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WSET Advanced
Flashcards for the Level 3 'Advanced' WSET Exam
480
Other
Professional
01/16/2012

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Cards

Term
Piemonte
Definition

Northwest Italy

  • Largest area under vine for DOC & DOCG
  • Barolo DOCG, Barbera d'Asti, Barbaresco, Langhe, Dolcetto d'Alba, Roero, Dogliani, Gavi
  • Known mostly for reds
  • Also produces sweet sparkling wine from Moscato
  • Major vermouth producter

 

Term

Barolo DOCG

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Aging requirements
  • Vinification
  • Flavors
  • Vinfication 
  • 5 communes and soil types
Definition
  • Located in the Piemonte region in NorthWest Italy
  • One of the world's greatest red wines made from Nebbiolo
  • Must be aged for 3 years (18mo in oak).  Reservas 5 years (same oak)
  • Late ripening; needs south facing slopes
  • Thin skinned; susceptible to disease and low yield 
  • Complex aromatics (red fruit, rose, liquorice, hay)
  • High alcohol, tannin, and acidity
  • Pale colour but great structural rigidity for decades of aging
  • Tannin ripeness and management are key concnerns in the vineyard.  Astringent tannins need management.  
  • High priced
  • 5 communes with distinct soil types
    • Tortonian soils (blue) in La Morra and Barolo are softer & fruitier; earlier maturing
    • Helvetian soils (beige) in Monforte and Serralunga are more structured and longer maturing
    • Castiglione has both soil types
Term

Barbaresco DOCG

  • Where
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • Located in the Piemonte region of NW Italy
  • Nebiollos similar in style to Barolo
  • High tannin, acidity, and alcohol
  • Red fruit, rose, liquorice
  • decades of bottle aging potential
  • High priced
Term

Langhe DOC

  • Where
  • Wine profile
  • Price
Definition
  • Located in the Piemonte region in NW Italy
  • Often accounts for declassified wine from Barolo and Barbaresco
  • Best value from Piemonte
  • Steep limestone hills
Term

Roero DOCG

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Soil and resulting flavor
Definition
  • Located in the Piemonte region of NW Italy
  • Nebiollo
  • Sandy soils make it more approachable than Barolo or Barbaresco
Term

Barbera

  • Where grown
  • Flavor profile
  • Which AC's are best known
Definition
  • Produced in the Piemonte region of NW Italy
  • High acidity, low tannins, and affinity for new oak
  • Sour cherry and savory notes
  • Does best in clay soils of Barbera d'Asti DOC and Barbera del Monferrato DOC
Term

Dolcetto

  • Where grown
  • Flavor
  • soil
  • Best AC's
  • Price
Definition
  • Produced in the Piemonte region of NW Italy
  • High tannin, low acidity best enjoyed in youth with no oak. 
  • Rich ripe damsom fruit
  • Limestone soils 
  • Dolcetto d'Alba DOC and Dogliano DOCG
  • Medium priced and excellent value
Term

Gavi DOCG

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Piemonte region in NW Italy
  • White grape Cortese - light, fresh, candied fruit
Term

Roera Arneis

  • Where
  • Grape 
  • flavor
Definition
  • Piemonte region of NW Italy
  • Local white variety of Arneis
  • Peach and apricot flavors
Term

Lombardy

  • Where
  • AC's (3)
  • Grape & Flavor
Definition
  • Region in NW Italy
  • Valtellina DOC and Valtellina Superiore DOCG
    • Nebiollo with more acidity and less alcohol than Barolo
  • Franciacorta DOCG - traditional method sparkling wines
Term

Liguria

  • Where
  • AC's 
  • Grapes (3)
Definition
  • Region in NW Italy along the coast
  • Best - Cinqueterre DOC and Sciacchetra DOC (both white)
  • Whites produces from Pigato and Vermentino eaten up by tourists
  • Rossese di Doceaqua DOC - light red
Term

Trentino-Alto Aldige

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Labeling irregularities
Definition
  • Italy's northernmost region
  • Very mountainous with little production devoted to wine
  • May have both German and Italian labelling
 
Term

Alto Aldige

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Grapes - Red (2) White (5)
  • Price
Definition
  • In NE Italy; part of the Trentino-Alto Aldige region
  • Highest proportion of DOC production and large exports to Austria (reds; Schiava and Lagrein)
  • Flavoursome whites produced from Pino Grigio and Traminer Arimatico (Gewurtz), Pinot Blanco, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling
  • Mid priced
Term

Trentino

  • Where
  • Viticulture
  • Grapes (2)
Definition
  • Part of the Trentino-Alto Aldige region in NE Italy
  • Less severe slopes
  • Crisp, light, commercial Pinot Grigio (low price)
  • Local red, Teroldego di Rotaliano DOC (mid price)
    • high acidiy, fine tannins, black cherry
Term

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

  • Where
  • Climate
  • ACs (3)
  • Grapes (6)
Definition
  • Region in NE of Italy 
  • Hillsides bordering Slovenia - airflow from Alps and Adriatic
  • Graves del Friuli DOC (red Bordeaux blends), Colli Oriental del Friuli DOC & Collio DOC (red & white varietally labeled)
  • Red
    • Refosco, Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv
  • White
    • Tocai Friulano, Pinot Gris
Term

Grave del Friuli DOC

  • Where
  • Viticultu
  • Grape
Definition
  • Located in the Friuli-Venezia Giuli region in NE Italy
  • Flat gravelly plain
  • Mostly red - light Bordeaux blends
  • Refosco - red with fresh acidity and red berry flavors in Aquileia DO
Term

Collio DOC

  • Where
  • Grapes (5)
Definition
  • In the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in NE Italy
  • Most enduring whites with high acidity and concentration
  • Friulano, Malvasia, and Ribolla Gialla - with oak for top blends (expensive)
  • Picolit and Verduzzo white dessert wine grapes in 
Term

Veneto

  • Where
  • Importance
  • 2 best DOC's
  • IGT and Grapes
Definition
  • Region in NE Italy
  • Largest wine producing region and biggest producer of DOC wine
  • Home to Saove and Valpolicello (well known exports)
  • Veneto IGT - Corvine & Merlot - mid price
Term

Valpolicello DOC

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Soil
  • Grapes (4)
  • Flavor
  • Price
Definition
  • in the Veneto region in NE Italy
  • 2nd most important DOC after Chianti
  • Limestone and granite slopes
  • Corvina grape - sappy, herbal, black fruit
  • Other grapes - Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara
  • Basic Valpolicello - light, fruity, drink young
  • mid price
Term

Valpolicello Classico DOC

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Specialty and 2 AC's
Definition
  • In the Veneto region in NE Italy
  • Corvina grape - sappy, herbal note, black fruit
  • Home of Passito tradition - drying the grapes 
  • A portion of grapes used for full bodied, intensely flavored Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG (very expesive)
    • chocolate, dark rum, leather
  • Recioto della Valopolicella - sweet (very expensive)
Term

Bardolino DOC

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Soils
  • Price
  • 3 AC's
Definition
  • In the Veneto region of NE Italy
  • Similar to Valpolicella
  • Corvina grape
  • Glacial soil
  • Low price
  • Also nearby are Bardalino Classico DOC, Bardolino Superiore DOCG, and Bardolino Chiaretto DOC
Term

Soave DOC

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Grape (1)
  • Soil
  • Flavor
  • 2 AC's

 

Definition
  • In the Veneto region of NE Italy
  • Most important quantitatively 
  • Garganega grape - white - mid price
  • Volcanic hills with basalt susoil
  • high acidity and floral notes of chamomile & iris
  • Soave Superiore and Recioto di Soave are DOCG
Term
Vitis Vinifera
Definition
  • Main European species
  • Produces nearly all grapes used in wine making
Term

Native North American Vine Species

  • 3
  • Why important
Definition
  • Vitis Riparia
  • Vitis Rupestris
  • Vitis Berlandieri
  • All resistant to phylloxera
Term
Layering
Definition
  • Bending a cane down and burying a section into the ground
  • One of only two ways of producing a clone
Term
Cutting
Definition
  • Section taken from a healthy shoot before it becomes woody
  • One of only two ways of cloning a variety
Term
Hybrids
Definition
  • A vine whose parents come from two different specief of Vitis
Term
Grafting
Definition
  • Technique used to join a hybrid rootstock to a V. Vinifera variety
  • Bench grafting is the fully automated process in nurseries involving the splicing of canes
  • head grafting involves grafting onto an existing trunk a new bud / cutting.  Allows for quick change over
Term

Chardonnay

  • Climatic variations
  • Fermentation strategies
  • Regions (8)
Definition
  • Cool (Champagne & Chablis) = steely, medium body, high acidity, apple or green plum
  • Moderate = Citrus, melon, peach
  • Warm = Exotic fruit like banana, mango, fig; full bodied, high in alcohol, low acidity
  • Rather non aromatic hence influenced by the vineyard and wine making
  • Malo-lactic fementation widely used to soften and add butter & hazlenut
  • Takes well to oak; rich toasty, nutty flavors
  • Stirring in lees adds complexity
  • Regions:  Burgundy, Russian River Valley & Carneros, Adelaide Hills, Geelong, & Morning Peninsula; Gisbourne & Marlborough
Term

Sauvignon Blanc

  • Regions (3)
  • Climatic variations
  • Oak usage
  • ageability
Definition
  • Bordeaux, Loire (Sancerre & Pouilly Fume), Marlborough
  • Cool / moderate climtes = high acidity; green herbacious flavors and passionfruit or elderflower
  • Warm / hot = peach and grapefruit.
  • Oak used in the US for more body (Fume Blanc)
  • Usually best when young and fruity
Term

Riesling

  • Flavor profile
  • Ripening
  • Climatic variations
  • Regions (8)
Definition
  • Fruity, aromatic, high acidity
  • Ripens late, but hardy making it ideal for late harvest wines
  • Cool = Fresh grape & apple, high acidity balanced with sweetness
  • Warmer = citrus & peach
  • Typically no malo lactic nor oak
  • High acidity leads to aging well with honey, smoke, petrol
  • Mosel, Nahe, Rheingau, Pfalz; Wachau; Alsace; Clare & Eden Valleys in Australia
Term

Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio

  • Regions
    • Flavor provile
Definition
  • Alsace finest wines; also in Tasmania, Marlborough, and Oregon
    • Rich textured & oily; high in alcohol; moderate to low in acidity
    • Ripe exotic fruit; melon, banana, mango
  • Italy harvested earlier to retain acidity and avoid too much frui
    • Light & neutral medium acidity
Term

Viogner

  • Style of wine
  • Climate
  • Flavors
  • Regions (2)
Definition
  • Soft full bodied texture but more aromatic fruit
  • Needs warm hot conditions 
  • Builds up sugar quickly often before the peach, pear and violet aromas develop
  • Condrieu and Chateau Grillet produce the finest
Term

Muscat

  • Climate
  • Flavor
  • Varieties (3)
    • Types of wines
    • General locations
    • Flavors
Definition
  • Needs warm, dry conditions 
  • Often sparkling or fortified and very grapey
Varieties
  • Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains - used for Asti, vins doux naturel, and Rutherglen Muscat.  
    • Complex, grape, peach, rose, citrus
    • oxidative aging - dark colour, raisins, fruit cake, toffee, coffee
  • Muscat of Alexandria - Fench vins doux naturels; Spanc Moscadels and some dry wines in California, Australia, and South Africa
    • Less aromatic and complex but more common; grapey
  • Muscat Ottonel - for attractive perfumed dry wines in Alsace and Central Europe
    • Young, fruity, fresh
Term

Pinot Noir

  • Late / Early ripening
  • Climate
  • Young & Old flavors
  • tannin & color
  • Regions (8)
Definition
  • Ripens early, needs moderate climate
  • tight bunches prone to rot
  • raspberries, strawberries, red cherries
  • soft light tannin, not deep colour
  • with age - vegetal and farmyard flavors
  • Carneros, Sonoma, Walker Bay (SA), Yarra Valley (Oz), Martinborough, Marlbourough, Central Otago, Champagne
Term

Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Viticulture
  • Flavor profile
  • Vinification
  • Regions (7)
Definition
  • Buds late; loose bunches; thick skinned, rot and insect resistant
  • full bodied, high acid, high tannin
  • oak aging 
  • blackcurrants, black cherry
  • green capsicum, mint, cedarwood - ages
  • Medoc, Graves, Napa, Coonawara, Margaret River, Hawkes Bay, Colchagua
Term

Syrah / Shiraz

  • Flavor profile by climate
  • Aging
  • Regions (11)
Definition
  • Deep color
  • Black fruit & spice
  • Needs warm climate
  • Moderate / warm - high tannin, blackberry, black pepper, mint
  • Hot - full bodied, soft tannin, earthy, leathery, liquorice, anise
  • Ages very well
  • Cote Rotie, Southern Rone, Barossa, McLaren, Coonawara, Hunter, Margaret River; South Africa, Hawke's Bay, Washington, Chile
Term

Grenache / Garnacha

  • Viticulture & Vinification
  • Wine types
  • Climatic differences
  • Regions (7)
Definition
  • Sweet thin skinned grapes
  • Blending and Roses
  • high alcohol, full bodied, soft tannin
  • easily oxidizes
  • Red fruit, strawberries, raspberry, white pepper, leather, tar, toffee
  • hot weather, tolerant of drought
  • Most widely planted grape in Spain
  • Navarra, Rioja, Priorat, Southern Rhone, Midi, California, McLaren Vale
Term

Sangiovese

  • Flavor profile
  • Regions (4)
Definition
  • Not aromatic, high acidity, sour red chrry, astringent tannins, tea leaves
  • Tuscany - Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
  • Blended with Cabernet Sauvignon for Super Tuscans
Term

Tempranillo

  • 5 other names
  • Regions (2)
  • Ripening
  • Vinification
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Other names: Ull de Liebre; Cencibel; Tinto del Pais, Tinta Roriz, Aragonez
  • Rioja, Ribera del Duera
  • Ripens early, chalky soil
  • best when blended and aged in oak
  • ripe strawberries or plums
Term

Climate & Weather

Definitions

Definition
  • Climate - Annual pattern of temperature, sunlight, and rainfall averaged over several years
  • Weather - Annual variation that happens relative to the climatic average
Term
Growing Temperatures
Definition
  • Vines cannot function below 10 C 
  • Above 22 C vine consumes more sugar than photosynthesis can produce (hence in drought vines can't ripen)
  • Best growing 16 - 21
  • Cooler - later bud burst = shorter ripening; 
Term
Factors Affecting Temperature (6)
Definition
  • Latitude - Farther from equator = colder; typically vines are 30 - 50 north and south
  • Altitude - Tem drops 0.6C with every 100m increase making some regions cool enough
  • Fog - can help cool areas
  • Soil - dark / rocky can absorb re-radiate heat.  Watery soils take longer to heat up delaying bud burst
  • Aspect - Direction a slope is facing.  Should face the equator for most heat.  
Term
Continenality
Definition
  • Temperature difference b/n winter and summer
  • large bodies of water can impact as they heat up and cool down more slowly than land masses
Term
Key Stages in a Vine's Growth (5)
Definition
  • Budburst
  • Flowering & Fruit Set
  • Veraison (grapes change color and ripening begins)
  • Sugar Ripening (Sugar levels rise and acid falls)
  • Physiological Ripening (colours, flavours, tannins develop)
Term
Diurnal Range & Factors
Definition
  • Temperature difference b/n day and night
  • Small bodies of water (lakes and rivers)
  • Cloud cover - 
    • Temps drop quickly on clear nights
    • Rise slowly on cloudy days
Term

Temperature Hazards

  • 4 Hazards
  • 4 ways to prevent one of them

 

Definition
  • Winter Freeze - Temp falls below -20C.  EArth used to cover the callus or entire vine
  • Spring Frosts - Cold air below 0C collects near the ground freezing water vapor on the surface.  Kills new buds or shoots
    • Burners - heat moves air and prevents it from settling
    • Wind Machines - drase warm air from above to keep ground level temp above freezing
    • Sprinklers - sprays water on vines which releases heat as it freezes
    • Vineyard design - Plant on slopes and avoid depressions.  
  • Mild Winters - prevents the vine from becoming dormant.  Also large pops of insects persist.  some vines may flower twice thus getting out of cycle, shortening their lives, and producg inferior quality
  • High Summer Temps - accelerate ripening and change style.  insufficient water - stop ripening and vine dies
Term

Sunlight

  • Importance
  • Factors Affecting (3)
  • Hazards
Definition
  • Imperative to photosythesis
  • Seas & Lakes (more clouds or reflection); Latitude (day length is longer further from the equator); Aspect (steeper slopes facing the equar)
  • Shaded buds are less fruitful; Canopy management is a way to combat.  Too much sun can cause sunburn
Term

Water

  • Importance
  • Hazards
  • Overcoming
Definition
  • Through transpiration - photosynthesis, rigidity to shoots and leaves; regulate temps; and swell grapes.  
  • Timing and amount are important. 
    • heavy rain during flowering and fruit set can disrupt 
    • Damp conditions encourage rot and fungal infection
    • Before harvest can swell berries
  • Irrigation
    • Drip - most advanced and expensive - each vine gets optimal amount
    • Sprinklers - cheap, wasteful, create damp conditions
    • Flood - very cheap only for vineyeards that are flat or gently sloping and near lots of water
  • Water shortage - stop transpiration; water stress, can kill
  • too much water leads to excessive vegetation
Term

Climate Classification

  • Temperatures
  • Types
  • Examples
Definition
  • Cool - 16.5C or below
  • Moderate - 16.5 - 18.5
  • Warm - 18.5 - 21
  • Hot - above 21 - generally unsuitable
  • Continental - large diff b/n summer and winter; short summers with rapid drop in temp in fall; very dry summers
  • Maritime - cool to moderate; low annual diff b/n summer and winter.  Rainfall spread throughout the year; long ripening seasong.  Rain in spring a sig risk
  • Mediterranean - Low temp diff b/n summer and winter; summers warm and dry; fuller bodied higher tannin wines; some drought
Term

Soil Composition

  • 5 elements & their impact
Definition
  • Particles, Stones, Rocks - Give soil it's name (i.e. Limestone); Size is most important - large do not hold water / nutrients (sand); small are better (clay)
  • Humus - decomposing plant and animal matter rich in nutrients and water holding ability
  • Nutrients - elements dissolved in water in the soil.  Ideal has low nutrients and well drained. Important - nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium
Term
Chlorosis
Definition
  • Symptom of nutritional deficiency - yellow leaves that lost chlorophyl; leads to reduced photosynthesis; caused by inability to absorb iron.  
Term
Site Selection Considerations
Definition
  • Environmental - temperature; rainfall, sunlight, fertility, drainage
  • Business - Utility infrastructure; workforce, machinery usage
  • Grape Variety - must suit the climate; be in demand, and conform to local regulation
Term
Ways of Managing the Vine (3)
Definition
  • Trellis - permanent structure of stakes and wires
  • Training - permanent wood and canes are trained to follow the trellis
  • Pruning - removal of unwanted leaves, canes, and wood
Term

Pruning

2 types

Definition
  • Replacement cane pruning - One or more canes retained and trained horizontally onto trellis
    • Not easily mechanized.  Called Guyot
  • Spur pruning - 2 -3 bud spurs retained along old wood which is trained horizontally along the trellis.  
    • Can be mechanically pruned.  
Term

