Wine

Varietals

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Chardonnay
• Geography
Home is Burgundy in France. Also grown in most wine producing countries world
wide.
• Viticulture
Versatile in adapting to varying climates.
• Varietal/Blend
A fine varietal, it is also blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier to produce
Champagne.
• Flavour & Character
Buttery, lemon flavours, sometimes nutty flavoured, often with a strong hint of
tropical fruit.
• Vinification
Chardonnay has a strong affinity with oak. Ageing in oak barrels adds depth, flavour
and complexity.
• Style
Styles vary from fresh, light unoaked wines produced in cooler regions to rich,
tropical fruit wines from the New World.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Mainly known for producing excellent full-bodied wines.
• Notes
Probably the world's favourite white grape variety. Also known as, Aubaine, Beaunois
and Melon Blanc.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Sauvignon Blanc
• Geography
France, New World, especially New Zealand.
• Viticulture
Enjoys a cool climate. Ideal terroir—the Loire and Bordeaux regions of France.
• Varietal/Blend
Found as a pure varietal in the Loire, but often blended with Sémillon in Bordeaux
and the New World.
• Flavour & Character
Sharp, tangy, gooseberry is the predominant flavour. Also has undertones of grass,
nettles, elderflower and asparagus.
• Vinification
Californian winemakers tend to minimise the tart, crisp characteristics of European
Sauvignon Blanc by ensuring that the grapes are very ripe before harvesting and
then ageing them in new oak.
• Style
Depends a lot on the country of origin, e.g., New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc tends to
be tangy and sharp; Chile produces softer styles.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Has a natural acidity. Used in dry, medium sweet and sparkling wines.
• Notes
France's Loire region Sauvignon Blanc has achieved the elevated status of ''Noble
Grape.''

