WSET® Level 2 Wine > Aromatic Whites: Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Albariño > Flashcards

Aromatic Whites: Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Albariño Flashcards

Learn characteristics, winemaking/maturation, and important regions of Gewurztraminer, Viognier, and Albariño. (16 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

In what type of climate does Gewurztraminer grow best?

A

Cool to moderate climate

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2
Q

What region in the world is most famous for its Gewurztraminer?

A

Alsace, France

Both Alsace AOP and Alsace Grand Cru AOP make quality Gewurztraminer.

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3
Q

Describe the typical profile of Gewurztraminer.

A
  • Full body
  • Low to medium acidity
  • High alcohol
  • Intense floral notes, especially rose
  • Stone fruits (peach and apricot)
  • Tropical fruits (lychee)
  • No oak (to retain floral aromas)
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4
Q

What is the sweetness range for Gewurztraminer?

A

Dry to sweet

Gewurztraminer is always intensely aromatic.

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5
Q

Why is Gewurztraminer usually higher in alcohol?

A

Gewurztraminer acquires very high levels of sugar as it ripens.

Generally, the more sugar there is for yeasts to eat, the more alcohol there will be in the final wine.

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6
Q

What 2 white grape varieties are known to be both medium-to-full-bodied and floral?

A
  1. Gewurztraminer
  2. Viognier
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7
Q

What climate does Viognier prefer?

A

Moderate

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8
Q

Which AOC in France is known for its high-quality Viognier?

A

Condrieu AOC in the Northern Rhône

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9
Q

In Condrieu AOC, is Viognier bottled as a single-varietal wine or is it blended?

A

Always single varietal in Condrieu AOC

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10
Q

Is Viognier ever used as a blending grape in areas outside of Condrieu AOC?

A

Yes

This is because Viognier adds floral aromas, body, and peachy notes to more neutral grapes/wines.

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11
Q

Describe the typical profile of Viognier.

A
  • Dry
  • Low to medium acidity
  • Medium to full body
  • High alcohol
  • Peach/apricot
  • Floral/blossom aromas
  • Can be oaked or not oaked
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12
Q

What climate does Albariño prefer to grow in?

A

Moderate

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13
Q

Describe the typical profile of Albariño.

A
  • Dry
  • Medium body
  • High acidity
  • Citrus (lemon, grapefruit)
  • Stone fruit (peach)
  • Commonly unoaked

Some professionals say Albariño smells like Viognier on the nose but acts like dry Riesling on the palate!

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14
Q

Why would Albariño benefit from a small amount of lees contact?

A

Lees add body and complexity

Remember that Albariño has high acidity; that acidity won’t appear as bracingly high if the wine has a creamier body – and lees contact lends that creamier body, making the wine seem not so acidic.

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15
Q

What is the appellation in Spain that is known for its Albariño?

A

Rías Baixas DO

(pronounced: REE-ahs BYE-shas)

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16
Q

Why is Rías Baixas DO well suited to the production of refreshing white wines, such as Albariño?

Study These Flashcards
A

Rías Baixas DO is close to or on the Atlantic Ocean, giving the region cool breezes, plentiful rain and clouds.

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