Wine (Region/Area) Colour Varieties Climatic & Soil influences Grapegrowing & Wine making influences Style Price Notes (Similarities, specificities) Bordeaux AC Bordeaux Supérieur AC Red Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel Mostly no oak Dry Medium body Blackberry + cedar notes ** Bordeaux Supérieur = +0.5% min alcohol + mainly red Bordeaux AC Bordeaux Supérieur AC Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel No MLF Can be fermented and matured in new oak Grassy elderflower Toasty if oak aged ** Bordeaux/Haut Médoc AC Red Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel Top quality aged in new oak barriques Very structured Hi tannins Hi acidity Concentrated blackcurrant Toasted oak Can age for decades *** 1855 classification with 5 rank system + cru bourgeois Bordeaux/ Pauillac AC Red Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel Top quality aged in new oak barriques Very structured Hi tannins Hi acidity Concentrated blackcurrant Toasted oak Can age for decades ****+ Most powerful and structured of the Haud Medoc AC St Julien AC Red Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel Top quality aged in new oak barriques ****+ Mid way between Pauillac and Margaux Margaux AC Red Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravel Top quality aged in new oak barriques ****+ More elegant Pessac Léognan AC Red Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot Moderate maritime with: 1) warming effect from Gulfstream 2) hi rainfall from Atlantic Gravelly well suited for Cab Sauv. Lighter body vs. Haut Medoc More fragrant ****+ 1987 Cru Classé chateaux list
Graves AC Red Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot Gravel Less complex vs. Pessac *** 1959 Cru Classé list of Châteaux Saint Emilion AC Emilion Grand Cru AC Red Merlot, Cabernet 1) well drained plateau with limestone and gravel (Grand Cru) 2) escarpments with clay limestone soils (Grand Cru) 3) sandy soils at foot of escarpment (lighter wines) Lo yielding Aged in new French oak Mod to hi tannins Soft and rich mouthfeel Complex red berry fruit and plum aromas Can age for decades **** ****+ 1955 Grand Cru system from Grd Cru Classé to 1er Grand Cru classé A & B 2 mers AC White Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc Sandier soil Best unoaked Dry ** Pessac Léognan AC White Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc Dry **** Sauternes AC Barsac White Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc Cooling influences of Garonne + Misty autumn conditions Noble rot+ Passerillage (drying on the vine) Late harvest with several tries Lo yields Grape selection Fermented and aged in new oak barrels Sweet Hi alcohol Lusciously sweet vs. hi acidity Rich texture Orange marmalade aromas Notes of apricot, honey and vanilla **** Barsac can use Sauternes or Barsac Others: 1eres cotes de Bordeaux AC, Loupiac AC Cahors AC Red Malbec, Merlot, Tannat Maritime climate but no cooling influences Aged in oak for the best Deep colour Hi tannins Intense dark berry fruits Can age -> cedar, earth *** Malbec min 70% Madiran AC Red Tannat Maritime climate but no cooling influences Deep colour Hi tannins Concentrated black fruit *** Bergerac AC Red Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc , Merlot Maritime climate but no cooling influences Bordeaux-style ** Also whites and rosés Monbazillac AC Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc Maritime climate but no cooling influences Sweet ** Jurancon AC Petit Manseng Maritime climate but no cooling influences Sweet Hi acidity *** Also dry white Cotes de Gascogne IGP White Ugni Blanc and others Maritime climate but no cooling influences Dry; Aromatic; Crisp ;Light Green apples *
Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune Reds Pinot Noir Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing south east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl Guyot pruning Lighter body less concentration vs. village ** Also in whites (Chardonnay) Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise AC Pinot Noir Chardonnay Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl Guyot pruning Traditional fermentation with sensitive use of oak maturation Mature more quickly ** Less prestigious Rully AC - W Givry AC - R Mercurey AC -R Montagny AC –W Macon AC White Chardonnay MLF Good balance of fresh apple +citrus Crisp acidity Med to full body * Macon Superieur AC = higher level of ripeness vs. Macon AC Also reds (Pinot Noir or Gamay) Macon villages AC Macon +village name AC White Chardonnay Soft Chardonnay More ripeness, body & character vs. AC ** Can be a blend Maconnais/Pouilly Fuissé AC White Chardonnay Northern continental climate Mostly on slopes facing south east or east maximising sun exposure Limestone+marl Guyot pruning Amphiteatre like slopes (natural suntrap) Barrel ageing (new oak) Rich Hi alcohol 14% Full bodied Ripe peach & melon Savoury nutty flavours from new oak *** Communal appellation Beaujolais AC Red Warm dry climate Granite soils Wire training Spur pruned and shoots tied together to hold vertically Mainly Carbonic maceration Lo tannins Light body Kirsch, bananas, bubblegum and cinnamon * Beaujolais Villages AC 10 Crus Red Gamay Warm dry climate Rolling hills Granite soils Free standing vines Gobelet training Some oak ageing (large VATs) Lo to Med tannins Light body Red ** *** 10 Crus Chénas AC Juliénas AC Morgon AC Fleurie AC Chiroubles AC Régnié AC Moulin a vent AC Saint Amour AC Cote de Brouilly AC Brouilly AC