Training & Trellising

3 Groups

Definition
  • Bush Trained - Stump with spurs around the head; shoots are untrellised and sprawl along the ground.
    • practical in hot sunny dry; not mechanized.  called goblet
  • Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) - most common; shoots trained upwards and tied to trellis.  Canes are horizontal (low or high) and shoots vertical.  
    • allows for sun and air flow.  good for high density planting.
  • Big Vines - complicated geometry with a lot of wood for low density systems to balance vigour.  
    • Lyre, Geneva double curtain, 
Term
Vigour and the management of
Definition
  • Vigour - the number and size of shoots and leaves grown in a season
  • Affected by nutrients, water, heat, sunlight
  • Manged through - pruning, density, Big Vines (lots of permanent wood few shoots); cover crops, 
Term
Ripeness and the managing of
Definition
  • Ripeness - when level of sugar and physiological ripeness needed to make the desired style of wine is achieved
  • Inputs - water, heat, sunlight
  • Canopy management, winter pruning, limiting water after veraison
Term
Yields and the managing of
Definition
  • Yields - weight or volume measurement
  • No direct link b/n yield and quantity
Term
Vineyard Pests (3)
Definition
  • Phylloxera - Louse that attacks roots and kills vines
    • Only cure is immune rootstock from US
  • Nematodes - microscopic worms that attach roots.  reducd yields, more susceptible to stress.
    • Treatment difficult.  Prevent through soil sanitation, resistent rootstock
  • Birds & Mammals - eat grapes, damage leads to rot
    • Fencing, netting, scarers
  • Insects & arachnids - eat grapes and plant material.  damage leads to reduced photosynthesis and increase infection.  Taint the flavor of wine during harvest
Term

Non Systemic Diseases

3 types

Definition
  • Downy Mildew - warm humid conditions; green parts of vine (epec leaves); impeads ripening and yields
  • Powdery Mildew - Warm, shady conditions; green parts of vine; affects bud development and shoot growth, causes berries to split.  makes wine taste mouldy and bitter
  • Grey Rot - damp or humid - green parts of vine and immature berries.  taints flavors, reduces yields, hinders color production
Term
Noble Rot
Definition
  • Same fungus as grey rot
  • Needs to occur after grapes are ripe
  • humid misty mornings, warm sunny days
  • pierces the grape skin and water evaporates
Term

Systemic Diseases

3 types

Definition
  • No cure for these
  • Fanleaf and Leafrool virus - reduce yield and quantity; distorted growth of leaf canopy; contagious; spready by cuttings and nematodes; dig up and sanitize land. 
  • Pierce's disease- fatal bacteria; spread by sharpshooters; no cure; prevent by cordon sanitaire or inerrupting life cycle of sharp.  
Term
Grape Growing Cycle
Definition
  • Budburs:  March - April / Sept - Oct - when temp is 10C buds swell burst and growing begins.  spring frost is a concern; earth removed from graft union, spraying begins
  • Shoot & Leaf growth:  Mar - Aug / Sep - Mar - shoots grow rapidly; leaves begin photosynthesizing; water and nutrients needed early on.  
  • Flowering and Fruit Set:  May - Jun / Nov - Dec - Temps of 15C; lots of sun; no rain.  flowers start to develop into grapes.  
  • Veraison & ripening:  Jul - Sep / Jan- Mar - grapes begin ripening signalled by colour change.  grapes swell, sugars go to grapes; acid drops; tannins develop; warmth sunlight and mild water stress needed.  summer pruning, green harvesting.  
  • Harvest:  Sept - Oct / March - Apr - Dry; spraying finished earlier; 
  • Winter dormancy - Dec - Mar / July - Dec:  shoots become woody; wine stores reserves; winter pruning
Term

Grape Processing

3 steps

Definition
  • Reception - SO2 when arrive; Sorting
  • Destemming & Crushing - both optional; crushing breaks skins and releases 'free run' juice; 
  • Pressing - separates liquid and solids; 
    • White occurs before fermentation / Red after some contact of skin with juice
    • Vertical press - traditional; pressure from above; plate raised and lowered; 
    • Horizontal - pressure from ends and gentler or inflatable tube within a cylinder
Term

Adjusments

3 types

Definition
  • Alcohol - Chaptalisation - the addition of sugar to raise the final level of alcohol.  Forbidden in most of the world, controlled where allowed.  Reverse osmosis and vaccuum distilation remove water from the must increasing the % of alcohol (and everything else).  
  • Acid - Deacidification is more common in cooler climates.  Potassium bocarbonate or a mix of calcium carbonate and calcium tartrate malate.  Increasing acid through tartaric acid (common in warm regions new world)
  • Tannin - tannin powder or wooden staves in ther fermentation vat; or stems.  Avoid excess by limiting extraction
Term

Alcoholic Fermentation

  • Definition
  • Conditions
  • Stopping
  • Impact on wines
Definition
  • Conversion of sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide through yeast
  • Temps above 5C and below 35/38C and alcohol below 15%
  • Stopping - adding SO2; adding alcohol to >15%; or chilling the must and filtering yeast
  • Most use a single straing of yeast for control; but lack of complexity
  • Lower temps = fruitier flavors / higher = savoury.  Higher needed for extraction
Term

Malolactic Fermentation

  • What it is
  • When occurs and how to encourage / discourage
  • Which types of wine
  • Impact on flavor

 

Definition
  • Takes place after alcoholic and carried out by lactic bacteria
  • Convert tart malic acis into lactic acids
  • All red wines undergo malolactic; only some whites
  • Creates butter and hazelnut flavors; some fruit lost
  • MLF encouraged by raising the temp and not adding SO2; discouraged by col temps, SO2 or filtering out bacteria
Term

Red Wine Fermentation

  • General process
Definition
  1. Grape Selection
  2. Destem
  3. Crush
  4. Cold maceration
  5. Fermentation (30 - 32C) typically 1 - 3 wks
  6. Post fermentation maceration
  7. Drain
  8. press
  9. malolactic
  10. done 
Term
Red Wine Extraction Methods (3)
Definition
  • Pre-Fermentation Extraction - After destem and crush; macerate at low temps; or heat before ferment to encourage color (some fruit loss)
  • Extraction during fermentation - inert vessels; 30 - 32C fermentation helps extraction; a cap forms
    • Pumping over - wine from bottom pumped over top 2x per day.  Dissapates heat and oxyenates
    • Punching Down - pushing cap down; CO2 can overcome you; 
    • Rack and Return:  drain the juice and leave the cap; pump juice back over.  very extractive; used only a couple times during fementaiton
    • Rotary - rotating horizontal tanks keeps thjuice constantly moving and in contact with skins
  • Post Fermentation Maceration - Tannin extraction occurs quicker near the end of fermentation when temps are high.  Extended skin contact results in higher tannin and better ageability.  
Term
Carbonic Maceration
Definition
  • Typical in Beaujolais Nouveau
  • Entire bunches with stems placed in vats of CO2.  
  • Lack of O2 forces grapes to convert glucose into alcohol CO2 and energy.  No yeast
  • Grapes ultimately burst and are pressed
  • yeast completes the fermentation.  
  • Extracts color but not tannin;soft frutiy
Term

Rose wine making

4 ways

Definition
  • Direct Pressing - black grapes crushed and pressed without using extraction means.  results in a very delicately coloured wine
  • Drawing off -Once fermentation of red wine is underway juice is drawn off after 6 - 48 hours.  Fermentation continues at a lower temp.
  • Bleeding (saignee) - Same as drawing off but only a portion of juice drawn.  Main purpose is to concentrate the red wine.  rose is a by prod.  typically not that good.
  • Blending - Red wine added to white.  Not permitted in the EU.  
Term

White Wine Production

Options

Definition
  • Skin Contact for flavorfull varieties like Muscat, Riesling, and Albarino - cool temps, few hours only
  • Clarity of the juice - filter prior to fermentation for fresh varieties - leave for complexity for others like chardonnay
  • Vessel & temp - usually inert, but wood for chardonnays, 
  • 12 & 22C 
  • few weeks up to a few mo's if at cold temps
Term

Sweet wine making

3 Ways

Definition
  • Interrupting Fermentation - Fortification (adding of grape spirit) kills the yeast; adding SO2, or chilling the must and filtering yeast
  • Adding a Sweetinging Component - Unfermented grape juice (sussreserve) when ready to bottle,  Rectified Concentrated Grape Must (RCGM) used to add sweetness to new world brands.  
  • Concentrating Grape Sugars 
    • Noble Rot - botrytis - honey dried fruit
    • Drying on the vine - passerillage.  dry and warm conditions
    • Drying grapes after picking - used for PX sherry and passito; raisiny
    • Freezing grapes on the vine - Eiswein
Term
Filtration Types (2)
Definition
  • Surface Filtration:  Very fine sieve with selectable pore sizes, can be so small as to remove yeast and bacteria.  Only used after depth filtration
  • Depth filtration:  permeable material trapping solid particles; 
Term
Microbiological Stability (2)
Definition
  • Cold Bottling - wine passed through a surface filter and into sterilized bottles.  
  • Hot bottling - pasteurizing the wine.  only for inexpensive wines since it heats the wine.
  • Oxygen stability - keeping away from O2 perhpas by adding SO2.  bottles flushed with CO2 or N
Term
PDO
Definition
  • Protected Designation of Origin - the name of a region or specific place:
  • Quality and characteristics are due to a particular geographical environment and its inherent natural and human factors
  • grapes are 100% from this region
  • produced in the region
  • vitis vinifera
Term
PGI
Definition
  • Protected Geographical Indication - Region or place.  
  • Specific quality, reputation attributed to that region
  • 85% of grapes from this region
  • prouced in the region
  • vitis vinifera or or a cross of vitis vinifera and another vitis species
Term
When vintage and grape variety can be stated on a label
Definition
  • 85% of grapes from the vintage
  • 85% of grapes from that variety
  • 2 or more grapes shown must be 100% of vintage
Term

Bordeaux Climate

  • Climate type
  • Impact
Definition
  • Moderate maritime 
  • Gulf stream warms extending the growing season and making spring frosts unlikely
  • High levels of humidity and rainfall can disrupt flowering and fruit set; promote rot, and dillute grapes at harvest
  • Vintage variation is high
Term

Bordeaux Grape Varieties

  • Blend or Varietal and why
  • 7 varieties
Definition
  • Cabernet Sauvignon 
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Merlot
  • Petit Verdot
  • Semillion
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Muscadelle
Term

Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Ripening
  • Viticulture
  • Wine making
  • Flavour profile
  • Ageability
  • Unripe profile
  • Appelations
Definition
  • Northern limit of ripening ability
  • Dominates in Haut Medoc; also in Bas Medoc and Graves
  • Stone / Gravel soil reflects heat helping reliably ripen
  • Tannic wines with affinity for oak
  • blackcurrant
  • Always blended with Merlot
  • Can age for decades
  • When unripe - tannins are high and it's herbacious
Term

Bordeaux Cabernet Franc

  • flavour profile
  • Unripe profile
  • Wine making
  • Soil
  • Appelations
Definition
  • Saint Emillion and a bit in Medoc and Graves
  • Less body, tannin, and finesse than Cab Sauv
  • Herbacious and stalky when unripe
  • Usually blended
  • Well drained warm soil
Term

Bordeaux Merlot

  • Flabour provile
  • blending strategy
  • ageability
  • Appelations
Definition
  • Most widely planted in bordeaux
  • Full bodied moderately tannic wines
  • Matures earlier than cab sauv
  • Softness, richnss and body
  • blended with cabs for fruit, color, and tannin.  on it's own lacks character.  softness makes it suited to inexpensive appealing wines
  • Saint Emilion & Pomerol
Term

Bordeaux Petit Verdot

  • Viticulture
  • flaobour profile
  • blending
Definition
  • Ripens only in very hot years
  • Deep coloured tannic wine that ages slowly
  • Minor role in blendingproviding tannin, color, and spice
Term

Bordeaux Semillion

  • Winemaking
  • Viticulture
  • flavour
  • ageability

 

 

Definition
  • Most widely planted white
  • Thin skin, affinity for noble rot
  • usually used in sweet wines
  • golden colour, body
  • affinity for oak, ages well
Term

Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc

  • Flavour profile
  • Wine making
Definition
  • Herbacios, Grassy, Elderflower
  • Increasingly for single variety dry whites
  • Also in great sweet wines as an acidity boost for flabby semillion
Term

Bordeaux Muscadelle

  • Flavor
  • Role 

 

Definition
  • Grapey floral flavour
  • Supporting role in sweet and dry whites
Term

Generic Bordeaux Appelations

Definition
  • Bordeaux AC - Red or Whe
  • Bordeaux Superiore AC - Red
  • Bordeaaux Rose or Bordeaux Claret - Rose
Term

Medoc

  • Where
  • Soil
  • Grapes
  • Quality
Definition
  • Bordeaux Left Bank
  • To the north of the city of Bordeaux b/n the Gironde and sea
  • Clay soil; with some gravel
  • Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
  • Mid priced wines
Term

Haut Medoc

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Flavour
  • Ageability
  • Communes within
Definition
  • Bordeaux Left Bank - north of Bordeaux city
  • Cab Sauv dominates
  • Structured, high tannin and acid; blackberry, oak, cigar, cedar
  • Age for decades
  • All except 1 of the 1855 classification are here
  • Communes within HM
    • Saint Estephe
    • Paulliac
    • Saint Julien
    • Margaux
Term

Pessac Leognan

  • Where
  • Soil
  • Grape
  • Ageability & Flavour
Definition
  • Bordeaux Left Bank just south of Bordeaux city
  • Gravelly soil
  • Red:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc
  • White:  Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
  • lighter in body and more fragrant than Haut Medoc
  • Mature quicker than HM, but still not quickly
Term

Graves

  • Where
  • Flavour
  • Grape 
Definition
  • Bordeaux Left Bank - extending south of Pessac Leognan and Bordeaux city
  • Less concentrated and complex than the best Boreaux
  • Reds:  Higher proportion of Merlot with Cab Sauv
  • Whites:  Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Term

Saint Emilion

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Soil
Definition
  • Bordeaux Right Bank
  • Merlot and some Cab Franc
  • Gravel & Limestone on the plateau
  • Clay &Limston on the escarpment
Term

Saint Emilion Grand Cru AC

  • Where
  • Grape
  • flavour
  • vinification
Definition
  • Bordeaux Right Bank in Saint Emilion
  • Merlot and some cab franc
  • aged in french oak
  • Moderate to high tannins
  • soft and rich mouthfeel
  • Red berry and plum
  • Tobacco and cedar as age
Term

Pomerol

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Flavour
  • Best known producers (2)
  • Price

 

Definition
  • Bordeaux Right Bank
  • Merlot & Cab Franc
  • Rich, spicy, blackberry
  • Petrus & Le Pin
  • Very Expensive
Term

Saint Emilion Sattelites

3 Towns / 7 Sattelites

 

Definition
  • Saint - Emilion
    • Lusac
    • Montagne
    • Puissegin
    • Saint-Georges
  • Pomerol
    • Lalande de Pomerol
  • Libourne
    • Fronsac
    • Canon-Fronsac
Term

Cotes de Bordeaux 

  • Grape
  • Price
  • 4 regions
Definition
  • Merlot and Cab Franc easy drinking
  • Blaye
  • Cadillac
  • Castillon
  • Francs
  • Best are good value
Term
Entre Deux Mers
Definition
  • Bordeaux b/n the two rivers
  • Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc
Term

Sauternes

  • Where
  • Viticulture and Vinification
  • Grapes
  • Cost
  • Flavour
Definition
  • Bordeaux sweet wine in the south of the left bank
  • Noble Rot and Passerilage
  • Semillon (Noble rot) and Sauvignon Blanc (acidity & fruit), muscadelle (perfume)
  • Harvest over several weeks to get grapes at right time
  • Yields low and production costs high leading to high priced wines
  • High alcohol, luciousl sweet, balanced with high acidity, 
  • Orange marmalade, apricot, honey, vanilla
Term

Bordeaux Classification

  • Origins & how it works
  • Top Red
  • Top White
Definition
  • 1855 Paris Exhibition - Medoc & Sauternes - chateaux not vineyards
  • Top 5:  Lafite, Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion (Graves). Mouton Rothschild joined in 1973
  • Top White: d'Yquem
Term
Saint-Emilion Classification
Definition
  • Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AC
    • Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe
    • Saint Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe
      • Premier Grand Cru Classe A (Cheval Blanc)
      • Premier Grand Cru Classe B (everyone else)
Term
Bordeaux Trade Structure
Definition
  • Le Place de Bordeaux
  • Sell to merchants / negotiants arranged by brokers / courtiers
  • En Primeur
Term
Bordeaux Copies
Definition
  • Bergerac AC - red and white Bordeaux varieties
    • Monbazillac - botrytised sweet wines
    • Montravel - dry whites
  • Cotes de Duras and Cotes du Marmandais - lighter Bordeaux styles
  • Buzet - predom red
Term

South West France

  • 4 Regions and location
  • Main Grape and profile 
Definition
  • Cahors - Southeast of Bordeaux
    • 'black wines'; very tannic; long lasting, intense, dark berry fruit, cedar and earth
    • Malbec (Auxerrois in local lang) must be 70% of any blend.  Merlot, Tannat
  • Cotes de Gascogne - Southeast of Bordeaux
    • Aromatic, crisp, light white made from Armagnac varieties (Ugni Blanc).  green apple
  • Madiran - South near Pyrenees
    • Red varieties - Tannat; concentrated black fruit, high soft tannin, 
  • Juracon
    • foothills of pyrenees; sweet from petit manseng (passerillage)
Term

Burgundy

  • Climate
  • Hazards
  • Soil and grape varieities (4)
Definition
  • Northern Continental; severe winters; hotummers; low rainfall; 
  • Hazards: spring frosts (chablis); summer rains producing grey rot; summer hailstorms; rain at harvest
  • Calcerious clay soils (Chardonnay); Limey marl (Pinot Noir)
  • Alligote, Gamay
Term

Burgundy Pinot Noir

  • Performance and variations
  • Flavour
  • importance
Definition
  • Does exceptionally well in Burgundy
  • Very old and Mutates easily producing lots of clones which may explain the difference b/n sites in Burgundy
  • Red Fruit (cherry, raspberry, strawberry); vegetal and savory gamey notes in age
  • Medium to high acidity and tannin, full bodied
  • Over 1/3 of all plantings in Burgundy
Term

Burgundy Chardonnay

  • Different flavours by region
  • importance 
Definition
  • Varied style and character
    • lean, steely, high acid Chablis
    • complex and espressive Cote d'Or
    • full bodied Macon
  • 1/2 of all plantings
Term
Burgundy Alligote
Definition
  • Bourgogne Alligote & sparkling wines
  • 2 dimensional flavor, thin high acid
  • 5 % of plantings
Term

Burgundy Gamay

  • Profile
  • Wines
  • Importance
Definition
  • Easy to grow, high yield, early maturig
  • Bourgogne Ordinaire; Bourgogne Passetoutgrains AC, red wines of Maconnais
  • 1/10 of Burgundy
Term

Burgundy Regional AC's 

  • Total Production
  • Names and grapes
Definition
  • Regional Appelations - 1/2 of all prod / have Bourgogne in title
    • Bourgogne Rouge - Pinot Noir
    • Bourgogne Blanc - Chardonnay
  • Restricted Regional Appelations
    • Bourgogne Haut Cotes de Nuit
    • Bourgogne Haut Cotes de Baune
    • Bourgogne Cote Chaonnais
Term

Burgundy Commune ACs

  • Total production
  • What they are; examples
  • Labelling
Definition
  • 1/3 of all production
  • Village wines: Chablis, Gevrey-Chambertin
  • Usually just the name of the commune on label
  • vineyard name can appear if comes from one vineyard (not cru status) but must be smaller print
Term

Burgundy Hierarchy

  • 5 levels
Definition
  • Regional AC's 
  • Restricted Regional ACs
  • Communal or Village Wine
  • Single Vineyard AC's:  Premier Cru
  • Single Vineyard AC's:  Grand Cru 
Term

Burgundy Cru Status

  • How system works
  • Different levels, production, labeling 
Definition
  • Cru status attached to a vineyard not a winery
  • Each Premier Cru and Grand Cru have their own AC
  • Premier Cru
    • 600 or 1/10 of production
    • Must be stated on label
    • Can blend different premier cru vineyards together
  • Grand Cru
    • 33 on Cote d'Or ~1% of production
    • Vineyard name stands alone on the label
    • Grand Cru also on label
Term

