Grape Varietals

Question 1

What are the typical characteristics of Riesling?

Answer 1

Peach, apricot, green apple, pear, high acid, aromatic, can age. MLF and oak are usually avoided.

Question 2

What are the difference in charactistics between Alsacian Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio?

Answer 2

Pinot gris is gold in color richly textured and have a pronounced intensity of rich spicy tropical fruits. Pinot Grigio is typically lighter and crisper with citrus fruit flavors.

Question 3

What are the typical characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 3

Black currants, black cherry, high acid high tannin, full bodied

Question 4

What are the typical characteristics of Merlot?

Answer 4

Blackberry and plums, full body, high alcohol, soft velvet textured tannins

Question 5

What are the typical characteristics of Syrah?

Answer 5

Blackberry, black pepper, spicy notes- sometimes mint, licorice, anise.

Question 6

What is the difference between a typical Syrah and wine labeled as Shiraz?

Answer 6

Shiraz is typically fruitier, fuller bodied and higher in alcohol.

Question 7

What are the typical characteristics of Grenache/Garnacha?

Answer 7

Red fruit flavored like strawberry and raspberry, hints of white pepper which develop into leather tar and toffee when they age, High alcohol, full bodied, soft tannins

Question 8

What are the typical characteristics of Sangiovese?

Answer 8

Not aromatic, sour red cherry, earthy, dusty, tea leaves, high acid, high tannin,

Question 9

What are the typical characteristics of Tempranillo?

Answer 9

Ripe strawberry and plums, not aromatic, low acid

Question 10

What type of oak is Rioja typically aged in? What are the resulting aromas?

Answer 10

American oak. Vanilla, cloves, toast and smoke.

Question 11

What are the typical characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 11

Black currants, black cherry, high acid high tannin, full bodied

Question 12

What are the typical characteristics of Merlot?

Answer 12

Blackberry and plums, full body, high alcohol, soft velvet textured tannins

Question 13

What are the typical characteristics of Syrah?

Answer 13

Blackberry, black pepper, spicy notes- sometimes mint, licorice, anise.

Question 14

What is the difference between a typical Syrah and wine labeled as Shiraz?

Answer 14

Shiraz is typically fruitier, fuller bodied and higher in alcohol.

Question 15

What are the typical characteristics of Grenache/Garnacha?

Answer 15

Red fruit flavored like strawberry and raspberry, hints of white pepper which develop into leather tar and toffee when they age, High alcohol, full bodied, soft tannins

Question 16

What are the typical characteristics of Sangiovese?

Answer 16

Not aromatic, sour red cherry, earthy, dusty, tea leaves, high acid, high tannin,

Question 17

What are the typical characteristics of Tempranillo?

Answer 17

Ripe strawberry and plums, not aromatic, low acid

Question 18

What type of oak is Rioja typically aged in? What are the resulting aromas?

Answer 18

American oak. Vanilla, cloves, toast and smoke.

Question 19

Name 5 aromatic, white grape varieties.

Answer 19

Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Gewurtztraminer, Torrontes

Question 20

What are the typical characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer 20

Highly aromatic, high acidity. MLF and oak are usually avoided.

Question 21

What are the fruit characteristics of young pinot noir?

Answer 21

raspberries, strawberries and red cherries

Question 22

What aromas develop with age in Pinot noir?

Answer 22

Vegetal and barnyard aromas

Question 23

What type of conditions are necessary for pinot noir?

Answer 23

moderate to cool climate

Question 24

What flavor characteristics will a Pinot Noir grown in a hot climate exhibit?

Answer 24

Overripe, jammy flavors

Question 25

Where in California are classic Pinot Noirs grown?

Answer 25

Carneros and Sonoma