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Court of Master Sommeliers - Certified > Testable Grape Tasting notes > Flashcards

Testable Grape Tasting notes Flashcards

1
Q

Visual:
- Bright ruby with purple tones
- Low to Moderate plus
( Low to Medium Minus in basic village wines, with higher concentration in some Cru wines)
- Possible residual gas from Carbonic Maceration)

Aromas / Flavors
- Moderate Plus to High Intensity

Fruit:
- Tart Red Fruit (Strawberry, Red Cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Red Currant) , Watermelon

Carbonic Maceration Notes:
- Pear Drop, Bubblegum, Cotton Candy, Lifted Red Fruit / Floral Aromatics

Floral:
- Violeta, Lilacs, Peonies

Other:
- Slight Black Pepper, Dry Savory Herbs

Earth:
- Moderate to High Minerality, Wet Granite, Stony, Crushed Rock

Oak:
- None or Neutral Cask

Structure

  • Dry
  • Moderate Minus to Moderate Body
  • Diminished to Moderate Tannin
  • Elevated Acidity
  • Moderate Alcohol
A

Gamay ( Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc)

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2
Q

Visual:

  • Dark Ruby / Purple Color
  • Moderate plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors:
- moderate plus intensity

Fruit:

  • Black fruit ( Blackcurrant / Cassis, Blackberry, Black Cherry)
  • Slight Red Fruit and Plum

Floral:
- Purple Flowers, Violets

Herbal / Green:
- Sage, Green Bell Pepper, Mint, Tobacco, Dried Savory Herbs

Spice (Savory):
- Green Peppercorn, Anise, Clove, Exotic Spices

Other:
- Leather, Pencil Shavings, Cedar, Iodine, Medicinal, Game, Cigar Box

Earth:
- Moderate Plus to high Minerality, Graphite, Gravel, Iron, Damp Soil, Mushroom

Oak:
- Moderate Plus to High Use of New French Oak ( Baking Spices, Clove, Smoke, Coffee, Vanilla, Roasted Nut, Cedar)

Structure

  • Dry
  • Moderate to Moderate plus Body
  • Elevated Tannin
  • Moderate to Elevated Acidity
  • Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
A

Cabernet Sauvignon - Bordeaux (Graves and Medoc)

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3
Q

Visual

  • Dark Ruby to Purple Color
  • Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors:

Fruit:

  • ripe / lush black fruit (cassis / black currant, blackberry, black cherry)
  • ripe / lush red fruit (red cherry and red plum)
  • prune

Floral:

  • purple flowers
  • Violets

Herbal / Green:
- Intense Green Character, Eucalyptus, Mint, Green Bell Pepper, Sage

Spice (Sweet)
- Licorice / Anise, Coca, Cinnamon, clove, allspice, Nutmeg

Other:
- Cedar, Pencil Shavings, Leather, Cigar Box

Earth:
-Moderate to moderate plus Minerality, Terra Rossa / Red Soils , Loamy / Clay

Oak:
- Moderate to Moderate Plus use of New French or American Oak (Baking spices, Clove, Smoke, Coffee, Vanilla, Roasted Nut, Cedar)

Structure:

  • Dry (with ripe attack)
  • Moderate plus body
  • elevated tannin
  • moderate to elevated acidity
  • elevated alcohol
A

Cabernet Sauvignon - Australian

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4
Q

Visual:

  • Dark Ruby / Purple Color
  • Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
Fruit:
-Ripe / Lush Black Fruits (Blackcurrant / Cassis, Blackberry, Black Cherry)
- Ripe / Lush Red Fruits ( Red Plum , Raspberry)

Floral:
- purple flowers, violets

Herbal / Green:
- Green Bell Pepper, Capsicum , Green / Black Olive, Mint, Tobacco

Spice (Sweet):
- Anise, Cocoa, Cinnamon, Clove, Allspice, Nutmeg

Other:
- Cedar, Pencil Shavings, Leather, Cigar Box

Earth:
- Moderate to Moderate Plus Minerality, Damp Earth, Mushroom / Compost Iron, Graphite

Oak:
- Moderate Use of New French Oak ( Baking Spices, Clove, Smoke, Coffee, Vanilla, Roasted Nut, Cedar)

Structure:

  • Dry ( Ripe Attack)
  • Moderate Plus Body
  • Elevated Tannin
  • Moderate to Elevated Acidity
  • Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
A

Cabernet Sauvignon - Chile

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5
Q

Visual: Ruby Color, Slight Orange Rim (even in youth), Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
- Fruit: Cooked to Dried Red Fruits (strawberry, cherry, raspberry), roasted red plum, blackberry, raisin / fig