Yonne Region

  • Where
  • Soil & climate
  • AC's
Definition
  • Northern Burgudy centered around the commune of Chablis
  • Valley of the River Serein; best sites are limestone, with a layer of kimmerdigian clay (marine fossils)
  • Frost is a major hazard
  • Chablis AC & Petit Chablis AC
Term

Chablis

  • Where
  • Climate and soil
  • flavour profile
  • Crus:  #, flavour, notables
Definition
  • Commune AC in the Yonne region; Northern Burgundy
  • Limestone & Kimeridgian (marine fossils); frost hazards
  • Austere, mean green plumb flavors; high acidity
  • 40 Premier Cru; 
    • Montee de Tonnerre, Vaillons, Fourchaume
    • Riper fruit (lemon, citrus) more body, softer creamier texture; smoky minerality, 
  • 7 Grand Cru
    • Les Clos, Vaudesir, Valmir, Les Preuses, Bougros, Blanchot, Grenouilles
    • some oak but well integrated, needs bottle age, smoky, 
Term

Cote d'Or

  • Where
  • Positioning
  • Soil
  • Northern & Southern halves
Definition
  • Heartland of Burgundy
  • Sopes facing east / south east max benefit of rising sunand protection of Morvan hills
  • Limestone and marl (earthy calcium rich clay)
  • Northern - Cote de Nuits:  full bodies, long lived reds
  • Southern - Cote de Beaune:  lighter red wines; finest dry white wines in the world
Term

Cotes de Nuits

  • Where located
  • Soil & Grape
  • Key Villages (4) and Grand Crus (6 in total)
    • Guyot canopies vandalized by very rigorous nematodes see graves

  • Village wines (2) grapes and location
Definition
  • Northern half of the Cote d'Or in Burgundy
  • Marl soil, Pinto Noir for all Grand Crus
  • Key Villages and famous Grand Crus:
    • Gevrey Chambertin (chambertin, chambertin cote de Beze); Vougeot (Clos de Vougeot); Vosnee Romanee (Romanee Conti, La Tache, La Romanee), Nuit Saint Georges
  • Cote de Nuits Villages:  red or white from vineyards on the cote
  • Bourgogne Haut Cotes de Nuit:  Red and white from hills behind cote

Term

Cote de Beaune

  • Where
  • Soil and grapes
  • Kev Villages (7) and Grand Crus (4 in total)
    • Mnemonic:  All Chardonnays Beleive Pinot Vines Mistake Putrid Mutations for Classic Modifications
  • Vinification techniques
  • regional AC's and grapes
Definition
  • Southern part of the Cote d'Or in Burgundy
  • Clay soil:  Chardonnay for most Grand Crus, except Corton (pinot noir)
  • Red & White (except Volany red only)
  • Key Villages (Grand Crus)
    • Aloxe Corton (Corton, Corton Charlemagne); Beaun, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet (Le Montrachet), Chassagne Montrachet (Le Montrachet).  
  • Fermentation in new French oak - tannin, body, and toast; lees stirring adds viscosity and flavour.  Can take decades
  • Cote de Beaune Village - Red only 
  • Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune:  red and white hills outside the cote
Term

Cote Chalonaise

  • Where located
  • Soil and grapes
  • Quality
  • AC's (5)
Definition
  • Saone et Loire REgion in South of Cote d'Or in Burgundy
  • Limestone and Marl, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
  • Mature quicker and lighter than Cote d'Or hence cheaper
  • Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise - all wines on the cote PN red, CH white
  • Rully - More white than red; sparkling
  • Mercurey - Red wines with highest reputation
  • Montagny - only white
  • Givry - red and white
Term

Maconnais

  • Location
  • Soil and grapes
  • AC's (4); grapes, profile
Definition
  • Sout of Cote Challonaise in Burgundy
  • Chardonnay, limestone soils
  • Macon - anywhere within the region, Chardonnay for white; Gamay or Pinot Noir for red
    • Macon Superieur - higher ripeness
    • fresh apple, citrus, crisp acidity, med to full body; some creaminess
  • Macon Villages or Macon + village name - 43 villages; excellent value for money; 
  • Pouilly Fuisse - richest of all burgundy's; ripe and full bodies, peach, melon, savoury nutty flavours of new oak
Term

Beaujolais Gamay

  • Wine profile
  • Fermantation technique and additional flavors
  • Soil
  • Trellasing
Definition
  • Predominant grape of Beaujolais region
  • Fragrant wines - raspberry, cherry, light tannin
  • Granite soils
  • Rot resistant
  • Trained en goblet and spur pruned
  • Carbonic maceration adds kirsch, bananas, bubble gum
Term

Beaujolais 

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Wine profile
Definition
  • Region lying to the SE of Burgundy
  • 99% Red wine Gamay / 1% Chardonnay
  • Generally simple fruity wines consumed young
Term

Beaujolais Appelations

  • 3 types and their production
  • 10 Crus
Definition
  • Beaujolais AC - South East of the Region / Limestone
    • Beaujolais Nouveau - 1/2 of total BJ production, early drinking released in Nov
  • Beaujolais Villages - North west / Granite
    • 39 villages; 1/4 of the production
  • Beaujolais Crus - 10
    • Saint-Amour, Julienne, Chenas, Moulin a Vent, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Morgon, Renie, Cote de Brouilly, Brouilly
    • Vinified in the traditional manner
Term

Alsace

  • Where
  • coop vs domaine
Definition
  • Between FR and DE
  • B/n Vosges Moutains and Rhine River
  • 80% cooperative, 20% domaine
Term

Alsace 

  • Climate
  • Aspect
  • Soil
Definition
  • Cool continental climate 
  • Vosges shelter the region producing long dry Autums and hot summers.  
  • Slopes as steep as 40 deg facing east / SE
  • Slopes - granite, limeston, sandstone, clay, loam, volcanic
  • Plain - alluvial
Term

Alsace Viticulture & Vinification

  • Vinification techniques for slopes and plains
  • General vinification mindset
  • Permitted Grape Varieties (7)
  • Wine making philosophy
Definition
  • Slopes
    • trained low to benefit from radiated heat
    • hand harvesting
  • Plains
    • trained high to minimize frost
  • Organic and Biodynamic widely practiced; low disease pressure
  • Permitted Grape Varietites - Riesling, Gewurtz, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Pinot Noir
  • Minimum intervention in wine making; terroir, fruit flavors (no malo)
Term

Alsace Appelations

  • 2 ACs
  • Wine type, Grapes, 
  • Size
Definition
  • Alsace AC - 70% of production, mostly white, varietally labeled (100% of grapes)
  • Alsace Grand Cru - 51 vineyards
    • stricter production guidelines
    • Noble grapes only (Riesling, Muscat, Gewurtz, Pinot gris)

 

Term

Alsace Categorizations

  • 2 classifications
  • Requirements (grape type, alcohol)
  • Harvesting
  • Wine profile

 

Definition
  • Vendage Tardive (VT) - Late harvest
    • 4 Noble varieties (Riesling, Gewurtz, Muscat, Pinot Gris)
    • Sugar ripeness cabable of 14% alc for Riesling and Muscat and 15.3% for Pinot Gris and Gewurtz
    • Passerilage and some botrytis 
    • Dry to medium sweet
  • Selection de Grans Nobles (SGN) - Selection of grapes with noble rot
    • 4 Noble varieties (Riesling, Muscat, Gewurtz, Pinot gris)
    • Sugar ripeness capable of 16.4% for R and M and 18.2% for G and P
    • Sweet not produced every year
Term

Alsace Riesling

  • How widely planted
  • Wine profile
  • Alsace categorization
 
Definition
  • Most widely planted of noble varieties at 20%
  • Full bodied, dry with medium (+) alcohol, high acidity, flinty minerality
  • Very best SNG wines
Term

Alsace Gewurtztraminer

  • Wine profile
  • Alsace Categorization
Definition
  • Aromatic spice, sychees, roses, sweet baking spice
  • Full bodied, rich oily, med to low acidity, high alcohol
  • Very best VT wines
Term

Alsace Pinot Gris

  • Flavor profile
  • Characterization
Definition
  • Rich full bodied and high in alcohol 
  • Fresh and dried fruit flavors, smokey honey
  • VT and SGN
Term

Alsace Muscat

  • How widely planted
  • Viticultural tendancies
  • Which versions of Muscat planted
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Increasingly rare - less than 3%
  • Prone to coulure and rot
  • best from Muscat Blanc a petits grains.
  • Muscat Ottonel is more widely planted
  • Grapey
Term

Alsace Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois

  • How widely planted
  • wine style and flavor
Definition
  • Generally blended together
  • Just over 20% of plantings
  • Sparkling wines
  • lack weight and aromatic complexity of noble grapes
Term

Alsace Sylvaner

  • How widely planted
  • Flavor
Definition
  • 9% of plantings
  • Delicately peumed, best when young
Term

Alsace Pinot Noir

  • how widely planted
  • flavor
Definition
  • 10% of plantings
  • satisfies red wine needs
  • light and fruity
Term

Loire

  • Where
  • Broad regions
  • Main Grape Varieties (4)
Definition
  • Region in the west of France along the Loire
  • 4 regions
    • Centre
    • Tourraine
    • Anjou Saumur
    • Nantais
  • Grape varieties
    • Chenin Blanc
    • Melon Blanc
    • Sauvignon Blanc
    • Cab Franc
Term

Loire Chenin Blanc

  • Where grown
  • Wine styles
  • Viticulture (soil & ripening)
  • Ageability 
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • Touraine & Anjou-Saumur
  • Many varieties of wine
    • Barely ripe (10% - 11%alc) sparkling
    • Dry, medium, sweet use increasingly ripe grapes
    • Passerilage and Noble rot
  • Within one bunch grapes of differing ripeness so harvest in tries passing through several times
  • Limestone soil
  • Ages well becoming richer, rounder and honeyed, sweetness becomes so integrated almost not noticed
  • Fresh apple, exotic fruit, smoky mineral notes
Term

Loire Melon Blanc

  • Other names
  • Flavors
  • Viticulture
Definition
  • Muscadet or Melon de Bourgogne
  • Neutral; green apple, grassy
  • Versatile and food friendly
  • Early ripening and frost resistant
Term

Loire Sauvignon Blanc

  • Flavor profile
  • Vinification
Definition
  • Vinified to avoid excessive herbaceous or fruity character
  • More restrained than NZ
Term

Loire Cabernet Franc

  • Viticulture
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • Flowers and ripens early so well suited to Loire
  • Fragrant, Juicy, light tannins and high acidity
  • Also used for rose wine
Term

Loire Centre

  • Where
  • Size
  • Climate
  • ACs (3)
Definition
  • Eastern end of the Loire region
  • Smallest of the four sub regions
  • Geographically and climactically similar to Bourgogne
  • Continental, sever winters and hot summers, summer hail is an issue
  • Sancerre, Pouilly-Fume, Menetou-Salon
Term

Sancerre

  • Where
  • Grapes 
  • Wine styles
  • Highest reputations
Definition
  • Centre region of the Loire west side of the river
  • Finest white wines of the Loire
  • Chalky well drained stony soil similar to Chablis and rich in marine fossils
  • Sauvignon Blanc, high in acidity. typically not ageable
  • Chavignol, Les Monts Damnes are high reputations with gun smokeand ageability
  • 20% red wine or rose from pinot noir; lite
Term

Pouilly-Fume

  • Where
  • Soil
  • Grapes and style
Definition
  • Centre region of the Loire  - east side of the river
  • chalky, well drained stony soil rich in marine life and flintier than Sancerre
  • Sauvignong blancs high in acidity
  • Gentler slopes
  • No Red wines
Term

Menetou-Salon

  • Where
  • Soil
  • Grapes
  • Price

 

Definition
  • Centre region of the Loire to the west of Sancerre
  • Soils are hard and calcerous with some outcrops of Kimmeridgian clay like Chablis
  • Sauvignong Blanc and Pinot Noir
  • Moderately priced alternatives to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume
Term

Tourraine

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Main regions and ACs
  • Soil and grapes
Definition
  • Region of the Loire in b/n Centre and Anjour-Saumur
  • Climate is a cross of continental and maritime, early warm springs, gentler summers
  • 2 regions
    • West - red wines of Chinon & Bourgueil
    • East - white wines of Vouvray
  • Tourraine AC flows across
    • flint, sand, limestone
    • Cab franc, Gamay, Malbec
    • Sauvignon blanc
Term

Vouvray

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Wine styles
  • Soil
Definition
  • Middle of the Tourraine region of the Loire 
  • Always white and Chenin Blanc
  • Range of styles
    • Still, petillant (semi sparkling), sparkling, dry sweet
  • Chalky calcium rich porous soils with good drainage and deep roots
Term

Chinon

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Styles of wine (3)
Definition
  • Western edge of the Tourraine region in the Loire valley (south of Bourgueil)
  • Almost all red - Cabernet franc
  • 3 styles of wine
    • Lightest - sandy soils in the valley of the River Vienne
    • Better - plateau to the north with clay and gravel
    • Finest - hillside slopes, limestone soil; made for keeping
Term

Bourgueil and Saint Nicholas de Bourgueil

  • Where
  • Soil
  • Grape

 

Definition
  • Western edge of the Tourraine region in the Loire valley (north of Chinon)
  • South facing limestone slopes, deep sand terrace
  • Cabernet franc
Term

Anjou-Saumur

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Wine types
  • Important AC's (8)
Definition
  • Center of the Loire in b/n Nantes and Tourraine
  • Maritime climate - warm damp winter, early spring, long hot growing season
  • Red, White, and Rose
  • Important AC's
    • Saumur
    • Saumur Champigny
    • Anjou
    • Cabernet d'Anjou
    • Rose d'Anjour
    • Rose de Loire
    • Coteaux du Layon
    • Savenierres
Term

Saumur

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Wine styles
Definition
  • Eastern side of the Anjou-Saumur region in the Loire valley
  • Chenin Blanc (best sweet) & Cabernet Franc (rich, supple, fresh fruity)- also known for sparkling wine
  • Saumur-Champigny AC - best Cab Franc
Term

Anjou

  • Where
  • Wine types
  • Grapes (4)
Definition
  • Located in the center of the Anjou-Saumur region of the Loire valley 
  • Red, white, and rose wines
  • Chenin Blanc and Cab franc
  • Rose - Grolleau, Cab franc, Gamay
Term

Anjou Rose's

  • AC's, quality, sweetness, grapes
Definition
  • Cabernet d'Anjou - highest quality, medium sweet, Cab franc and Cab Sauv
  • Rose d'Anjou - less sweet; Grolleau, Cab franc, and others
  • Rose de Loire - Always dr, 30% cabernet grapes
Term

Coteaux du Layon

  • Where
  • Grape and style
  • Best sites
Definition
  • Located in the center of the Anjou-Saumur region of the Loire valley
  • Chenin Blanc Botrytis sweet wines
  • Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux are the best
Term

Savennieres

  • Where
  • Grape and wine style
  • Flavor and ageability
Definition
  • Northwest section of the Anjou-Saumur region of the Loire valley
  • Late harvested Chenin Blanc (non botrytis)
  • Full bodied dry wines, austere in youth
  • honey, smoke, mineral as they age
Term

The Nantais

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Main ACs (2)
Definition
  • Western region of the Loire Valley
  • Maritime climate - short winters, rainfall spread throughout the year, summers are warm
  • Main AC's
    • Muscadet
    • Muscadet Sevre et Maine
Term

Muscadet

  • Where
  • Soil
  • Grape and wine style
  • Important AC
  • Important type
Definition
  • Located in the Nantais region of the Loire valley
  • Soil - schist and gneiss  (metamorphic rocks), granite, sand - loose with good heat retention and drainage
  • Melon Blanc - Wines are dry and austere
  • Chaptilizaiton used but max strength is 12%
  • Drink young with seafood
  • Muscadet Sevre et Main is a renowned region
  • Muscadet sur lie - increasigly important
    • Bottled after a winter on its lees
    • more body and yeasty
    • fresh and delicate
Term

Northern Rhone

  • Where
  • Price
  • Topography
  • Climate
  • Soil
  • Grapes
  • Regions
Definition
  • Rhone river from Vienne to Valence
  • 5% of Rhone wine production
  • Very high prices
  • Topography - extremely steep w/ south facing aspect, the slopes protect from northern winds, winds circulate air to prevent rot, 
  • Soil - granite
  • Climate - Continental with warm sumers
  • Grape - Syrah & Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane
  • Regions - Cote Rotie, Condrieu, Chateau Grillet, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Cornas, Crozes Hermitage
Term

Northern Rhone Syrah

  • Prevelance
  • Viticultur needs
  • Flavor profile
  • Wine making methods
Definition
  • Only black variety permitted in No Rhone
  • Very northern limit of ripening
  • Needs steep south facing slopes
  • Deep color, high tannin, black fruit, black pepper, floral
  • Gamey flavors as they mature
  • New oak usage has divided growers
  • Co-fermentation with Viognier in Cote Rotie stabilizies color and tannin and adds aromatics and viscosity
  • Carbonic maceration used in cheaper wines, less tannic early drinking
Term

Northern Rhone Viognier

  • Flavor profile
  • Price
  • Viticulture
  • Vinification consideration
Definition
  • Apricot, spice, floral; rich mouthfeel, low acidity, high alcohol
  • Very expensive
  • Low and irregular yields, need careful hdling so as not to become oily
  • New oak needs to be handled carefully
  • small number off dry
Term

Northern Rhone Marsanne & Roussanne

  • Character and growing of each
  • Ageability
Definition
  • Other white varieties, typically blended together
  • Marsanne - rich and weight, easier to grow
  • Rousanne - Acidity and perfumed fruit, susceptible to rot
  • Age well, honey
Term

Cote Rotie

  • Where
  • Viticulture
  • Grape
  • Flavor profile
  • Price
Definition
  • Northern tip of the Northern Rhone 
  • Very narrow and steep terraces in small valleys offering wind protection
  • Only Syrah produced but up to 20% viognier can be added - though it's rarely that high
  • Elegant, deeply colored, full bodied, spicy, aromatic flolral freshness
  • Very expensive
Term

Condrieu

  • Where
  • Grape and wine
  • Viticulture
  • Price
  • Single enclave
Definition
  • Located in the Northern end of the Northern Rhone (right below Cote Rotie)
  • Only Viognier 
  • Best are on steep, well exposed vineyeards
  • Very expensive
  • Chateau Grillet is a single property within Condrieu
Term

Saint-Joseph

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Vinification and style
  • Price
Definition
  • Long stretch of the Northern Rhone along the western banks
  • Mainly red Syrah and some Roussane and Marsanne
  • Some good wines, but lots of light bodied wines made using carbonic maceration
  • Medium priced
Term

Hermitage 

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Style
  • Ageability
Definition
  • Located in the southern part of the Northern Rhone on the east side of the Rhone river
  • 80% Syrah /20% Marsanne Roussanne
  • Full bodied very high quality
  • Steep slopes
  • REds May last for 50 years or more / Whites are also ageable
Term

Crozes-Hermitage

  • Where
  • Quality
  • Grape
  • Price
Definition
  • Southern part of the Northern Rhone on the east side of the river
  • Largest volume producer
  • Best on slopes, most on plains (some carbonic)
  • Syrah (w/ 15% Mars or Rouss) and some white wines 
  • Quality, style, and price vary significantly
  • Medium price / good value
Term

Cornas

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Flavor
  • Viticulture
  • Price
Definition
  • Very southern tip of the Northern Rhone
  • 100% Syrah
  • Warmer and well exposed sun baked slopes
  • Deep color, full bodied
  • High price but under valued
Term

Southern Rhone

  • Where
  • % of total Rhone
  • Wine Hierarchy
Definition
  • Along the Rhone from Montelimar to Avignon
  • 95% of Rhone production
  • Wine Hierarchy
    • Cotes du Rhone
    • Cotes du Rhone Villages (18 of which can add village name)
    • 8 Crus with their own AC
Term

Southern Rhone 

  • Topography
  • Climate
  • Hazards

 

