Red Wine, Set 3

Question 1

What are the 3 main differences between Zinfandel and Primitivo?

Answer 1

1. Provenance (Croatia vs Puglia, Italy)
2. Flavor profile (see footnote)
3. Color (deep, ruby red vs lighter purplish color).

Zinfandel originated in Croatia and was brought to the U.S. in the early 1900’s. Primitivo is native to the Puglia region of Italy.

In terms of flavor, Zinfandels tend to be bold, spicy, high-alcohol wines with hints of ripe berries.

Primitivo wines, on the other hand, exhibit intense fruit flavors, like black cherry and plum. And while most Zinfandels will see new oak, not all Primitivos do.

Question 2

In what region and country does Primitivo live?

Answer 2

Puglia, Italy

Puglia is the heel of Italy’s boot.

Question 3

What kind of climate do Zinfandel and Primitivo wines prefer?

Answer 3

Warm climate

A tendency of these closely-related varieties is for individual berries within a cluster to raisinate, which gives prune-like flavors to the final wine.

This tendency of the grapes to ripen unevenly results in a range of berry fruit flavors being present in the wine, like red berry notes (like tart raspberry) alongside super ripe blackberry notes.

Question 4

Which black grape variety is sometimes used to make a medium-sweet white wine?

Answer 4

Zinfandel

To make white Zinfandel, the grapes undergo short maceration on the skins to craft a pink wine. The yeast cells are then removed before fermentation finishes to retain sweetness.

White Zinfandel is more mainstream but, in theory, any black grape variety can be used to make white wine. For example, in South Africa, some winemakers have experimented with white Pinotage.

A far more famous example of this, however, is Champagne, which looks like a white (sparkling) wine in the glass but is often crafted from Pinot Noir!

Question 5

Is red Zinfandel wine aged in oak or in stainless steel?

Answer 5

oak

Oak aging helps to soften Zinfandel’s tannins, while adding beneficial flavors—like mocha and spice—to the wine.

Question 6

What’s the typical flavor profile of California Zinfandel?

Answer 6

• Black fruit (blackberry, dark plum)
• Dried fruit (prune)
• Oak flavors (vanilla, mocha/coffee)

Think: fresh n’ jammy!

Question 7

Describe the (1) body, (2) alcohol, (3) acidity, and (4) tannin of a typical Zinfandel

i.e. the structural components

Answer 7

• Full body
• High alcohol
• Medium to high acidity
• Medium to high tannin

With an alcohol content of up to 17%—balanced perfectly by robust fruit—Zinfandel is one of those voluptuous, ripe red wines you can drink like grape juice with a steak meal, only to realise after your third glass that you are in big, big trouble…

(i.e. Drink in moderation! Zinfandel has some of the highest alcohol content of any red wine on the market!)

Question 8

What are some flavors that Old Vine Zinfandels from California can develop as they age?

Answer 8

• Earthy (dried leaves, forest floor)
• Sanguine (red meat)

Question 9

What’s the difference between Syrah and Shiraz?

Answer 9

They’re the same grape variety but ‘Syrah’ is the French word for Shiraz.

Also, there are certain stylistic differences between the way Syrah is made in France and Shiraz in made in the New World wine-making regions, like Australia and South Africa.

Question 10

In what climates does Syrah/Shiraz prefer to grow?

Answer 10

• Moderate (e.g. Northern Rhône, France)
• Warm (e.g. South Australia)

Question 11

Describe the profile of a moderate-climate Syrah/Shiraz.

try mention 8 points

Answer 11

1. Dry
2. Medium body
3. Medium to high alcohol
4. Medium - high tannin
5. Medium - high acidity
6. Fresh black fruit
7. Black pepper notes
8. Herbal notes

Question 12

Describe the profile of a warm-climate Syrah/Shiraz

try mention 8 points

Answer 12

1. Dry
2. Full body
3. High alcohol
4. Medium - high tannin
5. Medium - high acidity
6. Ripe, cooked black fruit
7. Anise/liquorice notes
8. Rich chocolate notes

Question 13

What 3 qualities does Syrah/Shiraz add to a wine blend?

Answer 13

• Color
• Black fruit flavors
• Tannin

Question 14

True or false?

Syrah/Shiraz is typically matured in oak.

Answer 14

TRUE

The oak softens this variety’s tannins and adds layers of flavors, including smoke and spices.

This oak maturation also helps the wine to age better.

Question 15

What are some of the developing flavors that emerge as Syrah ages?

Answer 15

• Leather
• Meat/bacon
• Earth/mushrooms

Question 16

What is Syrah’s most important growing region in France?

Answer 16

Northern Rhône

In fact, the only black grape that’s allowed to be grown in Northern Rhône is Syrah.