  • Possible Volatile Acidity, Oxidation
  • Floral: Red Flowers, Dried Lavender
  • Herbal: Herbes de Provence, Garrigue / Wild Brush, Rosemary, Brewed Black Tea, Savory Herbs
  • Spices: Curing Spices, Black Pepper, Juniper, Clove, Licorice, Lavender
  • Other: Powdered Sugar, Dried Orange / Grapefruit Peel, Old Leather / Brettanomyces
  • Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Stone, Gravelly, Baked Earth
  • Oak: Large Neutral Casks (foudres) or Concrete Vats, although some modern special cuvèe styles may incorporate smaller barrels and new oak
  • Structure: Dry, Moderate Plus to Full Body, Moderate to Elevated Tannin, Diminished to Moderate Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
A

Grenache ( Grenache Noir)

Country: France

Region: Rhone Valley

AOC: Châteauneuf - du - Pape & Gigondas

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6
Q

Visual: Ruby Color, Slight Orange Rim (even in youth), Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity
- Fruit: Cooked / Stewed Strawberry, Maraschino Cherry, Prune, Fig, Raisin, Plum Pie

  • Possible Volatile Acidity, Oxidation
  • Floral: Red Flowers
  • Herbal: Mint, Menthol, Eucalyptus, Black Tea Leaf, Dried Savory Herbs
  • Spice: Curing Spices, Black Pepper, Licorice
  • Other: Powdered Sugar, Possible Old Leather / Brettanomyces
  • Earth: Moderate Minerality, Crushed Vitamin
  • Oak: Neutral to Moderate Use of New French of American Oak
  • Structure: Dry (with a Ripe, Sappy Attack), Moderate Plus to Full Body, Moderate Tannin, Moderate Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol
A
  • Grenache ( Grenache Noir)

Country : Australia

GI: South Australia

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7
Q

Visual: Ruby Color with Garnet Tones, Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit:
Blue Fruit (Plum, Blueberry)
Red Fruit: (Strawberry, Raspberry, Red Cherry)
Black Fruit: (Blackberry, Black Cherry), Fig / Fruitcake

Floral:
Purple Flowers, Violets

Herbal:
Mint, Bay Leaf, Fern, Tobacco

Spice:
Licorice / Anise, Christmas Spice

Earth:
Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Clay, Mushroom / Truffle

Oak:
Moderate Plus to High Use of New French Oak, Chocolate, Coffee, Cinnamon, Vanilla

Structure:
Dry, Moderate to Moderate Plus Body, Moderate to Elevated Tannin, Moderate Acidity, Elevated Alcohol

A

Merlot

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux (Right Bank)

AOC: Saint Emillon or Pomerol

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8
Q

Visual: Ruby Color with Blue Tones, Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors:
Stewed Fruit Character
Ripe Lush Blue Fruit ( Plum, Blueberry)
Ripe Lush Black Fruit ( Blackcurrant)
Lush Red Fruit (Red Cherry, Raspberry), Fig, Prune

Floral:
Purple Flowers, Violets

Herbal:
Fern, Bay Leaf, Sage

Spice:
Christmas Spice, Licorice / Anise

Earth:
Low to Moderate Minerality

Oak:
Moderate to High Use of New French Oak or Mixed Origin Oak, Chocolate, Coffee,Mocha, Sweet Baking Spices, Vanilla

Structure:
Dry (with Ripe Attack), Moderate Plus to Full Body, Moderate Tannin, Diminished to Moderate Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol

A

Merlot

Country: United States

AVA: Napa Valley or Sonoma

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9
Q

Visual: Ruby / Garnet Color, Significant Garnet, Orange Rim Variation, Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: High Intensity
- Fruit:
Tart Red Fruit: ( Sour Cherry, Red Plum), Blackberry, Mulberry, Dried Plum / Prune and Dried Cherry

  • Significant Volatile Acidity, Oxidation

Floral:
Heady Floral Character, Roses, Violets

Herbal:
Tea Leaf, Tobacco, Bitter Root, Tree Bark

Spice:
Licorice, Anise, Resin, Slight Clove / Cinnamon Spice

Other:
Tar, Leather

Earth:
High Minerality, Truffle, Mushroom, Dust, Organic Earth

Oak:
Neutral Large Cask ( Slavonian Oak and Chestnut Botti are considered traditional casks for Barolo)

Structure:
Dry, Medium to Full Body, High Tannin, Elevated to High Acidity, Elevated to High Alcohol

A

Nebbiolo

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmonte

DOCG: Barolo or Barbaresco

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10
Q

Visual: Ruby / Purple Color, Moderate Plus to High Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit: Tart / Ripe
- Black Fruit (Blackberry, Black Cherry, Black Plum)

