White Grape Varieties Flashcards
1
Q
Grape varieties unknown outside their country of origin are known as
A
Indigenous
2
Q
Grape varieties grown successfully all over the world are known as
A
International
3
Q
What species are all of the international (and almost all of the indigenous) grape varieties used to make wine?
A
Vitis Vinifera
4
Q
The world’s most widespread white grape variety
A
Chardonnay
5
Q
Broadly speaking, Old World Chardonnay tends to be _____ , while New World Chardonnay is more _____ - ______
A
Subtle, Fruit Forward
6
Q
Can Chardonnay be bottle aged?
A
Yes
7
Q
In the vineyard, what combination of traits brings Chardonnay its body and weight?
A
Ripens to high sugar levels
Has good levels of extract
8
Q
What is meant by a wine having a good level of extract?
A
Concentration of flavor
9
Q
What must Chardonnay growers worry about happening as grapes ripen?
A
Too much acidity lost resulting in flabby, uninteresting wines
10
Q
Where is Chardonnay native to?
A
Burgundy
11
Q
What type of soil is ideal for Chardonnay?
A
Chalk
12
Q
What type of climate is ideal for Chardonnay
A
Cool to moderate
13
Q
Is Chardonnay considered to be an aromatic grape?
A
No
14
Q
Name the grape:
Neutral flavor, showing green apples and minerals
A
Chardonnay
15
Q
Name 4 techniques that winemakers may use to promote a wider array of aromas and flavors in Chardonnay
A
• Malolactic Fermentation
• Sur Lie Aging
• Barrel Fermentation
• Barrel Aging
16
Q
What is the alcohol level of Chardonnay?
A
Medium to high
17
Q
What is the acidity range of Chardonnay?
A
Full range: low, medium, and high depending on growing conditions
18
Q
The major white grape of Champagne
A
Chardonnay
19
Q
Klevner (Germany) is also known as
A
Chardonnay
20
Q
Morillon (Austria) is another world for
A
Chardonnay
21
Q
Does Chablis normally see oak?
A
No
22
Q
Chablis is typically described as being
A
Mineral
23
Q
Two Burgundy appellations known for complex, dry Chardonnay
A
Puligny Montrachet & Meursault
24
Q
Burgundy appellation known for mouth-filling, luscious Chardonnay
A
Pouilly Fuissé
25
Name the grape that may exhibit:
Apricot, Peach, Quince, Apple, Pear, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Grapefruit, Vanilla, Caramel, Butter, Cream, Toasted Bread, Nutty, Toasted Oak, Mineral, Chalk, Flint
Chardonnay
26
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Citrus Fruit-Driven
Old World
27
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Tropical Fruit-Driven
New World
28
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Granny Smith Apples
Old World
29
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Baked Apples
New World
30
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Butter
Old World
31
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Butterscotch / Caramel
New World
32
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Nuts
Old World
33
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Smoke / Toast
New World
34
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Honey
Old World
35
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Praline, Burnt Sugar
New World
36
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Minerals, Flint
Old World
37
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Vanilla, Ginger, Nutmeg
New World
38
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
High Acid
Old World
39
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Lower Acid
New World
40
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Little use of new oak
Old World
41
Old World or New World Chardonnay:
Heavy use of new oak
New World
42
White grape that shows widely different character depending on vineyard, soil, and climate. “Great Chameleon”
Sauvignon Blanc
43
White grape that is highly aromatic and characterized by high acidity, & crisp flavors. Most wines are dry, light to medium bodied, but can become fuller with barrel aging (used in a minority the wines)
Sauvignon Blanc
44
What is the soil type for Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley?
Chalk
45
What is the soil type for Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux
Gravel
46
What is the soil type for Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand?
Marl
47
What is the soil type for Sauvignon Blanc in California?
Sand
48
Sauvignon Blanc in ______________ expresses the flavors of lemon grass & gunflint
Loire Valley
49
Sauvignon Blanc in ______________ expresses the flavors of oregano, thyme, and tarragon
Bordeaux
50
Sauvignon Blanc in ______________ expresses the flavors of pink grapefruit and gooseberries
New Zealand
51
Sauvignon Blanc in ______________ expresses the flavors of fig and melon
California
52
What type of climate does Sauvignon Blanc prefer?