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Riesling
• Geography
France (mainly Alsace), Germany, Eastern Europe, Northern Italy and New World.
• Viticulture
France's Alsace region—in the rain shadow of the Vosges Mountains, with long,
sunny, dry summers—is ideal terroir for Riesling. The slopes of North West Germany,
e.g., above the Mosel river, also provide excellent terroir.
• Varietal/Blend
Occasionally used in blending, but the vast majority of Riesling is used as a varietal.
• Flavour & Character
Can produce powerful wines of superb quality and elegance. Flavour hints include
green apple, lime, apricot and honey.
• Vinification
German Riesling is much higher in alcohol as it is fermented until virtually dry.
Sometimes, regrettably, a sweet unfermented must is added just before filtration and
bottling.
• Style
Styles range from light and crisp to headily rich and sweet.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Ranges from delicate, dry, light bodied wines to ''noble rot'' infected dessert wines.
Ages beautifully.
• Notes
Riesling accounts for approximately 20% of Germany's wine output and produces
some of the country's finest wines. Not to be confused with the inferior Laski Rizling.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Semillon
• Geography
France, Portugal, Israel, Tunisia, New World, especially the Hunter Valley region of
Australia.
• Viticulture
The finest Sémillon grapes are grown in extremely different types of terroir, Bordeaux
in France and the Hunter Valley in Australia. Both regions, however, have humidity in
common.
• Varietal/Blend
A traditional Bordeaux variety often blended with Sauvignon Blanc. Famous for the
part it plays in the production of Sauternes. Used mostly as a varietal in Australia.
• Flavour & Character
The best dry, oaked varieties have flavours of nectarine and lemon. Sweeter versions,
affected by ''noble rot,'' have delightful, waxy flavours of peaches, apricots and
honey.
• Vinification
Sémillon is sometimes aged in oak, but even if unoaked, it develops a delightful
nutty flavour, particularly if allowed to age for several years.
• Style
Produces two starkly different styles of dry and sweet wines.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Tends to produce full bodied wines with good acidity. Like Riesling, it is capable of
rotting nobly to make luscious sweet wines.
• Notes
The Hunter Valley region of Australia put Sémillon on the world wine map with its
marvellous ''botrytized'' wood aged Sémillon wines.
Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004
 Gewurztraminer
• Geography
Classic white grape of the Alsace region of France. Also grown in Germany, Northern
Italy, Eastern Europe and New World.
• Viticulture
Grows best in cooler climates where good acidity plays a significant rôle. The terroir of
the Alsace region reigns supreme. Other countries seem to produce less exciting,
blander versions.
• Varietal/Blend
Gewürztraminer is used as a varietal.
• Flavour & Character
Probably the world's most intensely aromatic wine—bursting with flavours of spice,
lychees and rose petals.
• Vinification
Produced after the style of German Rhine wines and sold under its grape name rather
than region of origin.
• Style
Although all Gewürztraminers have real intensity, styles vary from dry to richly sweet.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Dry predominates. Some Gewürztraminers are so rich that they may appear sweet on
the palate.
• Notes
Also known as Traminer.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio
• Geography
Northern Italy, Germany, Eastern Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand.
• Viticulture
The Alsace region provides the ideal terroir, where conditions produce the best quality
Pinot Gris.
• Varietal/Blend
Sometimes blended with Riesling or produced simply as a varietal.
• Flavour & Character
Whether bone dry or rich and spicy, a hint of honey lends a common characteristic.
• Vinification
Although there have been some attempts to oak Pinot Gris, it doesn't need new oak
and generally, doesn't receive it.
• Style
Fairly neutral in Italy, richer and more intense in Alsace.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Italian Pinot Grigio is more lightweight and bland than its Alsace counterpart which is
more rounded and aromatic.
• Notes
Pinot Gris is known as Pinot Grigio in Italy.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Muscat
• Geography
Very widely planted throughout Europe, also Victoria, Australia.
• Viticulture
The hot, highly continental climate of North East Victoria, Australia is ideal terroir for
growing grapes for producing delicious liqueur Muscats—Australia's answer to
Europe's fortified versions.
• Varietal/Blend
Often blended with various other grape varieties to increase complexity and flavour.
Also used to make Asti Spumante in Italy.
• Flavour & Character
Probably the only grape that produces wine with the aroma of the grape itself. Sweet
Muscats have flavours of raisins and oranges.
• Vinification
The sweet dessert wines are often fortified with grape brandy during fermentation to
preserve sweetness.
• Style
Produces a vast range of styles, ranging from sweet and fortified to dry, floral and
grapy.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Ranges from the dry, full bodied and aromatic to the sweet heaviness of dessert
wines.
• Notes
Also known as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains—its full name. Not to be confused with
Muscadet, the dry white wine from the Loire Valley.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Viognier
• Geography
Home is the Rhone Valley of France. More recently also planted in California,
Australia and South America.
• Viticulture
A difficult, temperamental grape to cultivate. Thrives best on the small hillsides near
Lyons, France.
• Varietal/Blend
Mainly produced as a varietal.
• Flavour & Character
Rich, aromatic flavours of apricots, peaches and fresh flowers.
• Vinification
Skilful, modern vinification techniques are currently being developed, particularly in
California, to produce complex wines of a consistently high quality.
• Style
Soft, rich and luscious style.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Produces dry wines that are so perfumed, aromatic and exotic tasting that they
almost appear sweet on the palate.
• Notes
Fast becoming a very fashionable and popular grape variety.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Geography
Produced worldwide in almost every wine growing country. Most famous area is
Bordeaux
• Viticulture
Best in warm climates. If grown in hot conditions, the wine produced has a jammy,
stewed flavour
• Varietal / Blend
Often blended with Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
• Flavour & Character
Distinctive blackcurrant flavour with a hint of mint and cedar.
• Vinification
Fermented in stainless steel or oak. Fermentation temperature not critical because of
robustness of grape. Matured in old or new oak.
• Style
Well rounded, high in tannin content and ages admirably.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Mellow; ranges from medium bodied to heavier, full bodied Australian examples.
• Notes
King of the ''Noble'' grapes, famous for its use in Bordeaux Claret.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Merlot
• Geography
Mainly Southern France, North East Italy, Eastern Europe and New World, especially
California
• Viticulture
An early ripening grape. In Bordeaux, grown widely on heavier soils where Cabernet
Sauvignon is slow to ripen.
• Varietal/Blend
Used in Bordeaux and all over the world to soften Cabernet Sauvignon based wines.
• Flavour & Character
Juicy, fruity flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry and mint.
• Vinification
As for Cabernet Sauvignon: Fermented in stainless steel or oak. Fermentation
temperature not critical because of robustness of grape. Matured in old or new oak.
In other regions it is often cool fermented when used as a varietal.
• Style
Subtle, soft and velvety. Lower in tannic bitterness and higher in alcohol than
Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Soft, often complex texture.
• Notes
Great wines of Pomerol and St Emilion in Bordeaux are based on Merlot