  • Blue Fruit: Blueberry , Boysenberry
  • Red Fruit: Raspberry

Possible Carbonic Maceration and / or Stem Inclusion

Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Lavender, Violets

Herbal / Green: Black / Green Olives, Green Peppercorn, Herbes de Provence, Rosemary

Spice: White / Black Pepper, Curing Spices, Juniper

Other: Tar, Hung / Cured Meat, Smoke, Bacon Fat, Band - Aid (Brettanomyces)

Earth: moderate plus to High Minerality, Granite, Crushed Rock

Oak: Neutral Barrel / Cask or Low to Moderate use of New French Oak

Structure:

  • Bone Dry to Dry
  • Moderate Plus Body
  • Moderate to Elevated Tannin
  • Elevated to High Acidity
  • Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
A

Syrah - Northern Rhône ( France)

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11
Q

Visual: Opaque, Dark Purple Color, High Concentration, Deep Stained Tears

Aromas / Flavors: High Intensity

Fruit: Ripe / Lush

  • Black Fruit: Blackberry, Cassis
  • Blue Fruit: Blueberry, Plum
  • Dried Fruit: Fig, Raisin, Date, Raspberry Liqueur, Mulberry

Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Lavender (less prominent, than in Northern Rhône examples)

Herbal / Green: Eucalyptus, Mint / Methol, Herbes de Provence, Rosemary

Spice: Blackpepper, Dried Savory Spices, Licorice, Christmas Spices / Fruitcake

Other: Bitter Chocolate, Smoke, Grilled Meat

Earth: Low to Moderate Minerality

Oak: Low to High Use of New American or French Oak, Vanilla, Coconut, Dill, Chocolate, Mocha, Baking Spices, Cumin, Curry / Febugreek, Maple

Structure:

  • Dry
  • Full Body
  • Moderate to Elevated Tannin
  • Moderate to Elevated Acidity
  • Elevated to High Alcohol
A

Shiraz - South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria (Australia)

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12
Q

Visual:

  • Dark Ruby / Purple Color with Blue Tones
  • Moderate Plus to High Concentration
  • Electric Pink Rim

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus to High Intensity

Fruit: Ripe / Lush
- Black Fruit: Black Raspberry, Black Cherry, Blackberry

  • Blue fruit: Concord grape jam, blueberry, plum
  • Red Fruit: Raspberry Liqueur, Fig, Raisin, Prune

Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Violets, Damson Flowers (floral aromatics are especially expressive in higher altitude wines)

Herbal / Green: Malbec may have slight green notes

Earth:Moderate Minus to Moderate Minerality, Clay / Mud

Oak: Low to High Use of New French and or American Oak, Vanilla, Baking Spices, Chocolate, Cinnamon

Structure:

  • Dry (with Ripe Attack)
  • Full Body
  • Elevated Tannin
  • Diminished to Moderate Acidity
  • Elevated to High Alcohol
A

Malbec - Mendoza - Argentina

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13
Q

Visual:

  • Light Ruby / Ruby Color
  • Moderate Minus to Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit: Tart to Just Ripe

  • Red Fruit: Cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Wild Strawberry
  • Black Fruit: Possible Black Cherry, Beet / Beetroot, Tomato

Possible Stem Inclusion

Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Violets, Lilac, Potpourri

Herbal / Vegetable: Tea Leaf, Dried Herbs, Fennel, Rhubarb, Sweet Squash

Spice: Red Licorice, Anise, Clove

Other: Game, Leather

Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Flouride, Limestone, Mushroom / Forest Floor, Damp Leaves

Oak: Neutral to High Use of French Oak, Toast, Vanilla Bean, Smoke, Baking Spices, Cinnamon, Roasted Nut, Caramel (Côte de Nuits producers use higher percentage of new oak than their counterparts in the Côte de Beaune)

Structure:

  • Dry
  • Moderate to Moderate Plus Body
  • Diminished to Elevated Tannin
  • Elevated Acidity
  • Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
A

Pinot Noir - Côte d’Or - France

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14
Q

Visual:

  • High Clarity
  • Bright Ruby Color
  • Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit: Ripe / Lush
Red Fruit: Strawberry Jam, Cherry, Raspberry
Black Fruit: Blackcherry, Plum, Prune

Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Potpourri

Herbal: Tea Leaf, Citrus Zest / Peel

Spice: Red Licorice, Clove, Cinnamon

Other: Cola, Cola Nut

Earth: Moderate Minerality

Oak: Moderate Plus to High Use of New French Oak (1/3 or more new barrels), Toast, Vanilla Bean, Smoke, Baking Spices, Clove, Cinnamon, Roasted Nut, Caramel