Cool to moderate
53
Sauvignon Blanc needs to have good _____ _____ or else it can become overly herbaceous
Sun Exposure
54
Sugar levels in Sauvignon Blanc can be
High
55
Alcohol levels in Sauvignon Blanc tend to be
Moderate
56
Sauvignon Blanc is most commonly fermented in
Stainless steel
57
Is Sauvignon Blanc typically aged?
No
58
Who created a style of oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc in the 1970’s
Robert Mondavi
59
What did Robert Mondavi call his oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc?
Fumé Blanc
60
Is Fumé Blanc trademarked?
No
61
Fumé Blanc is a legal synonym for
Sauvignon Blanc
62
Is there a legal requirement that Fumé Blanc be oak-aged?
No
63
What soft, round varietal is Sauvignon Blanc most often blended with?
Semillon
64
What are Sauvignon Blanc’s 2 “home” areas in France?
Loire Valley
Bordeaux
65
Which NZ region is particularly renowned for Sauvignon Blanc?
Marlborough
66
On which of NZ’s islands can Marlborough be found?
South Island
67
In which Bordeaux AOC may you find some oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc?
Graves
68
Name the grape:
Cut Grass, Asparagus, Bell Pepper, Olive, Celery, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Melon, Mango, Pineapple, Kiwi, Gooseberry, Mineral, Flint
Sauvignon Blanc
69
Oaked or Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc?
• Light-Bodied
• Varietal Flavor-Forward
• Refreshing
Unoaked
70
Oaked or Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc?
• Medium-Bodied
• Oak Flavor-Forward
• Mouth-Filling
Oaked
71
Sole international grape without French origins
Riesling
72
What is the flavor profile of Riesling grown on Blue Slate?
Minerals & Green Apple
73
What is the flavor profile of Riesling grown on Red Slate?
Peach & Smoke
74
What is the flavor profile of Riesling grown on Sandy Loams?
Spice & Pineapple
75
What is the flavor profile of Riesling grown on Volcanic Soils?
Mango, Papaya, & Tropical Fruits
76
What gives Riesling the power to age well?
High acidity
77
What is often used to counterbalance the bracing acidity of Riesling?
Stopping fermentation short of dryness / leaving residual sugar
78
What is the alcohol level of a typical Riesling?
Low
79
Despite residual sugar, a good balanced Riesling rarely
Tastes sweet
80
What type of climate does Riesling prefer?
Cool
81
Riesling buds _____ and ripens _____
Late, late
82
Neutral fermentation vessels include:
• Stainless steel
• Cement
• Old oak
83
_____ _____ brings out and rounds out Riesling’s fruitiness
Residual sugar
84
Riesling is the flagship grape of what country?
Germany
85
Where in Australia is quality Riesling grown?
Clare Valley & Eden Valley
86
What grape is also known as Grauer Riesling?
Pinot Gris
87
What grape is also known as Ruländer?
Pinot Gris
88
What is Emerald Riesling?
A crossing of Riesling & Muscadelle
89
What grape is also known as Cape Riesling?
Crouchen Blanc
90
What grape is also known as Paarl Riesling?
Crouchen Blanc
91
What grape is also known as Clare Riesling?
Crouchen Blanc
92
T / F
Welchriesling (Welch Rizling) is totally unrelated to Riesling
True
93
What grape is also known as Italian Riesling?
Welchsriesling (Welch Rizling)
94
What grape is also known as Schwarz Riesling?
Pinot Meunier
95
Riesling is native to
Germany
96
What grape is being described?
Fine aromatics, enduring acidity, and the special ability to reflect the character of the different regions in which it is grown. It never touches oak.
Riesling
97
The grape that may exhibit the following:
Rose, Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom, Apricot, Peach, Apple, Pear, Grapefruit, Lime, Pineapple, Lychee, Mineral, Steel, Flint, Petroleum, Gasoline, Almond, Pine Nuts, Game, Leather
Riesling
98
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Lean, reserved, and light-bodied
Cool
99
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Opulent, rich, and full-bodied
Warm
100
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Crisp and high in acid
Cool
101
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Round and lower in acidity
Warm
102
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Citrus fruits
Cool
103
Cool or Warm Climate Riesling?
Tropical fruits
Warm
104
Grown as an inexpensive white blending component in California’s Central Valley where it can add acidity to flatter wines. High yields.