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Pinot Noir
• Geography
Home is Burgundy, France. Also produced in California, Australia, New Zealand,
Germany and Eastern Europe.
• Viticulture
Will not tolerate heat well. Thrives in a moderately cool climate. Sensitive to both wet
and dry conditions.
• Varietal/Blend
Used in most red Burgundy wines. Also in the bulk of Champagne production (white
and pink).
• Flavour & Character
Predominantly raspberry and strawberry, with a hint of game.
• Vinification
For red wines, fermented at temperatures up to 30 ºC. Good Burgundies are always
matured in new oak.
• Style
Varies from complex and silky to plain and insipid.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Varies from medium to light bodied wines.
• Notes
Does not travel well. Outside Burgundy, with a few exceptions, lacks colour and
depth. There are some successful Californian Pinot Noirs. Also known as
Spätburgunder in Germany and Pinot Nero in Italy.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Pinot Noir
• Geography
Home is Burgundy, France. Also produced in California, Australia, New Zealand,
Germany and Eastern Europe.
• Viticulture
Will not tolerate heat well. Thrives in a moderately cool climate. Sensitive to both wet
and dry conditions.
• Varietal/Blend
Used in most red Burgundy wines. Also in the bulk of Champagne production (white
and pink).
• Flavour & Character
Predominantly raspberry and strawberry, with a hint of game.
• Vinification
For red wines, fermented at temperatures up to 30 ºC. Good Burgundies are always
matured in new oak.
• Style
Varies from complex and silky to plain and insipid.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Varies from medium to light bodied wines.
• Notes
Does not travel well. Outside Burgundy, with a few exceptions, lacks colour and
depth. There are some successful Californian Pinot Noirs. Also known as
Spätburgunder in Germany and Pinot Nero in Italy.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Syrah/Shiraz
• Geography
Mostly France and Australia and increasingly in California, Algeria and South Africa.
• Viticulture
Grows well in a range of climates and copes well with warmth.
• Varietal/Blend
Although used for blending in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is capable of fine quality wine as
a varietal.
• Flavour & Character
Intense and complex sweet fruit flavoured, particularly blackberry and raspberry, with
a peppery overtone.
• Vinification
Traditionally, fermented at up to 35 ºC. Nowadays, often fermented at cooler
temperatures in stainless steel vessels. Matured in old or new oak.
• Style
Intense, rich and tannic with a velvety texture.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Capable of producing superb wines across the spectrum, but is at its best in full -
bodied, intense, deep coloured wines. Produces superb full -bodied examples.
• Notes
Known as Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia and elsewhere.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Pinotage
• Geography
Home is South Africa. Recent experiments in New Zealand, Chile and
Australia.
• Viticulture
Thrives well in the slightly hot, dry climate of the Western Cape.
• Varietal/Blend
Pinotage, itself, is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.
• Flavour & Character
Distinct, individual character with peppery and spicy flavours. Strong hint
of plums, bananas and redcurrants.
• Vinification
Although easy to cultivate and vinify, Pinotage vine material is in short
supply, mainly root stock.
• Style
Styles vary from smooth to rough textured. Although it benefits from
maturing, it is not often allowed to age.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Produces light red, blush and sparkling wines.
• Notes
Pinotage was created in the 1920s by Professor Perold at Stellenbosch
University.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004

 Zinfandel/Primitivo
• Geography
Zinfandel is California's speciality grape. Also produced in Italy and Croatia.
• Viticulture
Research into viticulture and an absence of age old traditions in California has meant
that Zinfandel is cultivated in the best possible terroir and aided by modern
technology.
• Varietal/Blend
Zinfandel is produced as a varietal.
• Flavour & Character
Has a unique raspberry flavour, intense spicy fruitiness and a vibrant colour.
• Vinification
New technology ensures the adaptability of this grape. It is capable of producing
everyday quaffing wine as well as top class, complex, rich reds.
• Style
Ranges from lightweight, juicy and fruity to intensely rich aromatic wines.
• Body, Dry/Sweet
Ranges from delicious dry reds to sweetish, sometimes insipid ''blush,'' and intensely
sweet wines.
• Notes
Known as Primitivo in Italy. It is also probably the same as Croatia's Plavac Mali
grape.

Wine Varietals - NRD 2004 Wine Varietals - NRD 2004