Structure:

  • Dry (with ripe attack)
  • Moderate plus body
  • Moderate Tannin
  • Moderate to Elevated Acidity
  • Elevated Alcohol
A

Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley - California

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15
Q

Visual:

  • Ruby
  • Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit: Ripe / Lush

  • Red Fruit: Strawberry, Cherry, Raspberry
  • Black Fruit: Black Cherry
  • Blue Fruit: Blueberry

Floral: Purple and Red Flowers, Potpourri

Herbal: Tea Leaf, Citrus Zest / Peel, Tomato Leaf

Spice: Red Licorice, Oak Spices

Other: Cola, Cola Nut

Earth: Moderate Plus Minerality, Wet Leaves, Compost, Mushroom, Forest Floor

Oak: Moderate to High Use of French Oak, Vanilla, Baking Spices, Coffee, Chocolate, Caramel

Structure:

  • Dry (with ripe attack)
  • Moderate Plus Body
  • Diminished to Moderate Tannin
  • Moderate to Elevated Acidity
  • Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
A

Pinot Noir - Williamette Valley - Oregon

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16
Q

Visual

  • light Ruby with slightly garnet tones
  • Moderate Minus to Moderate Concentration (concentration and color may be darker if the wine is a blend)

Aroma / Flavors:

Fruit: Tart / Dried

  • Red Fruit: Sour Cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Red Currant, Red Apple, Tomato
  • Black Fruit: Black Cherry, Mulberry

Floral: Dried Flowers, Potpourri

Herbal / Green: Fennel, Roasted Savory Herbs, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram, Camphor, Bitter Root

Spice: Clove, Smoke (Brettanomyces Indictators), Coffee / Oak Spices

Other: Sanguine / Blood, Balsamic, Animal, Leather, Tar

Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Clay, Crushed Rock, Baked Earth

Oak:
- none or large neutral cask with possible mixed use of French oak barriques ( classic examples do not see any significant new wood)

Structure:
- Bone Dry to Dry

  • Moderate to moderate plus body
  • Elevated to high tannin
  • Elevated to high acidity
  • Moderate to elevated alcohol
A

Sangiovese - Tuscany - Chianti Classico - Italy

17
Q

Visual

  • Dark Ruby with slightly garnet rim variation
  • Moderate Plus Concentration

Aroma / Flavors:

Fruit: Tart / Dried

  • Red Fruit: Sour Cherry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Red Currant, Red Apple, Tomato
  • Black Fruit: Black Cherry, Mulberry

Floral: Dried Flowers, Potpourri

Herbal / Green: Fennel, Roasted Savory Herbs, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram, Camphor, Bitter Root

Spice: Clove, Smoke (Brettanomyces Indictators), Coffee / Oak Spices

Other: Sanguine / Blood, Balsamic, Animal, Leather, Tar

Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Clay, Crushed Rock, Baked Earth

Oak:
- large neutral cask with possible mixes use of French Oak Barriques

Structure:
- Bone Dry to Dry

  • Full Body
  • Elevated to high tannin
  • Elevated to high acidity
  • Elevated alcohol
A

Sangiovese - Tuscany - Brunello di Montalcino - Italy

18
Q

Visual:

  • Ruby
  • Moderate Minus to Moderate Concentration

Aroma / Flavors: Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit: Tart / Dried

  • Red Fruit: Cherry, Strawberry, Red Currant, Sour Asian Plum, Dried Plum

Significant Oxidation and Brettanomyces for Gran Reserva Styles

Floral: Red and Dried Flowers

Herbal: Tobacco , Dill

Other: Sweet and Sour Sauce, Iodine, Leather, Spice

Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Baked Earth, Clay, Compost

Oak: Low to Moderate Use of New American or Mixed American / French Barrels ( Long Aging in Oak for Reserva and Gran Reserva Styles), vanilla, coconut, dill, cumin, curry, fenugreek, sandalwood

Structure:

  • Dry
  • Moderate Plus Body
  • Elevated Tannin
  • Moderate to Elevated Acidity
  • Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
A

Tempranillo - Rioja - Spain

19
Q

Visual

  • Ruby / Dark Ruby
  • Moderate to Moderate Plus Concentration ( color and concentration are highly affected by blending other varieties)

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Plus to High Intensity of Aromas

Fruit: Ripe / Jammy

  • Red Fruit: Raspberry, Cranberry Jam, Raisin, Fig, Cherry Compote, apricot, peach yogurt
  • Black Cherry: Blackberry, Cassis
  • Blue Fruit: Blueberry