Definition
  • Flatter terain than No Rhone
  • Best have stony soils that absorb the suns heat and reflect it back at night
  • Mediterranean, mild winters, hot dry summers
  • Mistral winds can cause damage
    • Grenache bush trained low to protect
    • Syrah needs Guyot pruning and VSP training
Term

Southern Rhone Grape Varietites

  • 4 Red
  • 3 White
Definition
  • Red
    • Grenache
    • Syrah
    • Mourvedre
    • Cinsault
  • White
    • Clairette
    • Grenache Blanc
    • Bourboulenc
Term

Southern Rhone Grenach

  • Importance
  • Viticulture
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • Most widely planted variety
  • Tolerates drought and wind and needs heat to ripen
  • Spiced red ruit flavors; too hot is baked and jammy
  • Can have very high alcohol
Term

Southern Rhone Syrah & Mourvedre

  • Importance
  • Flavor and viticulture
Definition
  • Supporting role to Grenache
  • Syrah
    • colour and tannin
    • struggles in heat
  • Mourvedre
    • Needs the hottest areas
    • colour and tannin. gamey savory aromas
Term

Southern Rhone Cinsault

  • Role
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Supporting role in blends and Roses
  • Fruit flavors
Term

Southern Rhone White Varieties

  • 3 So Rh varieties
  • 3 Rhone varieties
Definition
  • Clairette
  • Grenache Blanc
  • Bourboulenc
  • Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne
Term

Southern Rhone Wine Making

  • Thins to manage (2)
Definition
  • Range of varieties
  • Management of tannin in Sah and Carignan
  • Management of alcohol
Term

Southern Rhone AC's

  • 9
Definition
  • Cotes du Rhone
  • Cotes du Rhone Villages
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape
  • Tavel
  • Lirac
  • Gigondas
  • Vacqueyras
  • Beaumes de Venise
  • Vinsobres
Term

Cotes du Rhone AC

  • Importance
  • Grape varieties
  • Flavor profile
  • Villages designation requirements and example
Definition
  • More than50% of total Rhone production
  • Mostly red - variety of grapes
  • Medium bodied, fruity, simple
  • Cotes du Rhone Village
    • More stringent requirements
    • Higher % must be Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
    • 18 can add name of village (Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne)
Term

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Grapes
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Located on the east bank of the Rhone river in the Southern Rhone
  • Largest of all Crus; and first AC in France
  • Grenache dominates with 12 other grapes permitted
  • Full bodied, richly textured, spiced fruit, high alcohol
  • Small quantity of white from Clairette, Roussa, Bourboulenc, and Grenache Blanc.  
Term

Tavel & Lirac

  • Where
  • Wines
Definition
  • Only Crus on the west bank of the Rhone in the Southern Rhone
  • Famous for Rose made from Grenache and Cinsault
  • Tavel - only Rose
  • Lirac - Red and White too
Term

Southern France

  • Where
  • Importance 
  • Quality
  • 3 Areas
Definition
  • Along the Mediterranean Coast from Italy to Spanish border
  • Provence, Langedoc, Roussilan
  • Largest vineyard area in FR
  • Undergoing great move towards good quality wine
  • But still lot of crap
Term

Southern France

  • Climate & Hazard
Definition
  • Warm Mediterranean climate, long sunshine hours, mild winters, low rainfall
  • Strong winds; cool from North, Mistral from the Rhone, warm moist from south
Term

Southern France Black Grapes

  • Importance of black varieties
  • Top 3 in order of imp
  • Others (4)
Definition
  • Over 75% of planting
  • Grenache - most widely planted; thrives on heat
  • Syrah - needs more moderate temp
  • Carignan - high tannin & acidity and color
  • Smaller plantings of Merlot, Cab Sauv, Cinsault, Mourvedre
Term

Southern France White Varieties

  • Most widely planted
  • Two notable others
  • 5 others
Definition
  • Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier
  • Muscat is most widely planted native and used in Vins doux Naturels
  • Grenache Blanc (soft peachy)
  • Mauzac, Picpoul, Macabeu, Rolle, Clairette
Term

Languedoc-Roussillon

  • Where
  • Grapes - 5 Red, 4 White
  • AC's (9)
  • Villages (2)
Definition
  • Region in the Southeast of France on the coast of the Mediterannean from Spain to Marseilles
  • Major Grapes
    • Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
    • Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Rousanne
  • Languedoc, Rousillon, Minervois, Minervoic la Liviniere, Cotes du Rousillon, Cotes du Roussilon Villages, Fitou, Corbieres, Coeaux de Languedoc
  • Best Villages - La Clape, Pic Saint Loup
Term

Languedoc

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • AC's (2)
  • Hierarchy (2)
  • Best Villages (2)
Definition
  • Within the Northern part of the Languedoc-Roussilon 
  • Grapes
    • Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
    • Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussane
  • Languedoc AC, Coteaux du Languedoc AC
  • Grands Vins du Languedoc & Grands Crus du Languedoc
  • Pic St. Loup and La Clape - Village that can add it's name to Languedoc AC
Term

Cotes du Roussillon AC

  • Where
  • Climate / Terrain
  • Best AC
  • Grapes
Definition
  • In the Southern part of the Languedoc-Roussillon region
  • Rugges and Mountainous
  • Long sunlight, low rainfall, strong winds, concentrated wines
  • Grapes
    • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, others
    • Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Marsanne, Rousanne, others
  • Cotes du Roussillon Villages AC
    • Red Only 
Term

Fitou AC

  • Where
  • 2 Regions, climate & style
Definition
  • Located just norht of the Cotes du Roussillon Villages in the Languedoc Roussillon area of Southeast France
  • Western coastal strip produces full bodies wines
  • Cooler inland area at higher altitude produces lighter wines
  • Red wines only - Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvedre
Term

Corbieres AC

 

  • Where
  • Grapes - 4 red 4 white 
Definition
  • North of Cotes du Roussillon Villages and South of Minervois in the Languedoc Roussillon 
  • Grapes
    • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan
    • Grenach Blanc, Macabeu, Marsanne, Roussanne
Term
Minervois AC
Definition
  • Located North of Corbieres in the Languedoc Roussilon.  
  • Grapes
    • Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan
    • Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Marsanne, Roussane
Term

Provence

  • Where
  • Terrain
  • Grapes Red (6) White (1)
  • AC's and Wines
Definition
  • Located in the Southeast corner of France on the Mediterannean coast
  • Hills provide protection from the Mistral
  • Grapes
    • Cinsault, Grenache, Syrh, Mouredre, Cab Sauv, Tibouren
    • Rolle Clairette
  • Cotes de Provence AC
    • Roses = 80% of production
  • Bandol AC
    • Reds - Mourvedre, dark full bodied wines requiring aging; bramble, meat, liquorice, spice.  
Term

German Geographic Delineations

  • 4, description and labeling requirements

 

Definition
  • Anbaugebeit - Regions for PDO wines.  13 of these.  Must appear on the label
  • Bereich - District within and Anbaugebeit.  Extensive geographic region.  Often named after the famous village in their midst.  The word Bereich and its name will be on the label
  • Einzellage - Individual vineyard - named vineyard will be on the lable
  • Grosslage - Group of vineyards sometimes very large.  Named Grosslage will be on the label but does not have to distinguish that it is a grosslage
Term

German PDO Wines

  • German for PDO
  • 2 levels of PDO
  • 4 levels of the better PDO
Definition
  • geschutzte Ursprungsbezeichnung (g.U)
  • Qualitatswine bestimmter Anbaugebeite (QbA) - Grapes grown exclusively w/in one of the 13 Anbaugebeite.  
    • May undergo must enrichment though requirements are lower than for pradikatswine
  • Pradikatswine - Quality wine.  Grapes from a single bereich.  No must enrichment but can have post fermnentation sussreserve
    • Kabinett
    • Spatlese
    • Auslese
    • Beerenauslese
    • Eiswein 
    • Trockenbeerenauslese
Term

Kabinett

  • What it is
  • Flavor
  • Alcohol
Definition
  • German Pradikatswine classification
  • Most delicate
  • Light bodied, high acidity, green apple, citrus, residual sweetness.  
  • Sweeter styles 8% - 9% alcohol / Dryer - 12%
Term

Spatlese

  • What it is
  • Flavor profile
  • Alcohol
Definition
  • A German Pradikatswine classification
  • Late Harvest Wine
  • More concentrated flavors and body than Kabinett with riper fruit flavor; stone fruit.
  • Dry or sweeter than Kabinett with higher alcohol 
Term

Auslese

  • What it is
  • How harvested
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • German Pradikatswine Distinction
  • Individually selected extra ripe bunche of grapes
  • Great range of style
  • Slightly richer Spatlese in dry or sweet style
  • Some sweet Auslese have botrytis character (Goldkapsel)
  • Highest level that can appear dry
Term

Beerenauslese (BA)

  • What it is
  • How harvested
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • German Pradikatswine distinction
  • Rare, expensive sweet wine from individually selected grapes ideally with noble rot
Term

Eiswein

  • What it is
  • How it's made
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • German Pradikatswein distinction
  • Made from grapes that have been left on the vine until frozen (-8C)
  • Pressed when frozen so water as ice is skimmed off leaving a concentrated must
  • Sugar at least at the levels of BA but no noble rot
  • Intense flavor and high acid
Term

Trockenbeerenauslese

  • What it is
  • How produced
  • Flavor and alcohol
  • Price
Definition
  • German Pradikatswine distinction
  • Sweet wines produced in minute quantities in only the finest vintages
  • From individual grapes so affected by noble rot they are shriveled raisins
  • Less than 8% alcohol, very sweet, very high acid
  • Some of the worlds most expensive
Term

German PGI Wines

  • German word for PGI
  • Classifications
Definition
  • geschutzte geografishe Angable (g.g.A.)
  • Landwein - Trocken or Halbtrocken with must weight higher than Deutscher wine.  Very small quantitiy
  • Deutscher wine - Blending from across Germany.  Large volume inexpensive
Term

Other German Labelling Terminology

  • Trocken
  • Halbtrocken
  • Feinherb
  • Classic
  • Selection
Definition
  • Dry
  • Off-Dry
  • Off-Dry
  • Harmoniously Dry PDO wines of above average quality with min alcohol of 12% and max sugar of 15 g per liter.  Single variety, single vintage, single region.  Varietal wines typical of their region. 
  • Applied to Harmoniously dry PDO wines with a must weight of at least Auslese levels and must come from an Einzelage.  Dry with up to 9g of sugar
Term

German VDP

  • German Words
  • What it is / does
  • Erste Lage
  • Permitted Grapes
  • Grosses Gewachs
  • Erstes Gewachs
Definition
  • Verband Deutscher Pradikatsweinguter (VDP) - Prestigous association of best producers
  • Recognizes the best vineyards in t country with trademarks not recognized by law
  • Erste Lage - Best vineyard sites of the VDP - Logo (bunch of grapes with number 1).  
  • Riesling, Sylvaner, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder and Spatburgunder.
  • Grosses Gewachs - Dry wines made from Erste Lage sites.  Labelled Erstes Gewachs in the Rheingau
Term

German Climate & Weather

  • Climate type
  • Latitude 
  • General impact of climate
  • Vintage variation
  • Best sites
Definition
  • Cool continental climate
  • Northern limit of ripening grapes
  • Long cool ripening period for good sugar and acid balance
  • Noble rot in some places
  • Varying conditions from year to year
  • Best are on steep stony slopes
Term

German Grape Varieties

  • Main White (3)
  • Other White (6)
  • Main Black (2)
  • Other Black (3)
Definition
  • White is over 60% of plantings
    • Riesling, Muller Thurgau (50% of whites)
    • Silvaner
    • Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Scheurebe (Silvaner x Riesling), Kerner, Bacchus, Chardonnay
  • Black 40% up from 10% 30 years ago
    • Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir), Dornfelder
    • Portugieser, Trollinger, Schwarzriesling (Meunier)
Term

German Riesling

  • Importance
  • Flavor
  • Viticulture
  • Ageability
Definition
  • 1/5 of all plantings in Germany (most widely)
  • Late ripening
  • Ideal for late harvest wine; hardy and high acidity
  • Floral, stone fruit
  • Best age well
Term

German Muller Thurgau

  • AKA
  • Parents
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • AKA Rivaner
  • Cross b/n Riesling and Madeleine Royale
  • Earlier ripening than Riesling w/o the flavor and acidity
  • Attractive but simple floral and fruity wines
Term

German Sylvaner

  • Style
  • Importance
  • Where planted
Definition
  • White variety
  • Neutral fruit and moderate acidity
  • Found in historical sites of Rheinhessen and Franken
  • Early ripening
  • Third most widely planted white variety
Term
Other German White Varieties (5)
Definition
  • Grauburgunder / Rulander / Pinot Gris
  • Weissburgunder / Pinot Blanc
  • Scheurebe (Silvaner x Riesling)
  • Bacchus
  • Chardonnay
Term

Germany Spatburgunder

  • AKA
  • Importance
  • Where grown
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • Pinot Noir
  • 3rd most planted variety
  • Warmer areas Pfalz and Baden and Northern Ahr
  • Light bodied and fruity
Term

German Dornfelder

  • When developed
  • Basic characteristics

 

Definition
  • Deep colored and high yields
  • Developed in 1956
Term
Other German Black Varieties (3)
Definition
  • Portugieser
  • Trollinger
  • Schwarzriesling (Meunier)
Term

German Viticulture and Vinification of Best Sites

  • Where
  • General viticulture practices
  • Harvest practices
  • Winemaking practices
Definition
  • Very steep slopes near the rivers
  • All work done by hand
  • Each vine individually staked w/ canes tied at the top to maximize light and air
  • Very high production costs
  • Harvesters can do up to 7 selectie pickings for diff quality levels
  • Balance of sweetness is a hallmark.  Arresting fermentation for Kabinet to Auslese or Sussreserve
Term

German Viticulture of Most Sites

  • Where
  • General viticulture
  • General profile
Definition
  • Generally planted in valleys
  • Mechanized
  • Maximum yields, easy drinking, low price
  • Chaptilization for QbA wines (non Pradikats)
Term

Mosel

  • What and Where
  • Grape varieties
  • Where best sites / villages
  • Soil
  • flavor profile
  • Notable Grosslage
Definition
  • Westernmost region in Germany along the Mosel river and it's tributaries Saar and Ruwer
  • White grapes and Riesling dominate
  • Middle Mosel is the best - Piesport, Brauenberg, Wehlen, Graach, Erden and Bernkastel
  • Best on very steep slopes along the river with a South facing aspect
  • Stony slate soil stores and radiates heat
  • Light body, low alcohol, high acidity with Med sweetness
  • Floral green fruit
  • Grosslage - Piesporter Michelsberg
Term

Nahe

  • Where
  • Where best sites are
  • Soil
  • Grapes
  • Flavor profile
  • Best Village
Definition
  • Western half of Germany b/n Mosel and Rheinhessen
  • Best are on the banks of the Nahe River, steep slopes, South facing
  • More varied soil w/ Slate, Porphyry, Quartz, and Sandstone
  • Riesling are best and most widely planted.  Dornfelder is 25%
  • Acidity of the Mosel, but riper fruit due to a warmer climate
  • Best Village - Schlossbockelheim
Term

Rheingau

  • Where
  • Best location
  • Grapes
  • Flavor
  • Styles
Definition
  • Very small region in Germany North of Nahe and Rhinehessen along the banks of the Rivers Main and Rhine
  • Modestly steep slopes protected by hills
  • Rudesheim, Geisenheim, and Johannisberg are the best with higher elevation and steeper slopes
  • Riesling >80% of plantings and mainly dry
  • Med to full body, peach
  • The humidity leads to some of the best BA and TBA wines
Term

Rheinhessen

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Styles of locations
  • Best villages
  • Notable Grosslage
  • Other notable
Definition
  • Largest vine growing region of Germany to the East of Nahe
  • Muller Thurgau most widely planted, Riesling, Sylvaner, Grauburgunder
  • Dornfelder, Portugieser, and Spatburgunder (30% red)
  • Best on terraces near the Rhine - full bodied Riesling from warmer climate - Oppenheim & Nierstein
  • To the west of the river, co-ops produce inexpensive wine of Muller Thurgau
  • Grosslage Niersteiner Gutes Domtal
  • Liebfraumilch Rheinhessen
Term

Pfalz

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grapes
  • Best villages (2)
  • Other notable wine
Definition
  • Second largest region in Germany to the South of Rhinehessen
  • A continuation of the Alsace
  • Dryest region
  • Red = 40%; Dornfelder, Portugieser, Spatburgunder
  • Riesling most widely planted, Muller Thurgau, Kerner, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder
  • Steep slopes produce best.  Forst & Deidesheim
  • Liebraumilch Pfalz
Term

Baden

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Flavor profile
  • Grapes
  • Where best - best wine
  • Rare on export market
Definition
  • Warmest and most Southern region in Germany
  • Full bodies high alcohol wines
  • Red is majority; Spatburgunder
  • Muller Thurgau, Grauburgunder, Riesling
  • Best on slopes of volcano Kaiserstuhl.  Kaiserstuhl Spatburgunder
Term

Franken

  • Where
  • Grapes
  • Best site
  • Other notable
Definition
  • Very small region in Germany along Main
  • Muller Thurgau and Sylvaner are the most prestigious 
  • Best on South slopes of Wurzburg
  • Rare on export markets
Term

Other German Regions

  • 6 and their notable wines
Definition
  • Ahr - Pinot Noir
  • Mittelrhein - light Riesling
  • Wurttemburg - Red wine for German mkt
  • Hessiche Bergstrasse - similar to Rheingau
  • Saale Unstrut and Sachsen
Term

Austrian Wine Laws

  • General overview
  • Diff vs DE
Definition
  • Similar to Germany
  • Restricts yields further.  Half the area of Germany but only 1/4 the wine
  • PGI wines are labled Landwein
  • Qualitatswein and Pradikatswein but unlike Germany Kabinet is not Pradikatswein
Term

Austrian Pradikatswein

  • Classifications
  • Comparison to DE
  • DAC
  • Wachau DAC's
Definition
  • Same classifications (minus Kabinet) as Germany plus two other
    • Ausbruch - b/n BA and TBA
    • Strahwein or Schilfwein where grapes are laid out on reeds during winter to concentrate sugs
  • Must weight levels are higher than DE
  • Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC) - if growers can agree on a set of rules that govern typicity then the region can ge DAC status and conforming wines labled such
    • Wachau DAC's 
      • Smaragd - full and complex
      • Federspiel - in b/n
      • Steinfeder - lightest freshest
Term

Austrian Climate and Geography

  • Where vineyards are
  • Climate
  • Ripening season
  • Red vs White
Definition
  • Wine producing areas in the East of the country
  • Moderate continental climate w/ high level of continentiality and high dirunal range
  • Autumn ripening seasons are long making noble rot possible
  • 2/3 White with Red increasing in importance
Term

Austrian Gruner Veltliner

  • Importance
  • Flavor profile
  • aging
Definition
  • 30% of all plantings
  • Green grapes, Salad, White pepper in youth; honey and toast with age; mineral when best
  • Typically young w/o oak aging
Term

Austrian Welchriesling

  • Importance
  • Flavor profile
  • Where
Definition
  • 2nd most widely planted white variety
  • Good, simple wines
  • Burgenland and South
  • In South, noble rot and very good dessert wines
 
Term

Austrian Riesling

  • Importance
  • Where
  • Flavor profile and aging
Definition
  • Not planted much
  • Outstanding in Wachau, Kamptal, and Kremstal
  • Dry full bodies with peach mineral, complexity with age
Term

Austrian Zweigelt

  • Importance
  • Parents
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Most widely planted black variety
  • Blaufrankisch x St. Laurent
  • Deep colored, soft tannins and bramble fruit
Term

Austrian Blaufrankisch

  • Quality
  • flavor profile
  • Aging impact
Definition
  • Most highly regarded black
  • Moderate tannin, crisp acidity, peppery sour cherry
  • Ageing in oak softer acidity and sweeter fruit
Term

