Unit 1 Foundation: Day 1

Question 1

Name the parentage of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Answer 1

Cabernet Franc x Sauvignon Blanc

Question 2

Discuss the common markers for Chardonnay.

Answer 2

Tart – ripe tree fruit (apple, pear, quince)
Stone fruit (peach)
Citrus (lemon)
Melon
Tropical fruit (pineapple, mango)
Malolactic notes (butter, crème fraîche/yogurt)
Floral (white flowers, honeysuckle, blossoms)
bone dry to dry, moderate to full body, moderate to high acidity, moderate to high ABV

Question 3

State the typical structure of Côte d’Or Pinot Noir.

Answer 3

The red wines are cherry red in color with glints of dark ruby. The nose offers aromas of cherry, blackcurrant, and blackberry, with hints of grenadine and peony. In the mouth, they are rounded and delicate, with fine tannins and good fruit, leading to a fresh, light finish.

Question 4

Define the place of origin of Chenin Blanc.

Answer 4

Anjou, Loire Valley

Question 5

Give synonyms for each of the eight grape varieties:
1. Chardonnay
2 Chenin Blanc
3. Riesling
4. Sauvignon Blanc
5. Pinot Noir
6. Sangiovese
7. Syrah (Shiraz)
8. Cabernet Sauvignon

Answer 5

1. Morillon (Austria)
2. Steen (South Africa)
3. Johannisberger (Germany and Switzerland)
4. Fumé Blanc (California)
5. Spätburgunder (Germany) /// Blauburgunder (Italy, Austria)
6. Brunello (Montalcino) /// Prugnolo Gentile (Montepulciano)
7. Shiraz (Australia)
8. Petit Bouchet (Right Bank)

Question 6

State major growing regions for Syrah/Shiraz

Answer 6

1. Northern Rhone France: (Côtes-Rôtie, Hermitage, St. Joseph, Cornas)
2. Australia: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Limestone Coast
3. United States: California (Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Napa, Sonoma), Washington State (Columbia Valley), Oregon.
4. South Africa: Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek.

Question 7

Discuss grape varieties commonly confused for Pinot Noir

Answer 7

Gamay, Nebbiolo, Mencía, and Cinsault
(These grapes can offer similar experiences to Pinot Noir, especially when grown in similar climates)

Question 8

Explain how one may differentiate between Pinot Noir and Sangiovese based on visual cues

Answer 8

Visually, Pinot Noir wines tend to have lighter, more transparent colors, ranging from bright purple to garnet, while Sangiovese wines can be more medium-bodied, exhibiting a range of colors from medium-rich to deeper hues.