Non - Fruit: Black pepper, Briar, Slight Potting Soil / Turned Earth

Oak: Neutral to Moderate Use of New American Oak, French Oak, of Mixed Barrels: Vanilla, Sawdust, Coconut, Chocolate, Mocha, Coffee, Caramel, Dillwood, Cinnamon

Structure:

  • Dry (often with perceptible RS)
  • Full Body
  • Moderate Tannin
  • Moderate to Elevated Acidity
  • Elevated to High Alcohol
A

Zinfandel - California

20
Q

Visual
- Pale Straw / Straw with hints of Green

  • Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Intensity

Fruit: Tart to Ripe

  • Tree fruit: Green Apple, Yellow Apple, Green Pear
  • Citrus: Lemon

Sulphuric Note (especially in youth): Fling, Burnt Match, Slight Cabbage

Oxidative Notes (if neutral barrels are employed): Hazelnut, Almond, Chesse Rind

Floral: Faint white Flowers, Apple Blossoms, Hasthorne Acacia

Earth: High Minerality, Stony, Chalk, Saline / Seaspray, oyster shell, Button Mushroom

Oak: None or Neutral Barrel

Struture:

  • Bone Dry to Dry
  • Moderate to Moderate Plus Body
  • Elevated to High Acidy
  • Moderate Alcohol
A

Chardonnay - Chablis - France

21
Q

Visual:
straw to yellow / pale gold
Moderate to Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit:
Tree Fruits: Green / Yellow Apple, Pear, Quince

Citrus: Lemon, Melon

Stone Fruit: White Peach, Yellow Cherry

Sulphuric Note (especially in youth): Flint, Burnt Match, Slight Cabbage

Oxidative Notes: Almond, Hazelnut, Cheese Rind

Malolactic Notes: Slight Butter, Crème Fraiche / Sour Cream

Floral: White Flowers, Acacia, Hawthorne, Honeysuckle, Apple Blossoms

Other: Slight Spice, Slight Savory Herbs

Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Limestone, Button Mushroom

Oak: Low to high use of French oak, toffee, salted caramel, butterscotch, sweet baking spices, cinnamon, toast, smoke

Bottle Age Aromas: Truffle, Honey, Nut

Structure:

  • dry
  • moderate to full body
  • elevated acidity
  • moderate to elevated alcohol
A

Chardonnay - Côte de Beaune - France

22
Q

Visual

  • yellow / pale gold
  • moderate plus concentration

Aromas / Flavors
- Moderate to Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit: Ripe

Tree Fruits: Yellow Apple, Baked Pears

Citrus Fruit: Meyer Lemon , Ripe Apricot, Melon

Tropical Fruits: Pineapple, Mango

Floral: White Flowers, Apple Blossoms, Honeysuckle

Oxidative Notes: Hazelnut, Almond

Malolactic Notes: Butter, Yogurt, Crème Fraiche / Sour Cream

Other: Sweet / Canned Corn

Earth: Low Minerality, Sight Limestone

Oak: Moderate to high use of French Oak, Toffee, Salted Caramel, Butterscotch, Sweet Baking Spices, Vanilla, Pie Crust, Toast

Structure

  • Dry (may have slight RS)
  • Moderate Plus to full body
  • Moderate Acidity
  • Elevated Alcohol
A

Chardonnay - Oak Driven - California

23
Q

Visual

  • Pale Straw with Hints of Green
  • Moderate Minus Concentration
  • Slight Residual Gas ( in youth)

Aromas / Flavors:
- Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit: Ripe

Citrus: Orange, Meyer Lemon, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Melon

Stone Fruit: white peach, peach pit, apricot, nectorine

Tree Fruit: Green Apple

Floral:

  • White and Yellow Flowers
  • Citrus and Apple Blossoms

Other: Bubblegum, Agave, Slight Beer Yeast, Leesy, Saline, Possible ML fermentation

Earth:Moderate Plus Minerality

Oak: None

Structure:

  • Dry
  • Moderate Body
  • Elevated Acidity
  • Moderate Alcohol
A

Albariño - Rías Baixas - Spain

24
Q

Visual
Pale Straw / Straw with hints of green
Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors:
Moderate to Moderate Plus Intensity of Aromas

Fruit:
Tree Fruit: Green, Golden, Oxidized Apple, Quince, Yellow Pear

Citrus: Tangerine , Orange, Lemon

Sulphuric Notes in youth

Oxidative Notes: Slightly Bruised Apple, Bitter Nut, Almond, Cheese Rind / Soft Cheese

Floral: Orange Blossoms, Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Fragrant White Flowers

Herbal: Chamomile / Herbal Tea, Medicinal Notes, Dandelion Greens, Wasabi, Savory Herbs, Tree Bark