Austrian St. Laurent

  • Similar to?
  • How used
Definition
  • Austrian specialty
  • Similar to Pinot Noir
  • Good blending partner to international varieties
Term

Austrian Wine Regions

  • General makeup
  • Generica appelations and production
Definition
  • Four generic appelations subdivided into 15 specific appelations
  • Niederosterreich (Lower Austria), Burgenland, Steiermark (Styria), and Wien (Vienna)
    • Niederosterreich & Burgenland (Weinland Osterreich) produce 90%
Term

Niederosterreich

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Where vinyeards are
  • Best sub regions, grapes and styles
  • Largest sub region, grapes and styles
Definition
  • Northern most wine region in Austria
  • Largest
  • Majority of vineyards on the Danube
  • Most important sub regions
    • Wachau, Kamptal DAC, and Kremstal DAC
    • Renowned for Gruner Veltliner and Riesling
    • Steep terraced vineyards and long dry autumns
    • Expressive varietal fruit aging to honey and toast
    • very expensive 
  • Weinviertal DAC - first DAC.  Light, fruity fresh Gruner Veltliner w/ no oak
Term

Burgenland

  • Where
  • Known for
  • 4 Sub Regions
    • Wine types
    • Grape Varietals
    • Notable DACs
Definition
  • Middle wine region of Austria
  • Produces sweet wines and the best reds
  • Four Sub Regions
    • Neusiedlersee and Neusiedlersee-Hugelland - 
      • surround a vast shallow lake.  Noble Rot almost every year.  Prices generally lower than others of similar style.  
      • Ausbruch, Eiswein, Schilwein also produced.  
      • High qualit red in Leithberg DAC - Blaufrankisch
      • Dry whites - Pinot Blanc, Neuberger, Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnary
    • Mittelburgenland DAC & Sudburgenland
      • Eisenberg DAC - intense mineral wines
      • Finest red wines - Blaufrankisch and Bordeaux varietals
Term

Hungary PDO and PGI

  • Hungarian Words for Each and classifications within
Definition
  • PDO - Oltalom Alatt Allo
    • Minosegi Bor - Quality Wine
    • Vedett Eredetu Bor - Special Quality Wine
  • PGI - Oltalom Alatt Foldrajzi Jelzes
    • Tajbor
Term
Hungarian Climate
Definition
  • Continental climate with short cold winters and long warm sumer and autumn ripening
  • Best are South facing on slopes
Term

Hungarian Grape Varieties 

  • 8 indigenous varieties
  • Main international
Definition
White
  • Furmint - Concentrated, high acid, apples, nuts, honey.  Late ripening, botrytis susceptible.  Principal variety for Takaji
  • Harslevelu (linden leaf) - late ripening, botrytis, Tokaji
  • Sarga Muscotaly (Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains) - aromatic, orange blossom - 3rd most imp for Tokaji
  • Olasz Rizling (Welschriesling) - crisp light dry wines, bitter almonds
  • Irsai Olivier - similar to Muscat or Gewurtz
  • Pinot Gris - light simple
Black
  • Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch) - light peppery, high acid
  • Kedarka - premium, prone to grey rot, needs best sites
  • Zweigelt- Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch x St. Laurent)
  • Cabernet Franc
Term

Tokaji

  • Where
  • Viticulture
  • Three harvest categories
Definition
  • Northeast of Hungary in the foothills of the Carpathian mountains
  • Noble rot is encouraged by the long dry autumns and the humidity and mist of the Bodrog and Tisza rivers
  • Three categories of harvest
    • Aszu - rotten grapes - when botrytis has been wide spread individual grapes are picked
    • Szamorodni - it comes - when only a few grapes are impacted the entire bunch is picked
    • When none are impacted that bunch is picked
Term

Tokaji Styles

  • 4 styles
  • how each made
  • level of sweetness, rarity
Definition
  • Tokaji Szamorodni - may be dry (szaraz) or sweet (edes) depending on the amt of noble rot
    • Must be aged for min of 1 year and be two years old before release
    • Casks for dry wines are not entirely filled to allow flor like yeat to form, similar to fino sherry
    • Sweet wines are slightly oxidized in taste
  • Tokaji Aszu - starts with a base wine of healthy grapes
    • During or after fermentation Aszu grapes are macerated for up to 36 hours
    • wine matured for min of 3 years two of which are in oak
    • The amount of aszu berries determines the sweetness
      • 3 puttonyos - 60g/l
      • 4 puttonyos - 90g/l
      • 5 puttonyos - 120g/l
      • 6 puttonyos - 150g/l
  • Aszu Eszencia - sweetest wines, very rare and expensive w/ 180 g/l
  • Tokaji Eszencia - Extremely rare, made w/ just the free run juice of Asza berries.  Takes years to ferment.  450g/l; 5% alcohol
Term

Greece PDO & PGI

  • Delineations w/in each (2)
Definition
  • PDO - 
    • Oenoi Onomasias Proelefseos Elenhomeni - 8 regions (Apellation d'Origine Controlee)
    • Oenoi Proelefseos Anoteras Poititas - 25 (Appelation d'Orgine de Qualite Superiore)
  • PGI
    • Topikos Oinos (Vins de Pays)
    • Oenoi Onomasias Kata Parados - Retsina made from Savatiano and Roditis grapes.  Pine resin is added and then racked off.  (Appelation traditionelle)
Term

Greece Geography and Climate

  • Soil
  • Climate
  • Hazards
Definition
  • Mountainous rocky soils low in nutrients
  • Mediterranean climate
  • Very hot summers moderated by the coasts
  • Altitude and wind can cool (or destroy)
  • Very low rainfall distresses vines
Term

Greece Viticulture

  • General info and hazards
Definition
  • Labour intensive hand working
  • Where winds are strong the vine is trained low and in a basket shape to protect the fruit
Term

Naoussa OPAP

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grape type
  • Wine profile
  • Ageability

 

Definition
  • Northern Greece in Macedonia
  • 400m high and noticably cooler
  • Red wines exclusively from Xinomavro (similar to Nebbiolo)
  • High tannin and acid, medium color
  • Long lived, earthy with age
Term

Nemea OPAP

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Climate
  • Flavor
Definition
  • North of Peloponnese close to the peninsula that joins to mainland
  • Red wines exclusively from Agiorgitiko
  • Wide range of altitudes from 230 -900.  middle slopes are best
  • deep ruby color, high levels of well rounded tannins, moderate to low acidity, sweet spice and red fruit, age well in new oak
Term

Santorini OPAP

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Climate
  • Wine types and flavor
Definition
  • Volcanic island in the Aegean Sea
  • Assyrtiko - white, high in acid and alcohol, 
  • winds are so strong photosynthesis can stop leading to high acid
  • Grapes are dehydrated on the wine
  • Sweet wines known as vinsanto, aged for two years in oak, oxidative caramel and nuts
Term

Mantinia OPAP

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Flavor
  • wine types
Definition
  • Center of the Peloponnese - cool 600m plateau
  • 85% must be Moschofilero
  • Pink skinned, light bodied high acidity, med alcohol, similar to Muscat or Gewurtz
  • White and Rose wines made 
Term

Italian PDO 

 

  • Italian for PDO & PGI
  • Italina hierarchy
  • Classico
  • Riserva
  • Passito
    • 2 examples
Definition
  • Denominazione di Origine Protetta (DOP)
  • Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garanita (DOCG)
  • Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
  • PGI Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP)
  • Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT)
  • Classico - wines made from the original hilly btter part of the appelation
  • Riserva - implies better quality (higher alcohol &Longer aging)
  • Passito - Wines made from grapes dried either in the sun or ventilated rooms
    • Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
    • Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
Term
Italian Soils (3)
Definition
  • Marine - Clay over limestone; mainly in best red areas
  • Volcanic - 
  • Alluvial
Term

Central Italy

  • 7 Regions
Definition
  • Emilia-Romagna 
  • Tuscany
  • Umbria
  • Marche
  • Abruzzo
  • Molise
  • Lazio
Term

Emilia-Romagna

  • Where
  • Main Grape
Definition
  • Region in Central Italy on the East Cost North
  • Lambrusco
Term

Tuscany

  • Where
  • Climate - 2 zones
  • Grape and flavor
  • Key Regions (6)
Definition
  • Region in Central Italy home to some of the best DOC(G)s
  • Coastal strip - low altitude, maritime Bordeaux varieties and whites
  • Inland - high diurnal range; reds with firm acidity
  • Sangiovese - high acidity and tannin, med alcohol, complex rui; earth, blueberry, cherry, affinity for oak
  • Key Regions
    • Chianti
    • Chianti Classico
    • Brunello di Montalcino
    • Vino Nobile de Montepulciano
    • Bolgheri
    • Montecucco
Term

Chianti

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Grapes
Definition
  • DOCG within Tuscany
  • Most exported wine
  • Sangiovese w/ up to 20% other varieties
Term

Chianti Classico

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Grape
Definition
  • B/N Florence & Siena within Tuscany in Central Italy
  • Best of the six Chianti Satellites
  • Sangiovese
Term

Brunello di Montalcino

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Climate
  • AGing 
Definition
  • Southern part of Tuscany in Central Italy
  • Sangiovese
  • Maritime - Alpine hybrid climate
  • Minimum aging of 5 years
Term

Vino Nobile di Monepulciano

  • Where
  • Grape
  • Style
Definition
  • Southeast part of Tuscany
  • Sangiovese
  • Matures quicker and lacks finesse of brunello
Term

Super Tuscans

  • History
  • Major Brand
  • Grapes
  • Classificiation
  • Some key DOCs
Definition
  • Outside of the DOC system and hence Vino da Tavola
  • Sassicaia - launched in 1986, cab sauv 
  • Sangiovese, Cab Sauv, Merlot
  • Now IGT
  • Bolgheri DOC, Montecucco
Term

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

  • Where
  • Grape
Definition
  • Center of Tuscany
  • Only white DOC in Tuscnay
  • Vernaccia
Term

Marche

 

Definition
  • East coast of Tuscany
  • Verdicchio dei Castelli Jesi DOC
    • Verdicchio (white) - fennel, candied fruit, mineral
  • Conero DOCG
    • Montepulciano (red)
Term
Umbria
Definition
  • Center of Tuscany
  • Orvieto
  • White:  Trebbiano, Grechetto, Malvasia, Verdello
  • Red:  Sagrantino
Term

Lazio

  • Where
  • AC
  • Grapes
Definition
  • Southwest corner of Central Italy
  • Frascati DOC 
  • Malvasia and Trebbiano (White)
Term

Abruzzo & Molise

  • Where
  • ACs (2)
  • Grapes (2)
Definition
  • Southern part of Central Italy
  • Montepulciano - Montepulciano d'Abruzza
  • Trebbiano - Trebbiano d'Abruzza
Term

Campania

  • Where
  • Grape; flavor, aging
  • Best AC and 2 others
Definition
  • South of Rome (Lazio) on the West Coast of Italy
  • Aglianico - high acidity and tannin; aged for three years in new oak; floral, black berry and black cherry
  • Taurasi DOCG - The barolo of the South
  • Fiano d'Avellino and Greco di Tufo DOCG
Term

Puglia

  • Where
  • General Quality and Grape (2)
  • Best AC (2) and grapes (2)
Definition
  • The heel of the boot in Italy
  • Low quality, mainly IGT
    • Primitivo, Negroamora
  • Salice Salentiono DOC & Copertino
    • Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera
    • Can be almost port like
Term

Basilicata

 

  • Where
  • AC
  • Grape
Definition
  • The arch of the boot in Italy
  • Aglianico del Vulture
  • Aglianico
Term

Calabria

  • Where
  • AC (1)
Definition
  • The toe of the boot in Italy
  • Ciro DOC
Term

Sicily

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Main wine
  • Grapes R (3) W (2)
  • Anomolies
  • 50km S of Sicily?
Definition
  • The island off the toe in Italy
  • Largest region and largest under vine
  • IGT Sicilia
  • White - Chardonnay and Catarratto
  • Red - Nero d'Alvola, Cab Sauv, Syrah
  • Mount Etna (volcanic, high alt), 40C temps 
  • Passito di Pantelleria DOC - 50 km S of Sicily; dried Moscato
Term

Sardinia

  • Where
  • Grapes (2)
  • AC's (3)
Definition
  • Island off the west coast of Italy
  • Grenache (Cannonau) and Carignano 
  • Malvasia do Bosa, Vermentino di Gallura, Vernaccia di Oristano
Term

Spain

  • PDO
  • Levels w/in (4) and rules
  • for 1 of the levels must name the 2 areas
  • PGI
  • Level w/in (1) and rules
  • 2 areas w/in that are known

 

Definition
  • PDO - Denominacian de Origen Protegida (DOP)
  • Denominacion de Origen (DO)
    • wines of a certain quality with specifications by region and grape; 69
  • Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa) - DO's of at least 10 years standing, stringent criteria; 2(Rioja and Priorat)
  • Vinos de Pago (VP) - Single estates with High reputations.  Typically for those outside of the DO's using international varieties 
  • Vinos de Calidad con Indicacion Geografica (VCIG) - Stepping stone b/n VdIT and DO
  • PGI - Indicacion Geografica Protegida
  • Vino de la Tierra (VdIT) - Only 2 of importance - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla and Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon
Term

Spanish Aging 

  • 4 aging levels and rules for Red and White / Rose
Definition
  • Joven - immediate release
  • Crianza - Red min 24 mo aging 6 of which are in small oak; White / Rose 18 mo min
  • Reserva - Red min 36 mo 12 of which are in small oak; White / Rose 18 mo with a min of 6 in small oak barrels
  • Gran Reserva - Exceptional vintages only.  Red min 60 mo 18 of which are small oak; White / Rose min 48 mo with 6 in small Oak
Term

Spain Geography & Climate

  • Main geographical feature
  • 3 Climactic zones
Definition
  • Meseta - Central Plateau; 600 to 1000meters stretching across the country
  • 3 climactic zones
    • Galician NW coast - maritime; rain in the mountains, mild winters
    • East coast - mediterranean; warm summers, mild winters influenced by sea and altitude
    • Meseta - mountains cut off ocean influence; continental; cold winters hot summers low rainfall
Term

Tempranillo

  • Importance
  • Where grown
  • Viticulture
  • Enology
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Spain's premier black grape
  • Northern & Central Spain
  • Low acidity
  • Best when temps are moderated by the sea or altitude
  • Often fermented with Carbonic maceration
  • Straberry joven wine; or age worthy oaked blends
Term

Garnach Tinta 

  • AKA
  • Where
  • General info
Definition
  • Grenache
  • High alcohol
  • matures early
  • Widely used for rosados and in age worth Priorats
Term

Monastrell

  • AKA
  • Flavor profile
  • Where grown and how
Definition
  • Mourvedre
  • Thick skinned and drought tolerant
  • Needs hot and sunny to ripen
  • South East Spain
  • Dark powerfuand spicy wihigh tannin and alcohol; med to low acidity
  • Catalunya - cava
Term

Other Black Spanish Grapes

  • 3 and flavor
Definition
  • Graciano - Rioja; powerful black fruit, acidity and tannin good aging
  • Carinena - Carignan - aka Mazuelo in Rioja
  • Mencia - cooler conditions; fresh fuit, med to high acid and herbaciousness
Term

Verdejo

  • Country
  • Viticulture
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Spain
  • White
  • Highly susceptible to oxidation was used for Sherry
  • Light bodied, crisp melon and peach
Term

Albarino

  • Where
  • Viticulture
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Spanish White
  • North West
  • Thick skinned and disease resistant
  • ARomatic; peach; apricot, high acidity, full bodied
Term

Other Spanish White

  • 4 grapes
Definition
  • Airen - most widely planted variety in Spain (La Mancha); mainly used in Brandy de Jerez
  • Parellada, Xarel-lo; Macabeo - Catalunya Cava
    • Macabeo - aka Viru in Rioja and Macabeu in FR also for still wine
Term

Spain Viticulture 

  • Hazards
  • How to overcome
Definition
  • Heat & Water Stress are two biggest hazards
  • Low density bush traine
Term

Spanish Wine Regions (6)

 

Definition
  • Upper Ebro
  • Catalunya
  • Duero Valley
  • North West
  • Levant
  • Castilla La Mancha
Term

Upper Ebro

  • Where
  • 5 Regions within
Definition
  • Along the River Ebro in Northern Spain
  • Rioja
  • Navarra
  • Carinena
  • Calatayud
  • Somontano
Term

Rioja

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Red v White
  • Grapes (7) and some key facts
  • Sub Regions (3) climate
  • Vinification requirements
Definition
  • North Central Spain
  • First DOC in Spain
  • Red (75%) - Tempranillo (most widely), Garnacha (blend or Rose), Mazuelo, Graciano
  • White - Vura (most widely), Malvasia, Garnach Blanca
  • 3 sub regions
    • Rioja Alavesa - chalky soil, high altitude, lightest wines with finesse; Atlantic influence protects from extremes
    • Rioja Alta - Limeston clay with iron; Atlantic influence protects from extremes
    • Rioja Baja - continental climate; clay, low rain.  Garnacha Tinta with lss aging ability
  • Requires more oak aging time than nationally
Term

Navarra

  • Where
  • Grapes (5)
  • Red v White
Definition
  • North Central Spain along the Ebro river
  • Red:  Tempranillo (most widely), Garnacha, Cab Sauv, Merlot & Garnacha (Rose)
  • White:  only 5% of plantings
Term

Carinena & Calatayud

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grapes (2)
  • Price
Definition
  • North Central Spain to the south of the Ebro and Rioja / Navarra
  • Warm continental climate and low rainfall
  • Garnacha (main) and Tempranillo
  • Inexpensive soft wines
Term

Somontano

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Wines
Definition
  • North Central Spain, North of Ebro near Cataluyna
  • Cooler and more rainfall than other DO's
  • Excellent good value wines of Red, White, Rose
Term

Catalunya

  • Where
  • AC's
  • Grapes (5)
  • Wine style
Definition
  • North East corner of Spain
  • Has a generic DO for still wines
    • White:  Parellada, Macebo, Xarel-lo, international
    • Red:  Tempranillo, Cab Sauv, international
  • Nearly all spanish cava is made here
  • DO's - Penedes, Priorat, Costers del Segre
Term

Penedes

  • Where
  • Climate Zones (3)
  • Grapes (11)
Definition
  • In Catalunya Spain just South of Barcelona
  • 3 Climate zones
    • Coastal plain - hottest; full bodied Garnach d Monastrell
    • Valley - temperate; white wine for cava
    • hills - cool; international varietites
  • White:  Parellada, Xarel-lo, Macabeo (Cava); Chardonnay, Rielsing, Sauvignon Blanc
  • Red - Garnacha, Monastrell, Tempranillo, Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir
Term

Priorat

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Soil
  • Grapes (3)
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Southern part of Catalunya in Spain
  • One of two DOCG Regions
  • Soil - licorella (layers of red slate with mica)
  • Garnacha, Carinena, Cab Sauv
  • Concentrated wines, deep color, high tannin, blackberries, new oak
Term

Costers del Segre

  • Where
  • Wine Style
  • Grapes (3)
Definition
  • Inland in Catalunya Spain
  • Cava production
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Chardonnay
Term

The Duero Valley

  • Where
  • AC's
Definition
  • North Central Spain along the Duero river
  • Ribera del Duero; Toro, Ruedo
Term

Ribera del Duero

  • Where
  • Climate
  • AC status
  • Grapes and aka
  • Flavor
  • Ageing
Definition
  • Straddling the River Duero in North Central Spain
  • Highest part of the Meseta up to 850m
  • Mitigates the continental climate providing cool nights - high diurnal range
  • DO for Red and Rose only
  • Tempranillo is the main grape
  • High pigment, acidity, darker and more powerful than Rioja
  • known locally as Tinto Fino
  • More aging in new oak
Term

Toro

  • Where
  • Grape and aka
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Small region next to in the Duero valley along the river duero in Spain
  • Tempranilla aka Tinta de Toro
  • Full bodied, powerful, high in alcohol, good ageing
Term