Chenin Blanc
105
Where is the home of Chenin Blanc
Loire Valley, France
106
Is Chenin Blanc typically vinified dry or sweet?
Both
107
Is Chenin Blanc typically vinified still or sparkling?
Both
108
Is Chenin Blanc typically simple or complex?
Either
109
Chenin Blanc has _____ acidity
High
110
What is the alcohol range for Chenin Blanc?
Medium to high
111
Is Chenin Blanc left with residual sugar?
Yes, sometimes
112
What grape is being described?
Apple, Melon, Straw, Almond, Apricot, Orange Blossom
Chenin Blanc
113
What grape is being described?
White grape that is tough, with good disease resistance, resistance to winds, and has high yields
Chenin Blanc
114
Chenin Blanc ripens _____
Late
115
Chenin Blanc does particularly well in _____ and _____ climate areas
Cool , Marginal
116
Favorite soil(s) of Chenin Blanc
Chalk or Tuffeau
117
The distinctive soil of the Loire Valley
Tuffeau
118
Tuffeau is a type of
Limestone
119
Is skin contact allowed with Chenin Blanc?
Yes
120
When working with Chenin Blanc, which winemakers tend to use higher temperatures, Old World or New?
Old World
121
Does Chenin Blanc typically go through malolactic fermentation?
Yes
122
An appellation in France with a reputation for Chenin Blanc that can age for even longer than 100 years
Savennières
123
What region of the Loire Valley best known for Chenin Blanc?
Anjou-Saumur
124
What grape is famously produced in:
Anjou
Chenin Blanc
125
What grape is famously produced in:
Bonnezeaux
Chenin Blanc
126
What grape is famously produced in:
Crémant de Loire
Chenin Blanc
127
What grape is famously produced in:
Coteaux de l’Aubance
Chenin Blanc
128
What grape is famously produced in:
Coteaux du Layon
Chenin Blanc
129
What grape is famously produced in:
Jasnières
Chenin Blanc
130
What grape is famously produced in:
Montlouis
Chenin Blanc
131
What grape is famously produced in:
Quarts de Chaume
Chenin Blanc
132
What grape is famously produced in: Saumur
Chenin Blanc
133
What grape is famously produced in: Savennières
Chenin Blanc
134
What grape is famously produced in: Vouvray
Chenin Blanc
135
Country that produces the most Chenin Blanc
South Africa
136
Country that has adopted Chenin Blanc as its “own”
South Africa
137
What is Chenin Blanc known as in South Africa?
Steen
138
Name the grape being described:
Known for floral and fruity aromatics, high acidity, it produces often mouth-filling wines that range from dry to sweet, as well as dessert and sparkling wines, along with both easy-to-drink and age-worthy representations
Chenin Blanc
139
Name the grape being described:
Apple, Pear, Quince, Apricot, Melon, Lemon, Honeysuckle, Straw, Cream, Yogurt, Sour Cream, Almond, Hazelnut, Bread, Flint, Mineral
Chenin Blanc
140
With Pinot Grigio grown in warm regions, what can happen with ripening?
Acidity can drop very quickly
141
How do many mass producers of Pinot Grigio keep the grapes’ acidity?
Picking very early
142
What kind of wine can result when Pinot Grigio is picked prematurely?
Quaffable wine with little character
143
Pinot Grigio is usually fermented in
Stainless steel
144
Pinot Grigio may be bottled cold, which tends to give the wine
A gentle spritz
145
The two homes for Pinot Grigio in Italy
Trentino Alto Adige
Friuli Venezia Giulia
146
Home of Pinot Gris in France
Alsace
147
The two German names for Pinot Gris
Rülander
Grau Burgunder
148
In the US, a distinct full-bodied style of Pinot Gris is made in:
Oregon
149
Pinot Grigio is a mutation of:
Pinot Noir
150
Is Pinot Grigio oaked?
No
151
Is Pinot Gris oaked?
Yes, sometimes
152
Why is Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris considered to be a good food wine?
Lacks strong aromatic qualities that could compete with food
Acidity compliments the food
153
Name the grape being described:
Apple, Pear, Lemon, Flint, Chalk, Metallic, Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom, (& sometimes Vanilla)
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
154
Highly aromatic grape that produces wines with high extract, high alcohol, and distinctly lower levels of acidity
Gewürztraminer
155
Grape that characteristically has a slightly bitter nutty taste at the finish which may sometimes be masked by residual sugar
Gewürztraminer
156
“Gewürz” is German for:
Spice
157
Likely original home of Gewürztraminer
Italian Tyrol / Termino
158
Gewürztraminer is _____ -yielding and ripens quite ______
Low, early
159
What soil type does Gewürztraminer DISLIKE?