Botrytis: Honey (particularly with Bottle Age), Ginger, Marmalade

Other: Wet Wool, Lanolin

Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Damp Straw, Limestone / Tuffeau, Wet Stones, White Mushroom

Oak: None or Neutral Cask

Structure:

  • Dry to Off Dry (examples typically have slight RS)
  • Moderate Body
  • High Acidity
  • Diminished to Moderate Alcohol
A

Chenin Blanc - Vouvray - Loire Valley - France

25
Q

Visual
Pale Yellow / Gold
Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors:

Tree Fruit: Green / Golden / Oxidized Apple, Quince, Yellow Pear

Citrus: Tangerine, Bergamot, Lemon, dried Apricot

Oxidative Notes: Bruised / Rotten Apple, Cider, Bitter Nut, Almond / Marzipan, Pistachio, Cheese Rind / Soft Cheese

Floral: Honeysuckle, Jasmine, White Flowers

Herbal: Chamomile / Herbal Tea, Medicinal Notes, Dandelion Greens, Wasabi, Savory Herbs, Tree Bark

Botrytis (possible): Honey (particularly with bottle age), Saffron, Ginger, Marmalade

Other: Wet Wool, Lanolin

Earth: Moderate Plus to High Minerality, Damp Straw, Schist, Wet Stones, White Mushroom

Oak: None or Neutral Cask

Structure

  • Dry
  • Moderate to Full Body
  • High Levels of Extract
  • High Acidity
  • Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
A

Chenin Blanc - Savennières- Loire Valley

26
Q

Visual
Yellow / Gold
Moderate Plus to High Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: High (Heady) Intensity

Fruit: Ripe
Tropical Fruit: Lychee, Pineapple, Tropical Fruit Punch

Stone Fruit: Peach, Jam, Dried Apricot

Citrus: Orange Marmalade, Grapefruit Pith

Floral: Roses, Floral Perfume

Spice: Cinnamon, Clove, Gingerbread, Musk, Potpourri, Exotic Spices

Other: Honey, Bergamot Oil, Face Lotion / Perfumed Hand Soap

Earth: Moderate to Moderate Plus Minerality

Oak: None or Neutral Cask

Structure:

  • Dry to Off Dry
  • Moderate Plus to Full Body
  • Diminished to Moderate Acidity
  • Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
  • Phenolic Bitterness
A

Gewürztraminer - Alsace - France

27
Q

Visual
Yellow / Pale Gold (possibly with slight copper and pink tones)

Moderate to Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate to Moderate Plus Intensity

Fruit: Ripe

Stone Fruit: Apricot, Yellow Peach

Citrus Fruit: Meyer Lemon, Orange

Tree Fruit: Baked Apple, Quince

Tropical Fruit: Pineapple, Banana / Banana Peel

Floral: Faint White Flowers, Apple Blossoms, Honeysuckle

Spice: Exotic Spices, Musk, Cinnamon

Botrytis: Honey, Ginger

Other: Beeswax, Damp Cellar, Nutty, Bitter Almond

Earth: Moderate to High Minerality, Mushroom / Forest Floor

Oak: Large Neutral Oak Casks

Structure

  • Dry to Medium Dry
  • Moderate Plus Body
  • Moderate Acidity
  • Moderate to Elevated Alcohol
  • Phenolic Bitterness
A

Pinot Gris - Alsace - France

28
Q

Visual
Pale straw with hint of Green (possibly with slight copper and pink tones)

Moderate Concentration

Aromas: Moderate Intensity

Fruit: Tart

Citrus Fruit: Lemon

Tree Fruit: red and yellow Apple

Stony fruit: white peach, nectarine , melon

Floral: White and yellow flowers

Herbal: Watercress / Arugula

Other: Peanut Shell, Lager Yeast / Stale Beer

Earth: Moderate to Moderate Plus Minerality, stone / chalk, ashen notes, saline

Oak: none

Structure

  • Dry
  • Moderate Body
  • Elevated Acidity
  • Moderate Alcohol
  • Slight Phenolic Bitterness
A

Pinot Grigio - Italy

29
Q

Visual
Brillant
Watery White with hints of Green
Low Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: High Intensity

Fruit: Tart

Tree Fruit: Green Apple, Bosc Pear, Quince

Citrus Fruit: Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit

Stone Fruit: White Peach, White Plum, Nectarine, Blackcurrant

Sulphuric Note (in youth)