Rueda

  • Where
  • Grapes (2)
  • Soil
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Located in the Duero valley of Spain South of the River Duero
  • Focused on white wine - Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chalky soils,continental climate
  • Simple fruity and fresh are drunk young; fuller bodies, richer more complex can age
Term

Northwestern Spain

  • Climate
  • AC's
Definition
  • Cooler than most regions and home to some of the best wines
  • Rias Baixas
  • Bierzo
Term

Rias Baixas

  • Where
  • Viticulture
  • Grape (1)
  • Flavor and price
Definition
  • Located in the NW of Spain along the coast
  • Humid with a lot of vintage variation
  • Albarino is the dominant grape
  • High acidity, crisp, refreshing to be drunk young
  • expensive
Term

Bierzo

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grape (1)
Definition
  • Located inland in the NW of Spain
  • Warm with maritime influence
  • Mencia (Red)
Term

The Levante

  • Where
  • AC's (3)
Definition
  • Located in the SE coast of Spain
  • Valencia
  • Jumilla
  • Yecia
Term

Valencia

  • Where
  • Price
  • Grapes (3)
Definition
  • Northern Region in the Levante area of Spain along the SE coast
  • good value for money
  • Red - Tempranillo & local varieties
  • White - Merseguera & Muscat of Alexandria
Term

Jumilla & Yecia

  • Where
  • Grape (1)
  • Vinification
Definition
  • Further inland in the Levante region of Spain along the SE coast
  • Monastrell - full bodied, carbonic maceration
Term

Castilla La Mancha

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Climate
  • Viticultre
  • AC's (2)
Definition
  • Very Center of Spain
  • Nearly half of total wine production
  • Extreme continental climate with very little rainfall
  • Low trained bush vines
  • La Mancha
  • Valdepenas
Term

La Mancha

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Grapes (4) and some key facts one aka
Definition
  • Located in the Castilla La Mancha district of central Spain
  • Largest DO in SP
  • Home to worlds most widely planted white grape (Airen)
  • Red:  Tempranillo (Cencibel), Cab Sauv, Syrah
  • Home of Vinos de Pago
Term

Valdepenas

  • Where
  • Grapes (2) and aka
Definition
  • South of La Mancha in the Castilla la Mancha region of Central Spain
  • Tempranillo (Cencibel)
  • Airen
Term

Portugal

  • PDO
  • PGI
  • Distinctions (2) and requirements
  • Wines w/o geographical distinction

 

Definition
  • PDO - Denominacao de Origem Protegida (DOP)
    • DOC - Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC)
  • PGI - Indicacao Geografica Protegida (IGP)
    • Vinho Regional
  • Reserva - for DOC wines; vintage wines with distinct characteristics and higher alcohol
  • Garrafeira - for all wines, vintage wines with distinc characteristics; reds age 30 mo with 12 in bottle; white age 12 mo with 6 in bottle
  • Vinho com ano de Colheita ou Casta - wines w/o geographical indication
Term

Portugal Climate

  • 2 Climate zones
Definition
  • Mainly maritime with warm summers and cool wet winters 
  • Inland more continental 
Term

Touriga Nacional

  • Country and Color
  • Flavor
  • Uses
Definition
  • Portugals finest black grape
  • Low yields
  • Intense colour, flavors and high tannin
  • Traditionally used in Port as well as Douro and Dao table wines
Term

Tinta Roriz

  • AKA (2)
  • Uses
  • Flavor
Definition
  • AKA - Aragones & Tempranillo
  • Black grape used in fortified sweet wines
  • And dry reds in Douro and DAo
  • Deep colored, complex wines with high tannin
Term

Castelao

  • Where
  • Flavor
  • Color
Definition
  • Black grape used in fine wines of Palmela and Portugal IGP
  • Fruity, rich, nutty with age
Term

Baga

  • Color
  • Where
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Black grape used in Bairrada in Portugal
  • Thick skin, dep color, high acid and tannin
Term

Trincadeira

  • Where
  • Color
  • Flavor
  • aka
Definition
  • Black grape in Alentjao in Portugal
  • complex, fruity, spicy wines with high color and tannin
  • Tinta Amarela
Term

Arinto

  • Color
  • Where
  • Flavor
  • AKA and Where
Definition
  • White grape found in Bucelos in Portugal
  • Semi-aromatic fresh fruity white with good acidity
  • Also in Vino Verde aka Pederna 
Term

Other White Portugese Varieties

  • 5 (3 of one style 2 of another)
Definition
  • Light crisp fresh wines of the Minho in the North
    • Loureiro
    • Trajuadura
    • Alvarinho (Albarino in SP)
  • Full bodied nutty wines in the South
    • Fernao Pires
    • Antao Vaz
Term

Portugese Regions

  • 3 Regions and DOC /IGP w/in
Definition
  • Northern Portugal
    • Vinho Verde DOC
    • Douro DOC
    • Dao DOC
    • Bairrada DOC
    • IGP 
  • Central Portugal
    • IGP Lisboa
    • IGP Tejo
  • Southern Portugal
    • IGP Peninsula de Setubal
    • Alentejo DOC and IGP Alentejano
Term

Vinho Verde

  • Where
  • Climate & Geography
  • Soil
  • Flavor
  • Grapes (5)
Definition
  • DOC w/in the Northern part of Portugal - most Northern
  • Surrounded by rivers, mountains, ocean 
  • Lots of rain
  • Shallow granite soil
  • Pale lemon, high acidity and low alcohol
  • Grapes - White:  Loureiro, Arinto (Pederna), Trajuadura, Avesso, and Azal
    • Some small reds
  • Typically slightly sparkling
Term

Douro 

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Climate
  • Grapes (5) and best and usage
  • soil
Definition
  • DOC in the Northern Region of Portugal along river Douro
  • Oldest demarcated wine region in the world
  • Maritime and Continental
  • Port grape varities:  Touriga Nacional (best), Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cao
  • Slate soil
Term

Dao

  • Where
  • Geogrpahy
  • Climate
  • Grapes (7)
Definition
  • DOC in the Northern Region of Portugal 
  • Very mountainous and hilly
  • Continental w/ high diurnal range
  • Red: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Alfrocheiro, Jaen
  • White:  Encruzado, Bical, Verdelho
Term

Bairrada

  • Where
  • Soil
  • Climate
  • Grapes (5)
  • Specialty
Definition
  • DOC in the Northern Region of Portugal
  • Clayand liestone
  • Mild climate
  • Baga, Touriga Nacional, Castelao, Camarate
  • 50% Baga blends are Classico
Term

Northern Portugal IGP's

  • 3 and their corresponding DOCs
Definition
  • IGP Minho - Vinho Verde
  • IGPDuriense - Douro
  • IGP Beiras - Bairrada and Dao
Term

IGP Lisboa

  • Where
  • Soil
  • Climate
  • Grapes (7)
Definition
  • Central Portugal West Coast
  • Limestone and clay
  • MAritime climate
  • Red:  Aragones, Baga, Camarate, Tinta Miuda, Touriga Nacional
  • White:  Arinto, Fernao Pires
Term

IGP Tejo

  • Where
  • 3 sub regions and grapes
Definition
  • Cental Portugal inland along River Tagus
  • 3 sub regions
    • Campo - alluvial soils - White: Fernao Pires and Arinto
    • Bairro - limestone and clay; Red: Aragones, Syrah, and Castelao
    • Charneca - Sandy soil for White and Red
Term

IGP Peninsual de Setubal

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grapes (9)
Definition
  • South of Lisbon along the West Coast
  • Warm maritime climate
  • White:  Fernao Pires, Arinto, Antao Vaz, Chardonnay
  • Red:  Aragones, Syrah, Castelao, Tourgia Nacional, Cab Sauv
Term

Alentejo DOC & IGP Alentejano

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grapes for DOC (11) and IGP (6)
Definition
  • Southern part of Portugal and inland
  • Continental and Mediterranean
  • DOC
    • Red:  Aragones, Alfrocheiro, Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Syrah, Touriga Nacional
    • White:  Antao Vaz, Fernao Pires, ARinto, Roupeiro
  • IGP Alentejano
    • White:  DOC plus Alvarinho, Chardonnay, Vigonier and others
    • Red:  DOC plus Grand Noir, Grenache, Petit Verdot and others
Term

United States Wine Laws

  • Federal Laws
  • Requirements if labelled
  • State
Definition
  • Federal:  Geographical indications to ensure provinence
    • American Viticultural ARea (AVA) (state, county, locality)
    • Requirements
      • Vintage Date (95%)
      • Source of fruit (85%)
      • Varietal Labeling (75%)
      • Estate bottling (100%)
  • State:  Vary by state
Term

California Climate

  • Overarching theme
  • Coastal vs Central
  • UC Davis Scale
Definition
  • Lack of rain during ripening season - irrigation widely used
  • Degree Days 1 (coolest) and 5 (hottest)
  • Coastal regions get cooling mists and fogs supplying humidity
  • Central regions up to 40C
Term

California Chardonnay

  • Importance
  • Styles
Definition
  • Largest at 20% of crop
  • Many styles: inexpensive high volume, some full bodied high alcohol oaked with hazelnutt, vanilla, and exotic fruit
  • Best:  Carneros, Sonoma, Monterey
Term

California Zinfandel

  • Importance
  • AKA
  • Flavor profile
  • Viticulture
Definition
  • Most harvested Red grape in CA
  • Genetic equivalent to Primitivo and a Croation grape
  • Rich full bodied, intense red berry, high alcohol, 
    • Whit Zin rose's are fruity, pale, low alcohol and sweet - Central Valley
  • Ripen unevenly with some raisining by the time all are ready
  • Best:  Sonoma, Sierra Foothills, Lodi
Term

California Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Importance
  • Where best
  • Two factos affecting style
Definition
  • Most widely planted at 25%
  • Napa rivals best producers - Sonoma, Lodi, Paso Robles
  • Long hang time yields complex flavors, sometimes unbalanced and high alcohol
  • No expense spared wine making, verywell crafted and tasted oak
Term

California Merlot

  • Where Best
  • Flavor profile
Definition
  • Best come from cooler sites:  Napa, Sonoma
  • deeply colored with st tannin, full body, classic blackberry and plum
Term

California Pinot Noir

  • Where best
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Coller regions like Russian Valley, Carneros, and Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Barbara, Monterey
  • Wide range of styles:
    • Some light,gamey vegetal
    • Most rich red fruit
Term

California Sauvignon Blanc

  • Where
  • Flavor
  • Oaked version
Definition
  • Coastal regions best - Napa
  • High acid, crisp, range of styles
  • Fume Blanc typically indicates oak
Term
California Regions (5)
Definition
  • North Coast Region
  • Central Coast Region
  • Central Valley Region
  • Sierra Nevada
  • South Coast Region
Term

North Coast Region

  • Where
  • Counties (3) and AVA's
Definition
  • All vineyards north of San Francisco
  • Napa County
    • Napa Valley 
    • Rutherford
    • Oakville
    • Mount Veeder
    • Carneros
  • Sonoma County
    • Russian River
    • Alexander Valley
    • Dry Creek Valley
  • Mendocino County
    • Alexander Valley
Term

Napa Valley AVA

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Climate
  • Davis zone
Definition
  • North Coast Region of California
  • Most expensive land and most prestigious wines
  • Mayacamas Mountains bblock rain; irrigation needed; Fog from the bay cools
  • Davis Zones 2 & 3
Term

Rutherford & Oakville AVA

  • Where
  • Soil
  • Grape
Definition
  • North Coast Region of CA
  • Volcanic soil
  • Cab Sauv
Term

Mount Veeder AVA

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Flavor
  • Grape
Definition
  • North Coast Region of CA
  • No fog to moderate the climate
  • Darker fruit, higher alcohol, firmer tannins 
  • Cab Sauv
Term

Carneros

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Davis Zone
  • Grape
Definition
  • Southern end of Napa Valley in the North Coast of CA
  • Significant cooling fromcean
  • Davis Zone 1
  • Premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay some sparkling
Term

Sonoma County

  • Where
  • AVA's, grape, and flavor
Definition
  • In the North Coast region of CA
  • Russian River Valley - cool, high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
  • Alexander Valley - soft, full bodied Cab Sauv
  • Dry Creek Valley - high quality old vine zin
Term

Mendocino County

  • Where
  • AVA and grape
Definition
  • North Coast Region of CA
  • Large and Diverse
  • Anderson Valley - Riesling & Gewurtz
Term

Central Coast Region

  • Where
  • Counties (4) and AVAs
Definition
  • Central Coast of CA
  • Santa Cruz County
    • Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
  • Monterey County
  • San Luis Obispo County
    • Paso Robles
  • Santa Barbara County
    • Santa Maria Valley
    • Santa Ynez Valley
Term

Santa Cruz County

  • Where
  • AVA
  • Climate
  • Grapes
Definition
  • In the Central Coast Region of CA
  • Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
  • Diverse region
  • Zone 1 produces Cab Sauv, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir
Term

Monterey County

  • Where
  • Climate & Zone & Grape
Definition
  • Norther part of the central coast region of CA
  • Cold air of the Pacific Ocean very influential on the coast.  Zone 1
    • Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
  • Inland less cool air - Zone 3
    • Merlot, Cab Sauv, Syrah, Rhone varieties
Term

San Luis Obispo County

  • Where
  • AVA
  • Grapes
  • Climate
Definition
  • Southern part of the Central Coast Region in CA
  • Mounts lie east - west encouraging cool breezes
  • Paso Robles AVA - Cab Sauv & Syrah
Term

Santa Barbara County

  • Where
  • AVAs
  • Grape
Definition
  • In the Southern part of the Central Coast Region in CA
  • Santa Maria Valley AVA
  • Santa Ynz Valley AVA
  • Pot Noir
Term
Central Valley Region
Definition
  • 80% of California wine is produced
  • Hot and Dry Zones 4 & 5
  • Industrial production 
  • Exception is Lodi AVA
Term

Lodi AVA

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Importance
  • Grapes

 

Definition
  • In the Central Valley AVA
  • Benefits from cooling breezes (zone 3 & 4)
  • Largest quality area
  • Nearly all grapes grown, but Oldest and best zin vineyards
Term

Sierra Nevada Region

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grapes
Definition
  • Foot of the Sierra Nevada Mts
  • Zones 3 & 4
  • Old vine zin and Italian varieties
Term

South Coast Region

  • Where
  • Importance
Definition
  • b/n LA and San Diego
  • Not much planted
Term

Oregon

  • 2 main regions
  • Best AVA (climate, grape)
Definition
  • Willamette Valley
    • Largest concentration in Oregon
    • Cool wet winters, warm dry summers
    • Warm days cool nights, Pacific ocean
    • Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris
  • Southern Oregon
    • Varied climate
    • Several grapes
Term

Washington

  • Main & Sub AVAs
  • Climate
  • Hazard
  • Grapes
Definition
  • Columbia Valley AVA
    • Cascade Mts prevent rain so irrigation necessary, Sunny days and cool nights; 
    • Winter freeze hazards; 
    • Chardonnay, Merlot, Cab Sauv
    • Yakima Valley AVA & Walla Walla w/in
Term

New York

  • AVA
  • Grapes
Definition
  • V. Vinifera <10% of plantings
  • Finger Lakes AVA
    • Riesling, Chardonnay, Several
Term

Canada

  • AVA Equivalent
  • Regions (2)
Definition
  • Vintners Quality Alliance
  • Regions: Ontario & British Columbia
Term

Ontario

 

  • Most imp region and sub regions (2)
  • Climate
  • Soil
  • Grapes
Definition
  • Niagara Peninsula
    • Niagara on the Lake
    • Niagara Escarpment
  • Niagara moderates the temperature
  • Soil - many; most important gravel over loam
  • Riesling - fresh pure dry and off dry as well as ice wine
  • Vidal - excellent icewines w/o good acidity
  • Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot
Term

British Columbia

  • Most imp region
  • Soil
  • Climate
  • Grapes (5)
Definition
  • Okanagan Valley
  • Sandy loam and alluvial soil
  • Low rainfall due to two mountain ranges
  • Continental
  • Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurtz.  
Term

Chile Wine Laws

  • AC
  • Requirements for labelling
Definition
  • Denominaciones de Origen (DO) - provenance only
  • 4 Regions which are very broad and 13 sub regions
  • 75% must come from DO, grape, and vintage to be labeled
Term

Chile Climate & Geography

  • Climate
  • Key weather impactors (3)
Definition
  • Warm mediterranean climate
  • Weather forces of impact
    • El Nino
    • Humboldt Current blows cold air
    • Andes - cold air
Term
Pais
Definition
  • Black Chilean variety for local consumption only.
Term

Chile Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Importance
  • Styles
  • Blending
  • Where Grown
Definition
  • 50% of all black plantings
  • Variety of styles
  • Frequently blended with Merlot, Carmenere or Syrah
  • Aconcagua, Maipo, Rapel, Colchagua, Cachapoal
Term

Chile Carmenere

  • Viticulture
  • Vinification
  • Where Grown
Definition
  • Late ripening, needs warmth and sun
  • Herbaceous when unripe; black fruit, herbal and red pepper
  • Aconcagua, Central Valley
Term

Chile White Varieties

  • 3 Main / 3 Others
  • Where best of 2 of the main
Definition
  • 3 Main:  Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat of Alexandria (Pisco), 
  • Others:  Viognier, Riesling, Gewurtz
  • Chardonnay:  Casablanca, Limari, Central Valley
  • Sauvignon Blanc:  Casablanca, Central Valley, San Antonio
Term

Coquimbo Region

  • Where
  • Sub Regions (3)
  • Importance
  • Climate & Hazard
  • Grapes (3)
Definition
  • Most Northern of Chile's Regions
  • 3 sub regions
    • Elqui
    • Limari
    • Choapa 
  • 2% of total vineyards
  • Brilliant sunshine and cooling breezes
  • Lack of water, irrigation essential
  • Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah
Term

Aconcagua Region

  • Where
  • Sub REgions (3) and climate and grapes
Definition
  • 2nd most northern region in Chile
  • 3 Sub Regions
    • Aconcagua
      • Very Warm, Cab Sauv, Syrah, Carmenere, High alcohol and tannin
    • Casablanca & San Antonio - White more than red due to colling breezes, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
      • Leyda Zone in San Antonia - very good Sauv  Blanc
      • Syrah in Casablanca
Term

Chile Central Valley Region

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Price
  • Sub regions (4) plus one further and grapes
Definition
  • Central Chile
  • Majority of Chilean vineyards
  • Warm w/ vast supply of water from Andes
  • Value for money
  • 4 sub regions
    • Maipo - Cab Sauv
    • Rapel
      • Cachapal - Carmenere, Cab Sauv, Syrah
      • Colchagua - Full bodied reds, some whites
    • Curico - Inexpensive Blended wines
    • Maule - Inexpensive Blended wines
Term

Chile Southern Region

  • Sub Regions (3)
  • Climate
  • Grapes
Definition
  • Sub Regions
    • Itata
    • Bio Bio
    • Mallerco
  • Cooler & Wetter more South
  • Pais & Muscat of Alexandria
Term

Chile Merlot

  • Importance
  • Where Grown
Definition
  • Export Markets
  • Maipo, Rapel
Term

Chile Pinot Noir

  • Where grown
Definition
  • Casblanca & San Antonio
Term

Argentina Climate & Geography

  • Climate
  • Hazards and over come

 

Definition
  • Vineyards near the Andes in irrigated desert
  • Most 600 m or more above sea level
  • Rainfall extremely low
  • Summer hail
  • Pergola training lifts vines from searing heat
Term

Argentina Grape Varieties

  • 3 Main
  • 5 other
Definition
  • 3 Main:  Malbec, Bonarde, Torrontes
  • Other:  Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier
Term

Argentina Malbec

  • Importance
  • Flavor 
Definition
  • Most planted variety in Argentina
  • Full bodied, ripe, spicy, black fruit
    • More elegant and fresher at higher altitudes
  • Mianly sinle varietal
Term