Chalk
160
Two vineyard problems for Gewürztraminer
Frost
Very susceptible to viral disease
161
Technique often used in the winery with Gewürztraminer that sets it apart from most other “white” wines
Skin contact
162
What region of France produces Gewürztraminer?
Alsace
163
German: Roter Traminer aka
Gewürztraminer
164
Region of Austria that produces Gewürztraminer
Stiermark
165
Name the grape:
Rose, Gardenia, Honeysuckle, Lychee, Mango, Peach, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cardamom, Allspice, Citrus Peel, Sandalwood
Gewürztraminer
166
Light-bodied, highly aromatic and flavorful wine from the Galicia area of Spain
Albariño
167
Albariño is often likened to _____ for its sweet fruit aromas of peaches and kiwis, and to _____ for its spicy flavors
Viognier, Riesling
168
Does Albariño see oak?
Very rarely
169
Albariño accounts for 90% of plantings in what area of Galicia?
Rías Baixas
170
In Portugal, Albariño is known as
Alvarinho
171
In Portugal, what wine uses Alvarinho?
Vinho Verde
172
Albariño has _____ berries with _____ skin
Small, thick
173
Albariño vines were traditionally trained to grow up
Poplar trees
174
The climate of Galicia is ______ and _____
Cool, damp
175
Does Albariño see oak
Very rarely
176
Does Albariño age well in bottle?
No
177
In Spain, most Albariño is released by _____ in the same year it was bottled
Christmas
178
Grape whose name means “the white from Rhine”
Albariño
179
Famous grape of Galicia
Albariño
180
Cainho Branco, aka
Albariño
181
Spain’s premier white grape
Albariño
182
Apple, Peach, Lemon, Honeydew, Honeysuckle, Ginger
Albariño
183
When well done, white grape varietal that is supremely aromatic, rich, ripe, and sensuous with high extract and low acidity
Viognier
184
Viognier prefers _____ environments
Warm
185
A poor and erratic producer that doesn’t produce optimally until it is 10-15 years old
Viognier
186
With Viognier, _____ is sacrificed and the best producers pick the grapes on flavor
Acidity
187
Sugar/ acid balance is often set aside in the vineyard with this grape variety in favor of flavor
Viognier
188
Viognier is picked in the _______ to assure the clearest juice
Morning
189
Viognier is best consumed: Young? or Aged?
Young
190
Do some winemakers allow Viognier skin contact?
Yes
191
The only variety permitted in Condrieu & Château Grillet
Viognier
192
How much Viognier is permitted to be co-fermented with Syrah in Côte-Rôtie?
Up to 20%
193
Original home of Viognier
Northern Rhône
194
Highly aromatic with aromas of tropical fruits, florals, and baking spice and vanilla (if it sees oak).
Viognier
195
Does Viognier see oak?
Sometimes
196
Does Viognier age?
Sometimes, but it is often better young
197
May be confused with a full-bodied Chardonnay
Viognier
198
Apricot, Peach, White Peach, Nectarine, Rose, Honeysuckle, Vanilla, Cinnamon;
Oily & Waxy texture
Viognier
199
Crisp, aromatic white grape grown almost exclusively in Argentina
Torrontés
200
Grape that thrives at extremely high altitudes, developing high acidity and heady aromas of jasmine blossoms, herbs, and citrus fruits
Torrontés
201
T/F
Argentina has 3 different cultivars which may be bottled as Torrontés
True
202
T / F
Torrontés is an example of a Crossing
True
203
Name the 3 Torrontés cultivars:
Torrontés Riojano
Torrontés Sanjuanino
Torrontés Mendocino
204
Name the parent that all 3 Torrontés cultivars share
Muscat of Alexandria
205
Criolla Chica aka
Mission grape
206
Region of Argentina where Torrontés had made its name
Salta
207
The highest vineyards in the world are located in what region
Salta, Argentina
208
Soil of Salta vineyards
Sand
209
Climate in Salta
Arid
210
Grape often picked at different levels of ripeness to balance flavor profile
Torrontés
211
Is phylloxera a problem in Argentina?