Floral: White Flowers, Jasmine, Fruit Tree Blossoms

Other: Slight Smoke, Candlewax, Panna Cotta / Meringue, Slight Petrol

Earth: High Minerality, Slate, Crushed Rock

Oak: None or Large Neutral Cask

Bottle Age Aromas: Honey, Petrol, Paraffin

Structure

  • Off Dry to Medium Dry
  • Light Body
  • High Acidity
  • Low Alcohol
A

Riesling - Kabinett - Mosal - Germany

30
Q

Visual
Star Bright

Straw with hints of Pale Gold and Green

Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: High Intensity

Fruit: Ripe

Tree Fruit: Yellow Apple, Pear, Quince

Citrus Fruit: Grapefruit, Orange, Meyer Lemon

Stone Fruit: Nectarine, White Peach, Apricot, Cherry, Melon

Sulphuric Note (in youth)

Floral: White Flowers, Wildflowers, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Fruit Blossoms

Botrytis: Ginger, Honey, Saffron

Slight Herbal / Spice: Lemongrass

Other: Slight Smoke, Candlewax, Panna Cotta / Meringue, Slight Petrol

Earth: High Minerality , Granite, Slate, Crushed Rock

Oak: None or Large Neutral Cask

Bottle Age Aromas: Honey, Petrol, Paraffin, Herbs (Marjoram, Spearmint)

Structure

  • Medium Dry to Medium Sweet
  • Moderate Minus Body
  • High Acidity
  • Low Alcohol
A

Riesling - Spätlese - Rheingau - Germany

31
Q

Visual:

  • Yellow / Gold with hint of Green
  • Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: High Intensity

Fruit: Ripe and Cooked

  • Tree Fruit: yellow Apple, baked pear, quince
  • Citrus: Lemon, Citronella, Grapefruit
  • Stone Fruit: yellow peach, stewed apricot
  • Tropical Fruit: Pineapple, Banana / Banana Peel

Sulphuric Note in Youth

Floral: White Flowers, Honeysuckle, Jasmine

Botrytis: Ginger, Honey, Saffron

Spice: Cardamom, Anise, Fennel

Other: Smoke, Candlewax, Slight Petrol

Earth: High Minerality, White Mushroom

Oak: None or Large Oak Cask

Bottle Age Aromas: Honey Petrol, Paraffin, Marzipan, Browned Toast

Structure

  • Dry
  • Moderate Plus Body
  • High Acidity
  • Moderate to elevated Alcohol
A

Riesling - France - Alsace

32
Q

Visual

  • Pale straw with hints of gold and green
  • Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors
- High Intensity

Fruit: Ripe and Tart

  • Citrus Fruit: Lime, Lemon, Lime Candy
  • Stone Fruit: White Peach, White Nectarine
  • Tree Fruit: Green Apple
  • Tropical Fruit: Passion Fruit, Guava

Sulphuric Notes in Youth

Floral: white flowers, purple flowers, Linden / Lime Blossoms, Roses

Other: Slight Spice, Kerosene / Petrol, Margarita Salt, “Fresh Tennis Ball “

Earth: Moderate to Moderate Plus Minerality, Slate, Steely

Oak: None

Structure:

  • Dry
  • Moderate to Moderate Plus Body
  • High Acidity
  • Moderate Alcohol
A

Riesling - Australia - Clare Valley, Eden Valley

33
Q

Visual
Pale Straw with Hints of Green
Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors
- Moderate to Moderate Plus Intensity of Aromas

Fruit: Tart and Ripe

Citrus Fruit: Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime

Tree Fruit: Green Apple, Green Pear, Gooseberry

Tropical Fruit: Kiwi, Passion Fruit

Floral: Faint White Flowers, Citrus Blossoms

Herbal: Green, Pyrazine, Cut Grass, Green Bell Pepper, Blackcurrant Bud, Box Tree, Nettles, Tarragon

Earth: High Minerality, Wet Stones, Chalk, Crushed Rocks

Oak: None or Neutral Oak Casks

Structure

  • Dry
  • Moderate Body
  • High Acidity
  • Moderate to Moderate Plus Alcohol
A

Sauvignon Blanc - Loire Valley - Sancerre

34
Q

Visual
Pale Straw with Hints of Green
Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors
- High Intensity of Aromas

Fruit: Ripe and Tart

Citrus Fruit: Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Melon, Gooseberry

Tropical Fruit: Passion Fruit, Guava, Pineapple

Stone Fruit: N/A

Floral: Faint White Flowers, Citrus Blossoms

Herbal: Green, Pyrazine: Cut Grass, Asparagus, Canned Pea, Green Bell Pepper, Jalapeño, Blackcurrant Bud, Rhubarb

Earth: Low to Moderate Minerality, Wet Sand, Chalk

Oak: None

Structure:

  • Dry
  • Moderate Body
  • High Acidity
  • Moderate to Moderate Plus Alcohol
A

Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand - Marlborough

35
Q

Visual
Straw with Hints of Green and Gold

Moderate Concentration

Aromas / Flavors
- Moderate Plus Intensity, Less Pronounced Varietal Character

Fruit: Ripe and Tart

  • Citrus Fruit: Ruby Red Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin Orange, Lime
  • Tropical Fruit: Passion Fruit, Guava, Kiwi
  • Tree Fruit: Red Apple
  • Stone Fruit: White Peach, Nectarine, Melon

Floral: White Flowers, Citrus Blossoms

Herbal: Green / Pyrazine: Cut Grass, Celery, Tarragon, Lemongrass

Earth: Low to Moderate Minerality

Oak: None or Low to Moderate use of French Oak

Structure

  • Dry
  • Moderate Plus Body
  • Moderate Plus to High Acidity
  • Moderate Plus to High Alcohol
A

Sauvignon Blanc - California - Napa / Sonoma

36
Q

Visual
- Yellow / Pale color with hints of Green

  • Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate Intensity of Aromas

Fruit: Tart

  • Citrus Fruit:Grapefruit, Lemon
  • Tropical Fruit: Pineapple, Passion Fruit
  • Tree Fruit:Green Fig, Green / Yellow Apple
  • Stone Fruit: Melon, Nectarine, Peach, Apricot

Floral: Honeysuckle, Faint White Flowers

Herbal: Green, Pyrazines, Cut Grass, Celery Seed / Celery

Earth: Gravel, Wet Rocks

Other: Beeswax, Lanolin, Cream Soda, Sunflower Seed

Oak: Moderate to High Use of new French oak, vanilla, toast

Structure:

  • Dry
  • Moderate to Moderate Plus Body
  • Moderate Plus to High Acidity
  • Moderate to Moderate Plus Alcohol
A

Sauvignon Blanc ( usually blended with Semillon) - France - Bordeaux - Graves

37
Q

Visual
Yellow with hints of Green
Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: High Intensity

Fruit: ripe

Tropical Fruit: Pineapple, Guava, Papaya

Citrus Fruit: Orange, Meyer, Lemon

Stone Fruit: Peach, Melon

Floral: Highly Floral, Perfumed Orange Blossoms, Roses, Jasmine, Geraniums

Other: Hand Lotion / Soapy, potpourri, slight Musk Spice

Earth: Low to Moderate Minerality

Oak: None

Structure:

  • Dry
  • Moderate Plus Body
  • Moderate to Elevated Acidity
  • Elevated Alcohol
  • Possible Phenolic Bitterness
A

Torrontés - Argentina - Salta

38
Q

Visual

  • Yellow / Gold Color
  • Moderate Plus Concentration

Aromas / Flavors: High Intensity

Fruit: Ripe

Stone Fruit: Apricot, Peach, Peach Pit

Citrus Fruit: Mandarin Orange, Ruby Red Grapefruit

Tropical Fruit: Mango, Persimmon, Fruit Cocktail

Floral: Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Orange Blossoms, Rose

Spice: Cinnamon, Musk, Potpourii, Candied Citrus Peel, Anise, Gingerbread

Malolactic Fermentation (not always present): Crème Fraiche, Yogurt, Butter

Earth: Moderate to Moderate Plus Minerality,Stone / Granite

Oak: None, Neutral Oak, Low to Moderate use of New French Oak

Structure

  • Dry (may have slight residual sugar)
  • Moderate Plus to Full Body
  • Diminished to Moderate Acidity
  • Elevated Alcohol
  • Phenolic Bitterness
A

Viognier - France - Rhône Valley - Condrieu

39
Q

Visual: dark purple color, high concentration

Aromas / Flavors: Moderate plus intensity

Fruit: Ripe

Red Fruit: sweet cherry, raspberry

Black Fruit: black currant , cassis, blackberry, black cherry

Blue Fruit: boysenberry , blueberry

Possible Volatile Acidity

Floral: Purple Flowers, Violets

Herbal / Green (in cooler vintages):
Sage, Mint, Green Bell Pepper, Tobacco, Eucalyptus

Spice (sweet): Anise, Cocoa, Cinnamon, Clove, Allspice, Nutmeg

Other: Cedar, Pencil Shavings, Sweet Leather, Cigar Box

Earth: Low to Moderate Plus Minerality, Volcanic / Ashen, Gravel, Loamy

Oak: Moderate Plus to high use of new French oak (allspice, nutmeg,clove, smoke, toast, coffee, vanilla, roasted nut, cocoa, cedar)

Structure
Dry (with ripe attack)
Full body 
Elevated to high tannins 
Moderate Acidity 
Elevated to High Alcohol
A

Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley

Court of Master Sommeliers - Certified (50 decks)

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