Wine Classes: Regions, Styles, and Production

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Questions and Answers

What is the ideal latitude range for growing wine?

30-50° North and South (correct)

40-60° North and South

20-40° North and South

50-70° North and South

What is the importance of sunshine in wine production?

It should be moderate, with a fine line between too much and too little (correct)

It has no impact on the wine production process

It should be abundant to ensure proper ripening

It should be limited to prevent over-ripening

What is the primary objective of wine classes?

To intimidate beginners with complex wine knowledge

To demystify wine and make it accessible to everyone (correct)

To educate experts in the wine industry

To promote a specific brand or type of wine

What is the ideal temperature for growing wine?

Hot but not extreme, like a warm oven Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of water in wine production?

It should be balanced, as too much can lead to watery fruit Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the vine during the spring season?

The vine emerges from its winter dormancy and bud-burst occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding sugar during fermentation in cool climates?

To encourage fermentation and raise alcohol levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of fermentation in winemaking?

Sugar + yeast = carbon dioxide + alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

Why are vineyards often located near rivers in more northern areas?

To reduce the risk of frost damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which the vine's entire grape is ripe, including the skins, stalks, and pips?

Physiological ripeness. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of racking in the winemaking process?

To separate the wine from the lees Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of oak aging on wine?

It adds a vanilla flavor and softens the tannins Signup and view all the answers

What is carbonic maceration?

A process of fermenting whole grapes in a carbon dioxide environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of malolactic fermentation?

To convert the malic acid into lactic acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Vitis Vinifera in wine production?

It is a species of grape used for wine production Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary grape variety used in the production of red wines in the Northern Rhône?

Syrah Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is known for its white wines made from 100% Viognier?

Condrieu Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the wind that influences the wine production in the Southern Rhône?

Mistral Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following grape varieties is commonly used in the production of white wines in the Loire Valley?

Muscadet Signup and view all the answers

Which region is home to the Malbec grape variety?

Cahors Signup and view all the answers

What is the French term that encompasses natural components such as location, geology, and climate, among others, which contribute to the unique characteristics of a wine?

Terroir Signup and view all the answers

Which region in France is known for its tall, green bottles and varietal labeling, and produces a range of wines, including sparkling wines and sweet wines?

Alsace Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification system used in Bordeaux, where wines were classified by price and quality, and are referred to as first, second, third, fourth, and fifth growths?

185 Classification Signup and view all the answers

Which region in France is divided into five areas, including Chablis, Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, and Beaujolais, and is known for its complex classification system?

Burgundy Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the sweet wines produced in Bordeaux, known for their high quality and expensive prices?

Sauternes Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when ordering wine in a restaurant?

Read the list and seek advice from the wine waiter/sommelier Signup and view all the answers

Why should you check the temperature of the wine?

Both a and b Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of decanting a wine?

To let the wine breathe and open up Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic smell of a cork-tainted wine?

Musty, damp cardboard smell Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not over-pour or over-fill glasses when serving wine?

To show respect for the wine and the guests Signup and view all the answers

Why are vines grafted onto American rootstocks?

Due to Phylloxera, an insect-induced disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of tannin in wine?

To provide a balanced flavor profile Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of protein in food on tannin in wine?

It softens the tannin's effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a superior site or sub-region in wine production?

Cru Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of acidity on wine as it ages?

It decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the main preservative used in the making of wine?

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal temperature for storing wine?

12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit) Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of building a good relationship with reputable wine merchants?

To get expert advice on wine selection and storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the practice of ordering and paying for wine while it is still maturing in casks?

En-primeur Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of 'terroir' in wine production?

The expression of the character of the vineyard Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wine Classes and Objectives

Wine classes aim to start at an introductory level, including everyone, and encouraging people to be comfortable with wines
Objectives include demystifying wine, looking at wine from both consumer and business perspectives, and encouraging a lifelong journey of learning and discovery

Where Wine is Grown

Latitude: usually between 30-50° North and South
Sunshine: a fine balance between too much and too little
Heat: hot but not too hot, with a balance between temperature and soil conditions
Water: balance is essential, with too much water resulting in watery fruit
Soil: poor soil is often preferred, as it forces the vine to work harder
Altitude/Slope: good for drainage, poorer soils, and cooler temperatures

Wine is an Agricultural Enterprise

Dependent on the seasons and a seasonal product
Each year is different, reflected in the wine itself
Don't forget the 6 months difference between Northern and Southern Hemisphere for the 4 seasons

Vineyard Seasons

Spring: bud-burst, foliage and shoots develop, with frosts being a problem
Early Summer: vine flowers, and fruit set
Summer: grapes ripen, sugar content increases, and color changes
Autumn: harvest, with the wine grower deciding to pick grapes when they are ripe
Winter: vines head into winter dormancy, with pruning taking place

Wine Making

Principle of Fermentation: sugar + yeast = carbon dioxide + alcohol
White wine: grapes de-stemmed and pressed, with sulfur used to stop juice oxidizing
Red wine: grapes crushed and fermented, with the skins giving color and structure
Rosé: made as a red wine, but with the skins and juice in contact for a short time
Orange wines: made as a red wine, but with the white grape juice in contact with the skins

Fermentation

White wine: grape juice ferments without skins, stalks, and pips
Red wine: grape juice ferments with skins, stalks, and pips
Fermentation process: can last up to three weeks, with the yeast converting sugar to dryness
Racking: removing the wine from the dead yeast cells
Lees: dead yeast cells
Oak aging: optional, with wine makers choosing to add complexity and texture