Bonarde

  • Importance
  • Where
  • Color
Definition
  • 2nd most grown variety in Argentina
  • Mendoza mainly
  • Black
Term

Torrontes

  • Heritage
  • Where
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Cross b/n Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica
  • La Rioja, San Juan, Cafayete, and Salta
  • Fruity floral w/ Medium body and acidity
Term

Salta Province

  • Where
  • Best region & grapes (5)
Definition
  • Northern most region of Argentina
    • Cafayete Region w/in is highest in world
    • Torrontes, Malbec, Cab Sauv, Syrah, Tannat
Term

Catamarca Province

  • Where
  • Viticulture
  • Grapes (5)

 

Definition
  • South of Salta in Argentina
  • Arid, Organic, pest free
  • Torrontes, Bonarda, Malbec, Tempranillo, Cab Sauv
Term

La Rioja Province

  • Where
  • Vinification
  • Grapes (3)
Definition
  • Central Argentina
  • Inexpensive bulk wines
  • Torrontes, Bonarda, Syrah
Term

San Juan Province

  • Where
  • Main Grape and others (7)
Definition
  • Central Argentina
  • Syrah is main
  • Malbec, Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc
Term

Mendoza Province

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Sub Regions (3), altitude and grapes
Definition
  • Central Argentina
  • 70% of wine production
  • Largest winemaking region in the world
  • Desert; snow melt water and high altitude make possible
  • Historical sub regions
    • Uco Valley - highest in mendoza; Chardonnay, Torrontes, Sauv Blanc, Malbec, Cab Sauv, best aging
    • Lujan de Cuyo - foothills of Andes, Malbec (old vines)
    • Maipu - lower altitude, old vines.  Syrah, Malbec, Cab Sauv
Term

Neuquen Province

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Climate
  • Grapes (5)
Definition
  • Southern Argentina north of Rio Negro
  • Newest wine region in the world - only in 21st century
  • Pinot Noir, Sauv Blanc, Torrontes, Malbec, Merlot
  • Cool climate
Term

Rio Negro Province

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grapes (4)
Definition
  • Southern most region in Argentina
  • Cooler
  • Grapes:   Sauv Blanc, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Merlot
  • Old vines, wide diurnal range, windy, low rainfall
Term

Uruguay Climate

  • Climate - similar to?
  • Hazards (3)
Definition
  • Similar to Bordeaux & New Zealnad
  • Maritime, humidity, fertile soil
  • Hazard - rainfall during harvest and humidity leading to rot, vigor
Term

Uruguay Grape Varieties

  • Main
  • Red v White
  • 3 others
Definition
  • Tannat
  • 70% Red:  Merlot, Cab Sauv, Syrah
Term

South Africa Wine Laws

  • Name and requirememtns if labeled
  • 4 production sizes
  • estate wine laws
Definition
  • WO - Wine Origin
    • 100% of grapes must come from named area
    • 85% from stated vintage
    • 85% of cultivar
  • 4 Sizes of Production
    • Geographical Unit - multiple regions and districts blended
    • Regions - large areas with dominant geological eatures
    • Districts - Smaller with similar environmental features
    • Wards - similar soil and geography w/ distinct style
  • Estate Wines - single estate and all grapes from estate vineyeard
Term

South Africa Climate & Geography

  • Typical climate
  • things impacting climate
Definition
  • Mediterranean
  • Winds and mountains provide differences
Term

South Africa Black Varieties

  • 5 and some general info incl main region
Definition
  • Cabernet Sauvignon - most widely planted black, varietal and bordeaux blends - Stellenbosch
  • Merlot - Bordeaux blends
  • Syrah - Paarl, Stellenbosch, Coastal
  • Pinotage (Pinot Noir, Cinsault)  - Coastal
  • Pinot Noir - Walker Bay
Term

South Africa White Varieties

  • 5 incl 2 AKAs
  • Main regions
Definition
  • Chenin Blanc (Steen) - most widely planted variety; Coastal
  • Colombard
  • Chardonnay - Walker Bay, Coastal, Robertson
  • Sauvignon Blanc - Constantia, Coastal, Durbanville, Elgin, Elim, Robertson
  • Muscat of Alexandria(Hanepoot)
Term

South Africa Regions

  • 2 and importance
Definition
  • Western Cape - 90%
  • Orange River in Northern Cape - 10%
Term

Coastal Region

  • Where
  • Sub Regions - 5
  • Key info and grapes
Definition
  • Western most district in the Western Cape of RSA
  • Stellenbosch District - hub of fine wine, Good climate, altitude, and aspect, soil; Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah
  • Paarl District - Hotter than Stell, good aspect, alt & soil
  • Constantia Ward - oldest; cooled by the doctor, Sauvignon Blanc
  • Swartland - Syrah and Chenin Blanc
  • Durbanville - Sauvignon Blanc
Term

Breede River Valley Region

  • Where
  • Sub Regions (2) climate and grapes
Definition
  • Central part of the Western Cape of RSA
  • Worcester DistrictW - Warm and dry, alluvial soil, Chenin Blanc and Colombard
  • Robertson District - Warm and dry with cooling breezes, mainly inexpensive bulk but some good Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauv Blanc
Term

Other RSA Districts

  • 3 and grapes
Definition
  • Walker Bay - Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
  • Elgin Ward - Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • Elim Ward - Sauvignon Blanc
Term

Australia Wine Laws

  • Label requirement
  • 3 geographical distinctions
Definition
  • Geographical Indications 
    • 85% of fruit must come from where and vintage label states
  • Zones - large areas with no qualifying attributes
  • Regions - Consistent and distinct qualities
  • Sub Regions - distinct unique qualities
Term

Astralia Climate, Topography 

  • Climate
  • Topography
Definition
  • Mainly Mediterranean with warm to hot summers tempered by Ocean or rivers.  Irrigation is important to necessary for most regions
  • Mainly flat to roling hills 
Term

Australian Grape Varieties

  • 6 Red / 6 White
Definition

In order of imp

Red

  • Shiraz
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Pinot Noir
  • Petit Verdot
  • Grenache

White

  • Chardonnay
  • Semillon
  • Sultana (Thompson Seedless)
  • Sauvignon Blanch
  • Riesling
  • Verdelho
Term

Australian Shiraz

  • Flavor in hot and cooler
  • Vinifciation
Definition
  • Classic Australian Variety
  • Best from old vines
  • Hot areas(Barossa & Hunter):  Soft eathy, spicy, leather and caramel with age
  • Cool areas (Margaret River, Western Victoria, Central Ranges):  leaner more peppery
  • Also used in Bordeaux blends and Shiraz / Viognier blends
  • Classic Regions:  
    • Shiraz / Cab - SE Australia
    • Shiraz - Barossa, Hunter, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra
Term

Australian Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Flavor
  • Blend?
  • Classic Regions (2)
Definition
  • Darker and firmer tannins with higher acidity than Shirz.  ripe black fruit, toasty meaty oak.
  • Usually blended with Shiraz or Merlot
  • Coonwara and Margaret River
Term

Australian Chardonnay

  • Blend?
  • Flavor
  • Regions
Definition
  • Usually blended across regions
  • Peach, Melon, Fig Banana w/ diff degrees of oak and malolactic
  • Blended w/ Semillon which is cheaper
  • Classic Regions
    • Chardonnay / Semillon - SE Australia
    • Chardonnay- Adelaide Hills, Hunter Valley
Term
Australian Semillon
Definition
  • Classic Region:
    • Dry - Hunter Valley - light, unoaked, low alcohol, high acidity, toast nut honey
    • Botrytised - Murray Darling, Riverina
Term

Australian Riesling

  • Flavor
  • Classic regions
Definition
  • Bold citrus fruit, toast honey and petrol with age
  • Unoaked and dry or off dry
  • Eden & Clare Valley
Term

South Australia

  • Importance
  • 5 Zones and Their Regions
Definition
  • 43% of total production
  • Barossa Zone
    • Barossa Valley Region
    • Eden Valley Region
  • Mount Lofty Ranges Zone
    • Adelaide HIlls Region
    • Clare Valley Region
  • Fleurieu Zone
    • McLaren Vale Region
  • Limestone Coast Zone
    • Coonawarra Region
    • Padthaway Region
  • Lower Murray Zone
    • Riverland Region
Term

Barossa Zone

  • Where
  • Regions (2), Climate, Soil, Grapes
Definition
  • Located in the Western part of SE Australia north of the Adelaide Hills
  • Barossa Valley Zone
    • Heartland of fine wine
    • Ironstone and limestome soil
    • Hot, dry
    • Old bush vines:  Shiraz, Grenache, Mataro (Mourvdre), Cab Sauv.  
  • Eden Valley Region
    • Moderate to warm climate depending on altitude
    • Good Riesling in coooler areas
    • Cab Sauv and Chardonnay as well
Term

Mount Lofty Ranges Zone

  • Where
  • Regions (2); grapes, soil, climate
Definition
  • Western portion of SE Australia near Adelaide
  • Adelaide Hills Region
    • Moderate climate where altitude is key
    • Sandy Loam, so irrigation is necessary
    • Chardonnays and Pinot Noir
    • Some sparkling
  • Clare Valley Region
    • Riesling - Dry, Citrus, high acidity, kerosene
    • Hot with cool nights and breezes and altitude
    • Varried soil
    • Shiraz & Cab Sauv
Term

Fleurieu Zone

  • Where
  • Region (1) climate and grapes
Definition
  • Western part of the SE of Australia
  • McLaren Vale Region
    • Afternoon breezes temper the climate
    • Shiraz, Grenache, Cab Sauv
Term

Limestone Coast Zone

  • Where
  • Climate
  • REgions (2) soil and grapes
Definition
  • Southern tip of the western part of SE Australia
  • Maritime cool to moderate climate
  • Coonawarra Region
    • Red terra rosa soil; limestone
    • Cab Sauv, Merlot, Chard
  • Padthaway Region
    • Moderate to warm
    • Loam and limestone
    • Chardonnay, Cab Sauv, Merlot
Term

Lower Murray Zone

  • Where
  • Region(1) and wine style

 

Definition
  • Western part of the SE zone of Australia
  • Riverland Region
    • Bulk wine production
    • High yields, high heat, not much flavor
Term

Victoria

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Zones (3) and Regions

 

Definition
  • Southern tip of SE Region of Australia
  • ~25% of production
  • Port Phillip Zone
    • Yarra Valley Region
    • Mornington Penninsula Region
    • Geelong Region
  • Central Victoria Zone
    • Heathcote Region
  • Western Victoria Zone
    • Murray Darling Region
Term

Port Philip Zone

  • Where
  • Regions (3), climate, grapes
Definition
  • Located in Victoria Zone in Australia
  • Yarra Valley Region
    • Oldest commercial wine region
    • Moderate Maritime climate with plenty of rain
    • Range of soils
    • Pinot Noir specialty - Strawberries, plus, dark cherries, not baked
    • Chardonnay (melon, fig, white peach) and Cab Sauv
    • Excellent sparkling wines
  • Mornington Peninsula Region
    • Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
    • Cool maritime climate
  • Greelong Region
    • Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz
    • Cool maritime climate
Term

Central Victoria Zone

  • Where
  • Region (1) and grape
Definition
  • Victoria zone of Australia
  • Heathcote Region
    • Moderate climate - altitude
    • Shiraz
Term

Western Victoria Zone

  • Where
  • Wine style
Definition
  • Victoria Zone of Australia
  • Muray Darling Region
    • Bulk producer
Term

New South Wales

  • Where
  • Zones (3) and Regions
Definition
  • SE Australia
  • Hunter Valley Zone
    • Hunter Valley Region
  • Central Ranges Zone
  • Big Rivers Zone
    • Murray-Darling Region
    • Riverina Region
Term

Hunter Valley Zone

  • Region, Climate, Grapes
Definition
  • In NSW Australia
  • Hunter Valley Region
    • Hot humid climate with rain at harvest
    • Semillon(light alcohol, neutral developing honey and toast w/ age) & Shiraz (red fruit, soft tannin, earth)
Term

Central Ranges Zone

  • Where and grapes
Definition
  • NSW Australia
  • Chardonnay & Cab Sauv
Term

Big Rivers Zone

  • Where
  • Regions (2), climate, imp, and grape
Definition
  • NSW Australia
  • Murray - Darling: bulk wine
  • Riverina Region
    • 2nd largest region (15%)
    • Dry and hot w/ irrigation
    • Semillon noble rot
Term

Western Australia

  • Importance
  • Zone (1) and Regions (2)
Definition
  • 5% of the wine / 30% of the medals
  • South West Australia Zone
    • Margaret River Region
    • Great Southern Region
      • Mount Barker
      • Frankland River
Term

South West Australia Zone

  • Regions (2), climate, grapes
Definition
  • Margaret River Region
    • Moderate Maritime climate similar to Bordeaux
    • Cab Sauv and Merlot - structure and complexity
    • Chardonnay - stone fruit, acidity, malo lactic
    • Semillon & Sauv blanc
  • Great Southern Region
    • Mount Barker & Frankland River sub regions
    • Cab Sauv, Shiraz, Rielsing
Term

Tasmania

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grapes
Definition
  • Island off Australia
  • Coolest climate in Oz
  • Pinot Noirs and aromatic whites from Alsatian varieties
Term

New Zealand Climate & Geography

  • Climate
  • Geography impact
Definition
  • Cool to moderate maritime climate
  • Tmeps in North cooler than Suth and cooler than similar latitude
  • RAinfall determined by the mountains
Term

New Zealand Grape Varieties

  • White:  4
  • Red:  3
Definition
  • Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris Riesling
  • Pinot Noir, Merlot
  • Cab Sauv
  • Syrah
Term

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

  • Importance
  • Where
  • Flavors
  • Aging
Definition
  • 50% of all plantings
  • Marlborough
  • Capsicum, Gooseberry, herbal, passion fruit, tomato, minerality
  • Best can age in bottle and develop asparagus notes
Term

New Zealand Chardonnay

  • Importance
  • Styles
  • Classic Regions
Definition
  • 2nd most widely planted
  • Wide range of styles incl sparkling
  • Gisborne, Marlborough
Term

New Zealand Pinot Noir

  • Flavor
  • Classic Region
Definition
  • Red fruit flavors, high alcohol
  • Marlborough, Central Otago, Martinborough
Term

New Zealand Merlot & Cab Sauv

  • How used
  • Regions
Definition
  • Bordeaux blends
  • Hawke's Bay
Term

New Zealand Viticulture & Vinification

  • Vineyard issues
  • Wine making mindset
Definition
  • Climate allows for high alcohol and acidity
  • Vine vigor is an issue due to fertile soils
  • Fungal diseases are a problem
  • By 2012 100% want to pass a sustainability test
  • Modern wine making techniques lead to purity and freshness
  • Logistics are a big cost
Term

North Island

  • Where
  • Regions (4) and Subs
Definition
  • Northern island of New Zealand
  • Auckland
  • Gisborne
  • Hake's Bay
    • Gimblett Gravels
  • Wairarapa
    • Martinborough
Term

Auckland

  • Where
  • Importance
  • Climate
  • Grapes (3)
Definition
  • Northern most part of North Isand New Zealand
  • Where wine industry started
  • Warm, wettest part (fungal disease)
  • Cab Sauv, Merlot, Chardonnay
Term

Gisborne

  • Where
  • Grape and flavor
  • Climate
Definition
  • NE part of North Island in New Zealand
  • Chardonnay - rich tropical fruit
  • Lots of rain, but lots of sunshine
Term

Hawke's Bay

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Soil
  • Sub Region & Grape
Definition
  • Central part of North Island New Zealand
  • Warmest w/ long sunshine hours
  • Varried soils and aspects for varried styles
  • Gimbett Gravels - Merlot & Cab Sauv
Term

Wairarapa

  • Where
  • Best region - grape and flavor
Definition
  • Southern part of the North Island in New Zealand
  • Martinborough - Pinot Noir; good soil, diurnal range for good ripeness and complexity
Term

South Island

  • Where
  • REgions (4)
Definition
  • New Zealand
  • Marlborough
  • Nelson
  • Cantebury
  • Central Otago
Term

Marlborough

  • Where
  • Grape - flavor
  • Climate
Definition
  • NE corner of South Island in New Zealand
  • Signature Sauvignon Blanc style of NZ
  • higher acidity and tomato characteristic - capscium in cooler, tropical in warmer - typ a blend of two
  • Cooler temps and wind.  Frost risk.  
Term

Nelson

  • Where
  • Climate
Definition
  • North West part of South Island in NZ
  • Cooler and wetter 
Term

Canterbury

  • Where
  • Region
  • Grapes (3)

 

Definition
  • Central part of South Island in NZ
  • Waipara Valley
  • Pinot Noir, Sauv Blanc, Riesling
Term

Central Otago

  • Where
  • Climate
  • Grape
Definition
  • Southern part of South Island in NZ
  • Inland in the foothills of Southern Alps
  • Continental, frost dmage, large diurnal range
  • Pinot Noir
Term

Champagne Laws

  • AC / Cru
Definition
  • One appelations covers all wines
  • Some villages (entire villages) have cru status (44 Premiere Cru, 17 Grand Cru)
Term

Champagne Climate

  • Climate
  • Hazard
  • impact on grapes
Definition
  • Cool continental climate
  • Winter Freeze, Spring Frost, 
  • Even in warmest summers sugars are low and acid high
Term

Champage Viticulture

  • Soil
  • Weather challenge

 

Definition
  • Soils:  Chalk (good drainage); Nutrient poor
  • Frost biggest challenge; spur pruning for lots of wood and better resistance
Term

Champagne Grape Varieties

  • 3 varieties, where planted, and flavor or role

 

Definition
  • Chardonnay - Cote de Blancs & Cote de Sezanne.  High acidity, floral citrus
  • Pinot Noir - Montagne de Reims & Cote des Bar; Body and lenght for structure and backbone
  • Meunier - Vallee de la Marne; fruitiness for made to drink young
Term

Traditional Champagne Method

  • 8 stages and key information
Definition
  • Harvest & Pressing - hand harvesting, no crushing nor destemming; pressed as quickly and gently as possible to avoid color and tannin. First 82 liters of pressing is cuvee remaining 20 is taille.  
  • Fermentation - Temp controlled stainless steel; MLF resulting in low alc, high acidity, neutral wine
  • Blending - Common place to achieve a house style.  Up to 70 diff wines.  
  • Secondary Fermentation - Liqueur de triage added (wine, sugar, yeast nutrients, and clarifying agent) added.  Crown cap then set down for fermentaiton. 6-8 wks
  • Yeast Autolysis - dead yeast break down releasing compounds (bready notes), 4/5 years up to 10
  • Riddling - Moving slowly to veritcal position.  
  • Disgorgement - Freeze neck, sediment disgorged, topped up with liqueur d'expedition or dosage (wine & cane sugar), corked.  
  • Bottle Aging - allows the dosage to integrate and furher flavors to develop
Term

Champagne Labeling Terms

  • 7 stages of 'dry'
Definition
  • Brut Nature - dry
  • Extra Brut - dry
  • Brut - dry to off dry
  • Extra Sec - Off dry to med dry
  • Sec - med dry
  • Demi Sec - sweet
  • Doux - luscious
Term

Styles of Champagne

  • 2 year styles
  • 3 grape styles
Definition
  • NV - House style wine blended from many vintages.  Min 15 mo aging incl 12 mo on lees
  • Vintage - best years and all grapes from that vintage.  but producer can only use 80% of grapes from any one vintage to ensure stocks.  Min 3 yr on lees
  • Rose - Only Rose in EU that can be a blend of red and white.  rarely benefits from age as fruit fades.  
  • Blanc de Blancs - 100% Chardonnay, youth = citrus and green apple, age - rich buttery
  • Blanc de Noirs - Only Pinot Noir and Meunier - more structured and red fruit;
Term