The 3 most important appelations for Syrah are:

• Côte Rôtie AOC
• Hermitage AOC
• Crozes-Hermitage AOC

Pro Tip: Try source a bottle from each region and do a side-by-side tasting with your friends!

Question 17

Because of the steep slopes in the Northern Rhône, are vineyards more likely to be machine harvested or hand harvested?

Answer 17

Hand harvested, which means the resulting wine is likely to be more expensive.

Watch: ‘Is expensive wine worth it?’

This is true for wines from Côte Rôtie and Hermitage.

Crozes-Hermitage, on the other hand, is flat and can be machine harvested, so the wines from here are typically more affordable. They also tend to be less complex, less concentrated, and generally less impressive than Côte Rôtie and Hermitage.

Remember: vineyards grown on slopes typically produce more complex and, overall, better quality wines because their berries get better sun exposure!

Question 18

Why is there… Viognier in my Syrah?

Answer 18

Viognier adds floral aromas and aromatic lift to peppery Syrah!

Viognier is the one grape that’s allowed to be co-fermented with Syrah in Côte Rôtie AOC

Question 19

What variety is Syrah typically blended with in the Southern Rhône?

Answer 19

Grenache

Syrah has no problem fully ripening in the South of France where it can be blended or bottled as a single varietal.

Looking for a good wine to try? Minervois AOC is famous for its Grenache/Syrah blends!

Question 20

What is the most widely-planted grape in Australia?

Answer 20

Shiraz

Question 21

What kind of Shiraz is South Eastern Australia generally known for producing?

Answer 21

High-volume, affordably priced, bulk Shiraz grown in the warmer inland areas.

Question 22

What 2 regions in Australia are known for producing high-quality Shiraz?

Answer 22

1. Barossa Valley
2. Hunter Valley

Located northeast of Adelaide in South Australia, the Barossa Valley is home to some of the world’s oldest Shiraz vines, some of which are older than 125 years!

The Hunter Valley is located north of Sydney in New South Wales and has a viticultural history dating back to the early 1800s.

Both wine-producing regions have a warm climate but the Hunter Valley benefits from cloud cover and sea breezes, which help to moderate the heat and extend the growing period.

Question 23

Describe the style of a typical Barossa Valley Shiraz.

try mention 7 points

Answer 23

1. Dry
2. Full body
3. High tannin
4. Cooked black fruit
5. Black pepper
6. Spicy oak flavors (vanilla, mocha)
7. Intense

Question 24

Describe the style of a typical Hunter Valley Shiraz.

try mention 6 points

Answer 24

1. Dry
2. Medium body
3. Medium to high tannin
4. Fresh black fruit
5. Black pepper
6. Not as intense as Barossa Valley Shiraz

Question 25

In what **2 climates** does Cabernet Sauvignon prefer to grow?

Answer 25

* **Moderate** (preferring the warmest sites within these climates) * **Warm**

Question 26

Why does **Cabernet Sauvignon need a warmer climate**, or the warmest of sites in moderate climates, to fully ripen?

Answer 26

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have **thick skins** and **higher levels of flavors and tannins** that need to develop. ## Footnote It, therefore, takes higher temperatures and sunshine to achieve desirable ripening, which is why this variety thrives in warm climates.

Question 27

From where does Cabernet Sauvignon **originate**?

Answer 27

Southwest France

Question 28

Describe the **general profile** of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Answer 28

* Dry * Medium to full body * High acidity * High tannins * Black fruits (plums, currants) * Herbaceous (green pepper) * Herbal (mint) ## Footnote In very warm/hot climates, Cabernet Sauvignon can show cooked-fruit flavors.

Question 29

What **characteristics** about Cabernet Sauvignon make it age worthy?

Answer 29

* High acidity * High tannins ## Footnote Both structural components behave as natural preservatives.

Question 30

Why is Cabernet Sauvignon usually **blended with Merlot**?

Answer 30

* **Merlot softens the hard edges (high acid, high tannin)** of Cabernet Sauvignon, especially if the Cab is from a cooler site/moderate climate and struggled to ripen. * **Merlot also adds red fruit flavors** to the black fruitedness of Cabernet Sauvignon. ## Footnote Conversely, Cabernet Sauvignon will add structure and black fruits to a plush, soft, red-fruited Merlot.

Question 31

Why is Cabernet Sauvignon so often **barrel fermented/aged**?

Answer 31

* Cabernet Sauvignon has the **capability to age in oak for years due to its sturdy structure** (high acid, high tannin); * **Oxygen exchange in the barrel helps soften tannins** and is overall beneficial to Cab; * **Oak aging imparts pleasant flavors** to Cabernet Sauvignon, e.g. clove, vanilla, mocha.