Blending and Aging

Blending: combining different grape varieties, with some blended before fermentation and others after
Aging: wine may be bottled straight away or given a lengthy stay in oak barrels
Fining and filtering: inevitably removes some of the goodness from wine

Wine Tasting

Acidity: essential for freshness and crispness, with a balance between acidity and fruit
Tannin: bitter, astringent, and necessary for a balanced wine
Body/Weight: all about balance, with a range from light to full
Oak barrel: aromas and flavors, with vanilla, toast, and spice flavors
Balance: the harmony between sugar, acid, tannin, and alcohol

Labels and What to Look for

Grape variety or varieties
Region of origin
Name of producer
Quality category
Term indicating style of the wine
Alcohol content
Cru, Cuvee, and other terms

How to Order Wine in a Restaurant

Take a deep breath, read the list, and don't go for the first wine you recognize
Seek advice from the wine waiter/sommelier
Try a glass of one of the house wines
Check the vintage, label, and temperature
Don't be afraid of wine faults, and ask for a second opinion

Opening and Pouring

Never over-pour or over-fill glasses
Check the temperature, with whites not overly chilled and reds not too warm
Serving temperatures: whites between 6-12°C, and reds between 12-20°C

Storing and Cellaring Wine

Ideal cellar temperature: 12°C (54°F)
Store wines on their side to prevent the cork from drying out
Avoid vibrations, bright light, and strong chemical smells
Insulate your storage area or use a special temperature-controlled wine fridge### Buying Wine
Many wine shops offer tastings and wine clubs, which can be a great way to discover new wines and meet smaller, independent producers.
These shops often have knowledgeable staff who can help you find the right wine for your taste and budget.

Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others?

High labor costs in regions with steep slopes, such as Cote Rôtie and Mosel, can drive up the cost of wine.
Low crop yields from old vines or marginal climates can also increase the price of wine.
The use of new French oak barrels, which can cost up to €1,000, can add to the expense of wine production.
Rare wines and supply and demand can also impact the price of wine.
En-primeur, or buying wine before it's bottled, can be a way to purchase wine at a lower cost, but it comes with risks.

France

France is a complex and diverse wine country with many influential regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhone, Loire, and Alsace.
The concept of "terroir" is central to French wine production, and refers to the unique combination of natural factors that affect the flavor and character of a wine.

Terroir

Terroir encompasses natural components such as location, geology, topography, climate, and soil.
The Cistercian Monks in Burgundy used to taste the soil to understand the terroir.
Terroir is what gives a wine its unique personality and is the basis of the French Appellation Contrôlée system.

Appellation Contrôlée

The Appellation Contrôlée is a French wine law that guarantees the origin, grape varieties, and production methods of a wine.
The system is being replaced by the Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) system.
Winemakers may choose to work outside of the Appellation Contrôlée for various reasons and label their wines as "Vin de Pays" or "Vin de France".

Regions

Alsace

Key grape varieties in Alsace include Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc.
Wines from Alsace are generally richer and drier in style than their German counterparts.
The region is known for its distinctive tall green bottles and varietal labeling.
Alsace also produces good sparkling wines, red wines, and sweet wines.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a region with over 6,000 chateaux, although only a few are well-known.
The region is divided into the "Left Bank" and "Right Bank" of the Gironde Estuary.
The Left Bank is home to Medoc, Margaux, St Julien, St Estephe, and Pauillac.
The Right Bank is home to St-Emilion and Pomerol.
The 185 classification is still in use, with the most famous wines classified by price and referred to as first growth, second growth, and so on.
Red Bordeaux wines are known as "Claret".
Bordeaux is also known for its white wines, rosé wines, and sweet wines.

Burgundy

Burgundy is a complex region with many classifications, including Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village, and regional classifications.
The region is divided into five areas, including Chablis, Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, and Beaujolais.
Chablis is known for its dry, minerally Chardonnay.
The Côte d'Or is split into Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits.
The Côte de Nuits produces famous red wines, while the Côte de Beaune produces famous white wines.
Producer reputation is vital in Burgundy, as the region is known for its complex classifications and fragmented vineyards.

Rhône Valley

The Rhône Valley is divided into the Northern and Southern Rhône.
The Northern Rhône is known for its red wines, which are made from Syrah (Shiraz) and are named after the villages.
The Southern Rhône is characterized by blends dominated by Grenache and Syrah.
The region is known for its famous wine, Châteauneuf du Pape, which can be made from 13 different grape varieties.

Loire

The Loire is a well-known white wine region, stretching for almost 600 miles from the coast to the middle of France.
Grape varieties in the Loire include Muscadet (also known as Melon de Bourgogne), Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.
The region is known for its dry to sweet whites, as well as its sparkling wines and rosé wines.

Champagne

Champagne is a famous brand that is all about blending and house styles.
Grapes used in Champagne include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
The region is known for its protected trademark and brand name.

The South and South-West

This region encompasses the South-West, including Gascony, Bergerac, Saussignac, Cahors, and Madiran.
The region is known for its iconic wines, as well as its up-and-coming dynamic winemakers.
Other regions in this area include Jurancon, Languedoc-Roussillon, and Provence.

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Description

Learn about wine producing countries, wine styles, grape varieties, and wine production methods. Explore different types of wines, including white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines, and discover the differences between conventional, organic, biodynamic, and natural wines.