Sparkling Wine Methods

  • 3 Methods, description + and -
Definition
  • Transfer Method - Same as traditional up to Riddling.  Then entire contents disgorged into a tank, filtered, rebottled.  80% of Oz sparkling
    • (+) cheaper
    • (-) impacts bubbles, pressure, longevity
  • Tank Method - Majority of sparkling; 2nd fermentation in a sealed tank, filtered, bottled.  
    • (+) - very cheap, good for Muscat & Riesling, Prosecco
    • (-) - no yeast autolysis flavor, 
  • Asti Method - no still wine produced.  must stored near freezing, fermented in pressurized tanks.  CO2 released until alcohol hits 6%.  the CO2 retaid utnil 7% alc.  
Term

European Sparkling Wines

  • Cremant
  • Saumur & Vouvray
  • Cava
  • Asti
  • Sekt
  • Prosecco
  • Lambrusco
  • Sekt
Definition
  • Cremant - 7 FR sparkling wine ACs.  Traditional method.  9 mo on lees.  
  • Saumur & Vouvray - Loire is 2nd biggest sparkling in FR.  Range of grapes.
  • Cava - DO covering several non contiguous regions in SP.  Similar to Cremant in style.  
  • Asti DOCG - Muscat, sweet, fruity - Piemonte
  • Prosecco - Prosecco DOC & Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG.  Tank method and sweet
  • Lambrusco - Italy, Red, TAnk method
  • Sekt - tank method, Deutcher Sekt is DE grapes, Duetcher sekt bA from the Anbugebeite
Term

Australia Sparkling

  • Main Grapes
  • 3 styles and production
  • Where (3)
Definition
  • Typically Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
  • 3 Styles
    • light, fresh, fruity, simple - tank / transfer
    • full bodied with autolytic - traditional
    • Sparkling red - traditional, Cab Sauv, Merlot
  • Tasmania, Yarra Valley, Adelaide
Term

New Zealand Sparkling

  • How
  • Where
Definition
  • Traditional method from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier
  • Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne
  • Most undergo 18 mo bottle maturation
Term

South Afirca Sparkling

  • Style
  • How
  • AKA
  • grapes
Definition
  • Off dry to sweet
  • not bottle fermented
  • AKA Cap Classique
  • Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
Term

USA Sparkling Wine

  • 4 methods
  • Oldest
  • Regions -2 
Definition
  • 4 Methods:  Carbonation, Charmat, Transfer, Traditional
  • Korbel is oldest continuing producer
  • Carneros AVA and Anderson Valley
Term

Jerez Climate

  • Climate
  • Impacts
  • Hazards
Definition
  • Warm Mediterranean and sunny
  • Winds some cool and humid other dry and hot
  • High rainfall in autumn and winter
Term

Sherry Viticulture

  • Soil types (3)
  • Soil modification
Definition
  • Soil Types:  Albariza are most imp.  Chalk, good drainage and deep rootage.  pits are dug to trap more water and prevent runoff
  • Other two barros and arenas
Term

Sherry Grape Varieties

  • 3 types, importance, key facts of most imp
Definition
  • Palomino - 95% of Jerez plantings.  albariza soils, low acid, strong varietal aroma
  • Pedro Ximenez (PX) - grown in Montilla-Moriles - sweet wines
  • Muscat of Alexandria - sweet wines
Term

Sherry Vinification

  • Process for Dry and Sweet
Definition
  • Dry:  press asap to avoid oxidation; ferment in stainless steel at high temp to 11%-12% abv, left open for flor to develop, yeast used to create flor highly dependent on humidity and temp (needs high)
  • Sweet:  Grapes suned after harvest to concentrate.  so high alcohol yeast can't ferment all.  then fortified to 17%
Term

Sherry Classification

  • Dry (4) 
  • Sweet (2)
  • Blended (3)
  • Other (1)
  • Making, flavor, alcohol, etc
Definition
Dry Styles
  • Fino - Pale Lemon, Light body and color with a lot of Flor.  15% abv
    • Almonds, herbs and dough.  Consume as fresh as possible
  • Olorosos - fuller bodied with little flor.  enter solera at 17% abv
    • Deep brown , toffee, leather, spice, walnut.  Older wines are savory and balanced w/ sweetness from a small amount of PX.  Oldest wines up to 22% abv as water evaporates
  • Amontillado - Fully matured Finos are fortified to 17% to kill the flor and then fed into a Solera and oxidized
    • Amber or brown - yeast and oxidative flavors can be matured as long as Oloroso and reach 22% abv
  • Palo Cortados -finest and rarest
    • Finesse and flor of Amontillado and weight of Oloroso.  

Sweet Styles - usually used as a component

  • PX - deep brown, intensely  sweet, dried fruit, coffee, liquer 
  • Muscat - similar to PX w/ varietal citrus peel

Blended - aka Vinos Generosos de Licor

  • Pale Cream - Fino sweetened with Rectified Concentrated Grape Must
  • Medium Sherries - Amontillado and naturally sweet sherries
  • Cream Sherries - Oloroso and naturally sweet sherries.

Manzanilla - from town of Sanlucar de Barrameda (separate DO) - cooler more humid climate results in Flor year round.  Fino most famous

 

Term

Sherry Maturation

  • In what
  • Why
  • how long
  • Name of system
Definition
  • Aged in 600 liter oak barrels called buts
  • Oak allows for oxygen transfer and only 5/6 full
  • Mature for at least three years
  • Solera system
Term

Solera System

  • Explain system and key terms
Definition
  • Groups of butts referred to as levels holding wines of diff avg ages
  • Levels are called criaderas and the Solera is the final level
  • Wine for bottling taken from the oldest level the Solera
  • Solera not fully emptied, replenished with wine from another level that is slightly younger (first criadera)
  • First is the replenished from the second, and so on
  • Youngest criadera replenished with wine from sobretabla wine
  • Up to 14 Criadera
  • only 1/3 can be taken out of the system each year
  • constantly blended to achieve a house style
Term
Sherry Biological & Oxidative Maturation
Definition
  • Biological (finos) Flor produce taste of Fino and protects wine from oxidation
    • Young wines supply nutrients so wine is moved throughout criaderas several times 
    • 3/4 years max 7
  • Olorosso, Amantillado, and PX are aged oxidatively
    • Flor is not very present, young wines retain character
    • Up to 22 years
Term
Porto Climate
Definition
  • Dry continental climate
  • Spring, Autumn and summer violent down pours
  • Hot summers and winter freezes
Term

Porto Viticulture

  • Type of terracing (3)
Definition
  • Vineyards on steep slopes
    • Socalcos:  Stone walls; non mechanized and expensive to maintain
    • Patamares - slightly soping terraces withoad access
    • Vinha ao alto - non terraced; machines operated by winchs
    • Erosion an issu with patamares and vinha ao alto
Term

Port Vineyard Classification 

  • Grading system
Definition
  • Quality level judged on 13 criteria and awarded A to F grade supports Beneficio system
  • IVDP authorities authorize # of grapes to be used in port production each year.  Each Beneficio gets an allocation with best sites getting most
  • Ensures a living for all but has issues
Term

Port Grape Varieties

  • # reco and allowed
  • 5 types, quality and flavor
Definition
  • 20 reco'ed and 80 allowed
  • Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) - high yield, Finesse
  • Touriga Nacional - finest grape, low yield, full bodied, concentration, used for best wines
  • Touriga Franca - very good quality, needs warmth to obtain riepesness, deep color, well strucured, robust
  • Tinta Cao - small percentage.  late ripening, small bunches, tannin
  • Tinta Barroca - larger berry and unch, thin skin, high sug, soft fruity, body and structure
Term

Port Vinification

  • Important step and ways to achieve
Definition
  • Rapid color and tannin extraction w/in 24 - 36 hrs.  
    • Constant treading, pumping over, or autovintners constantly pumping over to extract (not for vintage port)
    • Piston Plungers - cap punch down w/ robotic pistons - premium
    • Robotic Lagar - robotic 'feet' - premium
Term
Styles of Port (4)
Definition
  • White
  • Ruby
  • Tawny 
  • Vintage
Term

White Port

  • Flavor
  • Aging
Definition
  • White grapes
  • Golden, low acid, honey and nut aromas
  • off dry to sweet
  • non vintage - sold 2-3 yrs old
Term
Ruby Port
Definition
  • Deeply colored and fruity, ready to drink
  • Generally 3 yrs old
  • Reserve Ruby Port - higher quality wine from one or more vintages; up to 5 years, richer fruit
  • Late Bottled Vintage Port - Ruby port from a specific year, 4 - 6 years
    • Modern LBV - most common, fined and filtered before bottlingricher and more complex.  drink immed
    • Bottle Matured LBV - improve w/ bottle age as unfined and unfiltered, further 3 years of bottle aging on top of 4 - 6. similar to vintage port
Term

Tawny Port

  • General color and aroma
  • 3 types and requirements / flavor
Definition
  • Paler and browner in color, complex aromas through oxidative aging
  • bottled ready to drink and matured
  • Lighter colored less extracted wines matured in hot nditions
  • Reserve Tawny Port - 7 years maturation in wood, comlex, soft and smooth
  • Tawny Port w/ indication of age -
    • only 10, 20, 30, or over 40
    • Average age of the blend
    • must state bottling year as freshness lost after bottling
    • Finestof Tawny Ports, very complex and concentrated, 
    • No sediment
    • Walnuts, coffee, choc, caramel
  • Colheita Ports
    • Very rare
    • Single vintage aged in wood till just before bottling - min 8 years
Term

Vintage Port

  • General facts
  • Two types
Definition
  • Intended for aging in the bottle - bottled b/n 18 mo and 3 yr
  • Vintage Ports - long lived wines, 
    • full rich tannic when young
    • may not reach peak till 20 years
    • only declared in best years
  • Single Quinta Vintage Ports
    • Same as Vintage but a single estate (quinta)
    • More frequent than vintage ports but not ever year
Term

Madeira Grape Varieties

  • Grapes (5), imp, flavor
Definition

Noble Varieties 

  • Only 25% are noble varieties
  • Sercial - North of the island, high acid, mineral, fruit nuts
  • Verdelho - North, acidity, med dry wines, aromatic, caramel (most planted of the 4)
  • Boal - South, med sweet, nutty vanilla, raisiny
  • Malvasia - South, sweetest wines, honey, raisin, caramel

Tinta Negra

  • 56% of plantings
  • hardy, disease resistant
  • range of styles
Term

Madiera Vinifcation & Maturation

  • Fermentation process
  • Two aging processes
Definition
  • Fermented to required sweetness then stopped by adding grape spirit
  • Used to be aged in the hulls of ships where heat would carmelize and hasten agin
  • Canteiros - left in casks on racks, heated by sun.  All single varietal and vintage.  at least 3 years
  • Estufa - heated for 3 mo in stainless steel at high temps, commercial, younger wines.  2 yers of aging.  
Term

Madeira Styles

  • Age Indication (4)
  • Vintage Dated (2)
Definition

Wines with Age Indication

  • 3yr old or Finest Wine - Estufa aged Tinta Negra, labeled based on sweetness
  • 5yr old or Reserve / Reserva - Tinta Negra mainly, Premium based on Noble varieties
  • 10yr old or Reserva Especial / Special Reserve / Reserve Velha - Canteiro aged varietally labeled
  • 15yr old or Reserva Extra / Extra Reserve - Canteiro aged / varietally labeled

Vintage Dated

  • Colheita - aged in cask at least 5yr.  Tinta Negra or varietally labled
  • Frasqueira or Vintage - ultimate Madeira expression, varetally lablelled noble varieties, at least 20yr in cask.   
Term

Vins Doux Naturels (VDN)

  • How made
  • Grapes (2) and AC's for each
Definition
  • Fortified wines from FR made by adding grape spirit to make a strong (15% - 20% abv) wine
  • Bottled young for immed consumpt
  • AC's from Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
    • Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AC (Rhone)
    • Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois AC (Languedoc)
    • Muscat de Rivesaltes AC (Roussilon)
  • Rivesaltes AC - mix of varieities and aging
  • Grenache VDNs - similar to Ruby / Tawny port
    • Rasteau AC (Rhone)
    • Banyuls AC (Roussilon)
    • Rivesaltes (Roussilon)
Term

Rutherglen

  • Where
  • viticultre & vinifcation
  • Flavor
Definition
  • Fortified wine made in Victoria Australia
  • Muscat Petits a Grains
  • Made from grapes that have begun to raisin on the vine
  • Version of Solera, oxidative aging and evaporation
  • intse full bodied sticky sweet
  • dried fruit, cooked fruit, caramel, toffee, nuts, coffee
Term

Spirits Vocab

  • Wash
  • Congeners
  • Pot Still
  • Column Still
  • Head / Heart / Tail
  • Oak Impact
Definition
  • Wash - a fermented liquid typ 10% abv
  • Congeners - flavors from the fermented liquid
  • Pot Still - inefficient but flavorfull.  Pot and swan like neck.  2 - 3 to produce strong enough
  • Head / Heart / Tail - Sequence of vaporiztion w/ Heart having most flavor and conc.  
  • Clumn Still - Fractional distillation, simulatenous distillation.  trays w/in a column.  highly rectified.  loses some flavor
  • Oak impact - color and flavor, oxidatio, evaporation, interaction compounds.  70% of flavor from wood.  
Term

Cognac

  • Crus (6)
  • Grapes (3)
Definition
  • Just north of Bordeaux
  • 6 Crus
    • Grande Champagne
    • Petite Champagne
    • Borderles
    • Fins Bois
    • Bons Bois
    • Bons Ordinaire
  • Grapes - 8 permitted
    • Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano)
    • Colombard
    • Folle Blanche
Term

Cognac Fermentation & Distillation

  • Fermentation / Distillation process
  • Vocab - First distillation
Definition
  • Low alcohol in base wine leads to 7 fold concentration
  • Copper Charentais pot still only permitted still
  • By law all must be distilled by end of March
  • Brouillis - first distiation
  • heads and tails redistilled
Term

Cognac Maturation

  • How aged
  • Age labels
Definition
  • Aged in FR oak barrels for min of 2 years
  • New oak then old oak
  • Blending is key
  • VS - 2yrs
  • VSOP - 4 yrs
  • XO - 6rs
Term

Armagnac

  • Where
  • 3 areas
Definition
  • South of Bordeaux
  • 3 areas
    • Bas Armagnac - most elegant 65% of prod
    • Tenareze - most of remainder
    • Haut Armagnac
Term

Armagnac 

  • Grapes
  • Distillation
  • Age labels
Definition
  • Ugni Blanc (50%) and Baco 22A (40%)
    • Baco is a hybrid and fuller bodies
  • Distillation by March
  • One distillation in a column some producrs use pot
  • Oak aged
  • VS - 1-3 yrs
  • VSOP - 4 - 9 yrs
  • Napoleaon - 6 - 9 yrs
  • Hors d'Age or XO - 10 - 19 yrs
  • XO premium 20+
Term

Other Brandy

  • Spanish
  • Other countries (4)
  • Other grape spirits
Definition

Spanish 

  • Jerez & Penedes w/ base from La Mancha
  • pot and column still
  • Solera aging

Chile & Peru - Pisco

South Africa & Mexico 

 

Pomace (skin, pulp, stem) - Grappa, Eaux de Vie do Marc

Term

Whiskey

  • Malting
  • Mashing
Definition
  • Malting - modified insoluble starch into soluble srarch 

Mashing - Enables starch conversion to sugar

Term

Scotch Whiskey

  • General Info
  • 5 types and info
Definition
  • Scotch Whiskey
    • Distilled and matured (3 yr) in Scottland
    • ess than 95% abv
      • Malt - Malted barley and pot stils
      • Grain - malted barley and other grains continuous still
  • Malt Whiskey - 3 flavors affecting
    • Peat - smokey
    • Distillation incl shape of pot
    • Barrels contrib to 70% of flavor (trad ex bourbon for flavs of vanilla, coconut, spice)
  • Grain Whiskey
    • Never peated and distilled to higher rectification
  • Single Whiskey
    • Prod of one distillery
    • Single Grain Scotch - very rare / Single Malt Scotch = majority
    • Blending on diff ages w/ age distinction of youngest ages
  • Blended Whiskey
    • 2 or more distilleries
  • Blended Malt Scotch Wiskey, Blended grain scotch whiskey, and blended scotch whiskey (blend of grain and malt)
  •  
Term

Irish Whiskey

  • no and name of distilleries
  • general style
Definition
  • Only 3 distilleries in Ireland
  • Midleton - most produces here
  • Triple distillation, unmatled barley and absence of peat
  • Cooley's & Bushmill's the other two
Term

Bourbon & Tennessee 

  • General info
Definition

Bourbon 

  • 51% of grain is corn / maize
  • New charred Am white oak
  • Single column still

Tennessee

  • Same as Bourbon but before maturation dripped through male wood charcoal to soften and smokeu
Term

Rum

  • General info
    • what made from
    • how
    • impact on flavor
    • aged
    • blend or no?
Definition
  • Made from sugar cane (molasses)
  • Length of ferment biggest flavor impactor
  • Pot and column stills 
  • White generally unaged, others use FR oak or ex bourbon cask
  • Nearly all blended

 

Term

Tequla and Mezcal

  • Made from?
  • How distilled?
  • Aged?
  • Classes (5)

 

Definition
  • Tequila must be made from Blue Agave (51%) and in one of 5 approved Mexican states
    • AKA Mezcal
  • Double distilled with pot or column
  • Majority unaged and colorless
  • Classes
    • Bianco - unaged, pungent agave, vegetal, peppery, spicy, vast majority
    • Joven / Oro - unaged, Caramel / additives, soften the flavor and color
    • Reposado - aged for min 2 mo and no more than 1 year in wooden vessels, mellow, page golden
    • Anejo - aged in oak for at least a year, rich texure, vanila, spicy.  
    • Muy Anejo - super premium aged in oak for at least 3 yr
Term

Gin & Anise Spirits

  • Main botanical
  • 3 classes
  • Other anise flavored liquors (4)
Definition
  • Range of botanicals w/ min 96% abv most imp is Juniper
  • London Gin- must use pot still, no other flavors after distillation
  • Distilled Gin - Same as London but other flavors may be added after distilation
  • Cold Compounded Gins - Cheapest way, flaors added rather than distilled

Other Anise Flavored Liquors

  • Pastis - FR Liquorice
  • Ouzo - Greece
  • Raki - Turkey
  • Absinthe 
Term

Vodka

  • Made from
  • How?
  • abv
  • Classes - standard and prem / super prem

 

Definition
  • Made from any fermentable agricultrual prod - grain & molasses main
  • starch converted to sugar w/ least amt of congeners as possible
  • as close to pure ethanol as poss
  • most at least 95% abv
  • column still w/ charcoal to remove impurities
  • Classes
    • Standard - molasses, w/ sweet impression grain, barley, rye, wheat, potatoes, light crisp, 
    • Prem or super prem - unusual ingred or water sources, marketing typically
Term

Liqueurs 

  • Processes (5)
  • Blackcurran
  • Sloe
  • Apricot
  • Cherry 3
  • Orange 4
  • Peach
  • Multi-herb 5
  • Seed
  • Mint
  • Coffee 2
  • Chocolate
  • Nuts2
  • Egg
  • Cream
Definition
  • Blend of distilled alchohol from agricultural sources with flavo ingredients
  • Process
    • Maceration - ingredients steeped in alc to extract flavor
    • Infusion - sim to maceration but heated
    • Percolation - alc passes through a bed of botanicals
    • Distilation - extraction similar to gin
    • steam distillatin - steam passed through fresh ingred extractin oils
  • Types
    • Blackcurant - creme de cassis
    • Sloe - Sloe Gin
    • Apricot - Apricot Brandy
    • Cherry - Cherry Brandy, Heering Cherry liqueur, Maraschino
    • Orange -Curacso, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Mnadarine Napolean
    • Peach - Archers
    • Multi-herb - Galliano, Benedictine, Chartreuse, Drambuie, Glayva
    • Seed - Kummel
    • Mint - Creme de Menthe
    • Coffee - Kahluaj, Tia Maria
    • Chocolate - Creme de Cacao
    • Nuts - Aaretto, Malibu
    • Egg - Advocat
    • Cream - Bailey's Irish Cream
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