Question 32

What kind of **tertiary aromas and flavors** does oak-aged Cabernet Sauvignon include?

Answer 32

* Dried fruits * Earth/mushrooms * Wet leaves/forest floor

Question 33

What is France's **most important region** for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 33

Bordeaux

Question 34

Which **Bank in Bordeaux** typically has a higher ratio of Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot in the blends?

Answer 34

Left Bank

Question 35

What **feature about Bordeaux's soils** helps Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen in this moderate climate?

Answer 35

Bordeaux has **gravelly soils**, which do 2 things: 1. **Drain easily** so vines' feet don't stay cool and damp 2. **Retain warmth** from the sun and redistribute that warmth overnight

Question 36

What does the term **"Château"** indicate on a bottle of Bordeaux?

Answer 36

That the grapes used to make the wine in that bottle were **grown on the producer's own land** (they were not purchased grapes). ## Footnote Châteaux can use the terms **Grand Cru Classé** or **Cru Classé** on their label, if the estate has been classified as one of the best in Bordeaux.

Question 37

**Where else in France** besides Bordeaux is Cabernet Sauvignon planted?

Answer 37

The South of France ## Footnote When grown in the South of France, Cabernet Sauvignon has no trouble ripening. It is usually blended with Merlot, Grenache, and Syrah.

Question 38

Which **2 regions in California** are best known for their Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 38

1. Napa Valley 2. Sonoma ## Footnote California is known for producting good- to exceptional-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Here, the climate is **warm** with a long growing season. In fact, in Napa Valley, the three subregions that are well-known for their Cab wines—Oakville, Rutherford, and Calistoga—also happen to be the **warmest.**

Question 39

Both Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Left Bank Bordeaux produce **dry, high tannin** reds. **How do they typically differ?**

Answer 39

**Napa Valley** Cabernets are: * Full bodied, * High in alcohol, with * Medium to high acidity, and * Ripe, juicy black fruit flavors **Left Bank Bordeaux** wines are: * Medium to full bodied, with * Medium to high alcohol, * High acidity, and * *Just-ripe* black fruit flavors * More herbaceous ## Footnote Check out our video: ['Why That Napa Cab You're Drinking Isn't All Cab (Or All Napa)'](https://youtu.be/6spbhnC2Imk)

Question 40

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted variety in **which South American country**?

Answer 40

Chile ## Footnote The **most popular appellation** for Cabernet Sauvignon in Chile is the **Central Valley** and its two subregions, **Maipo Valley** and **Colchagua Valley**. These valleys run from east to west, giving winemakers a vast number of sites (higher and lower elevation; and warmer and cooler) to choose from.

Question 41

In Chile, Cabernet Sauvignon is usually blended with **which 2 grape varieties?**

Answer 41

1. Merlot 2. Carmenère

Question 42

Which **region in South Africa** is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 42

Stellenbosch ## Footnote Within Stellenbosch lies a top wine-growing area that has been dubbed 'The Golden Triangle' from which many of South Africa's award-winning wines come. The success of this region is owed to its **diversity of soil types** (which have both great water-holding capacity, as well as drainage) and **warm climate**. Additionally, **cool breezes** blowing in off the nearby Atlantic Ocean produce smaller berries with optimum ripeness, which, in turn, allows for wines with a great concentration of fruit flavor, deep color, and smooth tannins!

Question 43

What are some of the **hallmarks** of Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 43

Cabs from Stellenbosch can range from **herbal, medium-bodied, and red fruited** to **full-bodied, high alcohol, and cooked black fruit flavors.**

Question 44

What **kind of grapes are used to make a Cape Blend,** a style of wine unique that's to South Africa?

Answer 44

* Pinotage * Merlot * Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 45

Which **2 areas in Australia** are well known for their high quality Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 45

1. **Coonawarra** (South Australia) 2. **Margaret River** (Western Australia) ## Footnote Cooling ocean breezes and ample winter rainfall has established Margaret River, which has an overall warm climate, as a top producer of Cabernets (that retain their freshness). In Coonawarra, also a warm climate region, frequent cloud cover and cool southerly breezes help it produce outstanding-quality Cabernets.

Question 46

**What flavor characteristics** do Australian Cabernets usually have that makes them distinct from Cabernets grown elsewhere in the world?

Answer 46

distinctive **herbal notes** with **mint** and **eucalyptus** flavors. ## Footnote Try to tell the difference the next time you try one; or even do a side-by-side tasting with a classic Napa Cab and Bordeaux wine.

Question 47

Which **New Zealand wine region** is known for making high quality Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 47

Hawke's Bay ## Footnote Because Hawke's Bay has a moderate climate like Bordeaux, winemakers have to plant their Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the **warmest possible sites** to ensure that the grapes ripen optimally. They also usually blend the resultant wine with Merlot.