No
212
Is Torrontés grown on its own rootstock?
Yes
213
Is Torrontés in Salta irrigated?
Yes, through a complex trench-canal system that harnesses the glacial melt from the Andes mountains
214
What other white grape is Torrontés often likened to?
Gewürztraminer
215
The most common Torrontés cultivar, and the only one that tends to be varietally bottled
Torrontés Riojano
216
Is Torrontés indigenous to Argentina?
Nobody knows
217
Besides Argentina, where else is Torrontés grown?
Not really anywhere.
Small amounts in Córdoba in Andalucía Spain
218
There is a grape called Torrontés that is grown in the Canary Islands. Is this the same as the Torrontés grown in Argentina?
No
219
There is a grape grown in Portugal called Terrantez. Is this the same grape as Argentinian Torrontés?
No
220
Nectarines, Peaches, Lemon, Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Rose Petal, Geranium, Apples
Torrontés
221
Muscat is one of the world’s ______ varieties of grapes
Oldest
222
One of the few wine grapes that also succeeds as a table grape
Muscat
223
Produces many styles linked by high acid, high alcohol, high extract, and the distinct flavor of grapes themselves
Muscat
224
Believed to be the original vinifera grape from which all others descended
Muscat
225
What climate does Muscat prefer?
Warm to hot
226
What soil type does Muscat prefer?
Deep, damp soils
227
Muscat buds early, leaving it susceptible to
Spring frosts
228
T / F
Muscat grapes can be a range of colors, from white or pale yellow to black and every color in-between
True
229
T / F
Muscat works well with maderization
True
230
Italian term for Muscat
Moscato
231
Grape, Raisin, Peach, Pineapple, Apricot, Mango, Orange, Rose, Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Orange Blossom, Coriander, Cinnamon, Ginger, Earthy, Caramel, Musk
Muscat
232
Sparkling wine produced primarily from Glera
Prosecco
233
Glera’s home
Veneto
234
Conegliano and Valdobbiadene are known for what grape
Glera
235
Does Glera ripen early or late?
Late (mid-September)
236
What method is used to produce Prosecco?
Charmat
237
What percentage of Prosecco must be Glera?
85%
238
What sweetness level is a typical Prosecco?
Extra Dry
239
Wine produced in stainless steel, never seeing wood, using the tank method for sparkling wine with notes of White Peach, Apricot, Lemon, Grapefruit, Apple, Pear
Prosecco
240
Neutral Italian white that sees high levels of production for a range of white wines
Trebbiano
241
Crisp white of Piedmont’s Gavi
Cortese
242
Grape of the Veneto’s dry Soave
Garganega
243
White grape of Italy’s Marche region
Verdicchio
244
Italian white, used for both dry and sweet wines, famously from Sardinia
Vermentino
245
Italian white, used for both dry and sweet wines, famously from Sardinia
Vermentino
246
Burgundy’s other white grape, the basis for the cocktail known as the Kir
Aligoté
247
What is the acid level for Aligoté
High
248
The grape of the western Loire’s light-bodied Muscadet wine, frequently paired with seafood
Melon de Bourgogne
249
Rhône whites often blended together or blended into the famous Rhône appellations of Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Marsanne & Roussane
250
Number one white of Austria
Grüner Veltliner
251
Grecian white known for its minerality, produced on the volcanic island of Santorini
Assyrtiko
252
Aromatic & spicy Greek white varietal
Moschofilero
253
Widely planted aromatic Greek white varietal used to produce both white and rosé wines as well as Restina
Roditis
254
Neutral German grape that makes many ordinary wines
Müller-Thurgau
255
Higher acid German white that is a common component in blends, but shines on its own in some regions
Silvaner
256
Produces dry white wines and is also the principal grape of Hungary’s famed Tokaji dessert wine
Furmint
257
Dry fruity white from Switzerland
Chasselas
258
Macebeo aka
Viura
259
Viura aka
Macabeo
260
Basis for white Rioja and a component of much Cava
Macabeo / Viura
261
Basis for white Rioja and a component of much Cava
Macabeo / Viura
262
Besides Macabeo / Viura, two other major Cava components
Xarel-lo & Parellada
263
Major grape in Sherry production
Palomino
264
Characteristic grape of the Rueda region
Verdejo
