer 15

Red fruits, herb, floral, tea, mineral/soil

New Zealand Pinots often have a pronounced herbal aroma.

Question 16

What are the common oak aging characteristics in Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 16

Smoke, toast, sweet baking spices, cedar wood

Oak aging significantly influences the aroma and flavor profile.

Question 17

What is the typical structure of Chablis wine?

Answer 17

Alcohol: medium to medium-plus; acidity: medium-plus to high.

Chablis is known for its austere, bone-dry character with pronounced chalky minerality.

Question 18

Describe the sight characteristics of Côtes de Beaune.

Answer 18

Light to medium straw with green highlights.

This visual aspect is important for identifying the wine’s style.

Question 19

What aromas are commonly found in Côtes de Beaune wines?

Answer 19

Apple/pear, citrus fruit, mushroom-earth, mineral notes, butter/cream, vanilla, baking spices, toast, wood notes.

These aromas contribute to the complexity of the wine.

Question 20

What is the typical palate profile of Côtes de Beaune?

Answer 20

Medium to full-bodied and dry to bone dry.

The palate can vary in power depending on vineyard pedigree and vintage quality.

Question 21

Identify the key characteristics of Riesling from Alsace.

Answer 21

Sight: straw to medium yellow; Nose: ripe apple-pear, yellow peach, sweet and tart citrus; Palate: full-bodied and dry to off-dry.

Alsace Riesling may also show honey and stone fruit elements when botrytis is present.

Question 22

What distinguishes Clare and Eden Valley Rieslings?

Answer 22

Medium straw with green highlights; racy green apple, unripe green pear, lime zest; medium-bodied, very dry with bracing acidity.

These wines are known for their intensity and potential for long-term aging.

Question 23

What are the typical characteristics of German Riesling Kabinett?

Answer 23

Sight: very pale straw green; Nose: tart green apple, green pear, white peach; Palate: light-bodied, racy with a touch of residual sweetness.

Kabinett wines have no wood influence and high acidity.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The compound responsible for the petrol character in aged German Riesling is called _______.

Answer 24

TDN (trimethyl dinapthalene)

This characteristic is often noted in wines with bottle age.

Question 25

What is the structure of Eiswein?

Answer 25

Low alcohol and very high acidity. ## Footnote Eiswein is known for its intensely flavoured profile and extreme acidity that masks sweetness.

Question 26

Describe the typical nose of Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley.

Answer 26

Red and golden apple, quince, lemon-lime, peach-apricot, floral, spring greens/herb, green olive, chalky minerality. ## Footnote Chenin Blanc can vary in sweetness from bone dry to sweet.

Question 27

What are the key identification characteristics of Semillon in Bordeaux Blanc?

Answer 27

Medium to deep straw sight; ripe pear, floral, lemon citrus, earth nose; medium-bodied and dry palate. ## Footnote The combination of waxy texture and racy acidity is significant.

Question 28

What is the typical flavor profile of Sauternes?

Answer 28

Honey, ripe stone fruits, butterscotch, sweet spices, vanilla-oak. ## Footnote Sauternes wines are medium-plus to full-bodied and can range from medium sweet to very sweet.

Question 29

What is the sight characteristic of Viognier from Northern Rhône?

Answer 29

Medium straw. ## Footnote Viognier is known for its pronounced floral and stone fruit aromas.

Question 30

What distinguishes Alsace Gewürztraminer?

Answer 30

Deep straw to pale yellow; exotic, highly-perfumed nose; medium-plus to full-bodied palate. ## Footnote Gewürztraminer often has a touch of residual sugar and a hallmark bitter finish.

Question 31

What are the typical characteristics of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise?

Answer 31

Medium to deep yellow; spirity nose with ripe white fruits and honey; full-bodied and medium sweet palate. ## Footnote This wine is a Vin Doux Naturel and often has oak presence.

Question 32

Identify the sight characteristics of Northern Italian Pinot Grigio.

Answer 32

Pale to medium straw with a touch of rose/copper. ## Footnote The visual aspect can indicate the wine's style and origin.

Question 33

What are the key identification characteristics of Alsace Pinot Gris?

Answer 33

Deep straw to medium yellow with hint of copper; ripe, smoky yellow apple and melon; medium-plus to full-bodied. ## Footnote Often off-dry with rich fruit and earthy character.

Question 34

What is the typical nose profile of Marsanne from the Rhône?

Answer 34

Ripe golden apple, peach, melon, citrus, jasmine floral notes. ## Footnote Marsanne is often blended with Roussanne and may show oxidative qualities.

Question 35

What is the acidity level of the wine described?

Answer 35

medium to medium-plus

Question 36

What are the ID Keys for the wine with rich, smoky pear-melon fruit?

Answer 36

full-bodied and off-dry with residual sugar and oily texture

Question 37

Describe the sight of MARSANNE.

Answer 37

deep straw to yellow gold

Question 38

What are the primary aromas in MARSANNE?

Answer 38

ripe golden apple, peach, melon, citrus, jasmine

Question 39

What is the palate description for MARSANNE?

Answer 39

dry, rich and full bodied

Question 40

What is the structure of MARSANNE in terms of alcohol and acidity?

Answer 40

medium-plus to high alcohol; medium to medium-plus acidity

Question 41

What are the ID Keys for recognizing MARSANNE?

Answer 41

ripe fruits, waxiness, high alcohol, earthiness

Question 42

What is the sight of GRÜNER VELTLINER?

Answer 42

pale to deep straw

Question 43

How does the nose of GRÜNER VELTLINER vary?

Answer 43

varies with different regions/climates and classifications

Question 44

What are the flavor notes of cool climate GRÜNER VELTLINER?

Answer 44

tart green apple/pear, bright citrus fruits, herbal-vegetal qualities

Question 45

What are the flavor notes of warmer region GRÜNER VELTLINER?

Answer 45

riper fruit, peach-nectarine, rhubarb, yellow apple, honey

Question 46

What is the general palate description for GRÜNER VELTLINER?

Answer 46

very dry with styles ranging from light and racy to rich and weighty

Question 47

What is the structure of GRÜNER VELTLINER?

Answer 47

medium to high alcohol; medium-plus to high acidity

Question 48

What are the unique ID Keys for GRÜNER VELTLINER?

Answer 48

can be light and racy or full-bodied and grand; ripe fruit, celery-radish-white pepper combination

Question 49

What is the sight of ALBARIÑO?

Answer 49

pale to medium straw

Question 50

What are the primary aromas in ALBARIÑO?

Answer 50

white peach, green pear, mandarin/orange, lime-citrus, floral, light herb, hops/Pilsner, wet stone minerality

Question 51

What is the palate description for ALBARIÑO?

Answer 51

light to medium bodied and bone dry to dry

Question 52

What is the structure of ALBARIÑO in terms of alcohol and acidity?

Answer 52

medium to medium-plus alcohol; medium-plus acidity

Question 53

What are the ID Keys for recognizing ALBARIÑO?

Answer 53

combination of peach, sweet citrus, herbal-citrusy character, floral, beer/hops, mineral

Question 54

Fill in the blank: Albariño is often described as a combination of _____ nose and _____ palate.

Answer 54

Viognier; Riesling