Question 48

From which **Old World region** do Malbec and Carmenère originate?

Answer 48

Southwest France ## Footnote In SW France, these grapes are typically blended with other local varieties.

Question 49

Which **region in Argentina** has the highest density of Malbec plantings?

Answer 49

Mendoza ## Footnote Mendoza, which has *more than a thousand wineries*, is located in the high-elevation northern-central parts of Argentina, near the Andes Mountains. The vineyards here produce the majority of Argentinian wine!

Question 50

Is Mendoza at **sea level** or **higher in elevation**?

Answer 50

**Higher** in elevation ## Footnote This creates optimal growing conditions for the sun-loving Malbec grape: warm days, cool nights.

Question 51

When Malbec is blended in Argentina, **which grapes** is it usually blended with?

Answer 51

* Cabernet Sauvignon * Merlot

Question 52

**Describe** the typical profile of Argentinean Malbec. | Try to list 8 points!

Answer 52

1. Dry 2. Full body 3. High tannin 4. Medium acidity 5. Concentrated black fruits 6. If oak matured, flavors of coffee, vanilla, mocha, clove 7. If aged, flavors of dried black fruit and cured meat 8. Intensely dark in color, almost purple

Question 53

Where in Chile are the **highest density plantings** of Carmenère?

Answer 53

The warm and sunny terroir of the **Central Valley**. ## Footnote Carmenère needs a lot of warmth and sunshine to fully ripen, which is why it performs better in Chile than it does in Bordeaux, France.

Question 54

**Describe** the typical profile of Carmenère. | Try to list 7 points!

Answer 54

1. Dry 2. Full body 3. High tannin 4. Medium to high acidity 5. Black fruits (dark plum, blackberry, black raspberry) 6. Herbal (eucalyptus) 7. If oak matured, notes of coffee, chocolate, mocha ## Footnote Funny aside: a commonly-used aroma descriptor for Carmenère is *garden hose,* if you can believe that. (One of its less appealing aromatics, for sure.) Do you remember the fragrance of the hose as you drank out of it as a kid? *That's the smell.*

Question 55

When Carmenère is blended in Chile, **which grapes** is it usually blended with?

Answer 55

* Cabernet Sauvignon * Merlot

Question 56

Which **region in Italy** is famous for the Nebbiolo grape?

Answer 56

**Piedmont** in northwest Italy. ## Footnote The name Nebbiolo probably comes from the Latin word *nebula* for mist or fog. During harvest (late October), foggy conditions set into the Langhe region of Italy, where many Nebbiolo vineyards are located. Another possible interpretation is for the whitish veil that forms over the berries as they reach maturity. Others think that Nebbiolo is derived from the Italian word *nobile*, which means noble, and not *nebula* at all.

Question 57

Nebbiolo is the only black grape allowed in the wines from **which 2 Piedmont DOCGs?**

Answer 57

1. Barolo DOCG 2. Barbaresco DOCG ## Footnote In broad strokes, Barolos are **dense, tannic expressions** of Nebbiolo, while Barbarescos are **more graceful and approachable**.

Question 58

**Describe the profile** of Nebbiolo. | Try to list 8 points

Answer 58

1. Dry 2. Full body 3. High tannin 4. High acid 5. High alcohol 6. Red fruits (red cherry, plum) 7. Gentle florals (rose, violet) 8. Developing aromas (leather, truffles, tar/tobacco)

Question 59

Why are Barolo and Barbaresco wines **always matured in new or used oak?**

Answer 59

Nebbiolo's structure (high tannin, high acidity) makes it well suited for **extended aging in wood**. ## Footnote Oak aging softens the tannins and helps the wine achieve much greater harmony.

Question 60

Which **region in Italy** has a high density of Barbera plantings? ## Footnote Barbera is a black grape variety, not to be confused with Barbaresco, which is an Italian DOCG and wine.

Answer 60

**Piedmont** in the northwest. ## Footnote Barbera's *most famous* DOCG is **Barbera d'Asti DOCG**

Question 61

**Describe the profile** of Barbera. | Try list 5 points

Answer 61

1. Dry 2. Low to medium tannin 3. High acid 4. Plush red fruits (cherries, plums) 5. Occasional black pepper

Question 62

A young Barbera is generally *more approachable* than a young Nebbiolo. Can you think of **3 reasons** why?

Answer 62

1. Barbera has **lower tannins,** 2. **Richer, plusher fruit characteristics,** and 3. Many are **unoaked and less complex** ## Footnote This also makes Barbera generally less age-worthy than Nebbiolo.