Alsace AC White Reds Gris, Riesling, Gewurtzraminer Muscat Sylvaner Pinot Blanc Pinot Noir Edelzwicker Cool, sunny dry climate with long dry autumns Vosges protection from winds & rain East facing slopes = best sites Slopes -> low training + orientation to maximise sun exposure + hand harvesting Plain -> high training to minimise spring frost Double Guyot Minimal wine alteration/treatment Stainless steel or very old oak cask for fermentation No MLF Dry to off dry Aromatic Med alcohol Pinot Blanc: Dry, full bodied, spicy Sylvaner: Best drunk young Noir: Light fruity red Far less concentration and weight of Burgundy Pinot Noir *** Alsace Grand Cru AC Riesling, Gris Muscat Cool, sunny dry climate with long dry autumns Vosges protection from winds & rain East facing slopes = best sites Slopes -> low training + orientation to maximise sun exposure + hand harvesting -> high training to minimise spring frost Double Guyot Minimal wine alteration/treatment Stainless steel or very old oak cask for fermentation No MLF Use of passerillage for VT and SGN Riesling: Full bodied, dry, med alcohol, hi acidity, mineral character Gewurtzraminer: Golden colour Aromatic spicy nose of lychees, roses, baking spices Full bodied with oily texture Med to Lo acidity Hi alcohol Good with smoked fish, strong cheese+Asian dishes Pinot Gris: Rich, full bodied, hi alcohol but less aromatic and colourful Muscat: Grapey Muscat flavour, dry **** Also in: VT: 14% (Riesling/Musct) 15.5% (Gewurtz/PGris) Selection Grains Nobles: 16.4% (Riesling/Musct) 18.2% (Gewurtz/PGris) Cousins: Auslese for VT BeerenAuslese for SGN
N-Rhone/Condrieu AC White Viognier Continental: warm summers Granitic soil Winds prevent fungal diseases Steep well exposed terrace vineyards Best: lo yielding Needs careful handling Use of new oak increasing Dry Lo acidity Hi alcohol Rich Exotic apricot, and floral aromas ****+ Chateau Grillet AC: single property AC Red Continental: warm summers Granitic soil Winds prevent fungal diseases Well exposed steep slopes behind the town of Tain and along the Rhone Possible to add Roussanne + Marsanne up to 15% for co fermentation Deep colour Fullest bodied Rhone wine Hi tannins Black fruit, black pepper, floral aromas Can age very well ****+ AC Red Syrah Continental: warm summers Granitic soil Winds prevent fungal diseases North-> slopes -> Flat plain > Possible to add Roussanne + Marsanne up to 15% for co fermentation > Carbonic maceration for less expensive light wines > Oak-ageing for expensive wines Lighter machine harvested with carbonic maceration to full bodied complex concentrated wines ** Less prestigious higher volume region S-Rhone/Cotes du Rhone Cotes du Rhone village AC Red Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, others Mediterranean Flatter terrain vs. N-Rhone Hi > Grenache bush trained low to the ground to protect from wind & warmth from soil > Carbonic maceration frequent Storage in stainless steel > More stringent yields and minimum alcohol to reach for Medium bodied Fruity Simple & soft More body, structure and spiced red fruit flavours vs. generic * 18 Villages: greater percentage of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre Can be found in Northern rhone as well du Pape AC Red Grenache Syrah, Mourvedre Mediterranean East bank of the Rhone Reasonably flat Wide range of soils Galets soil that reflect and absorb heat during the day and redistribute it at night Full bodied Hi alcohol Concentrated spiced red fruit flavours **** 1st area to get AC Rosé not permitted Part of the 7 crus: Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Tavel, Beaume de Venise, Vinsobres
S-Rhone/Lirac / Tavel Rosé Cinsault, Grenache Mediterranean West bank of Rhone Full bodied Intense flavour ** only rosé reds & whites too Southern/Cotes du Roussillon Reds Syrah, Grenach, Mourvedre, Carignan Mediterranean Rugged and mountainous Long sunlight hours, low rainfall + strong winds Concentrated * Also rosé & whites Rheingau/Rudesheim, Geisenheim, Johannesberg White Riesling Cool continental with potentially wet summers Northern bank of Rhein + Main river Modestly steep hills south facing + protection of Taunus hills to the North Rudesheim: steeper hills Vineyards planted in rows up the or terraced Handwork Stakes with canes tied at the top to maximise sun exposure Minimal adjustments to the wine Stainless VATs or large oak vessels Medium to full body Hi acidity Ripe flavour ** to ****+ Geisenheim: famous wine research centre Mosel/Bernkastel, Piesport White Riesling Cool continental with potentially wet summers Bernkastel/Piesport in middle along the Mosel river before it joins the Rhine up north Steep slopes with a south facing aspect and stony soil to maximise sun exposure and warmth Vineyards planted in rows up the slope or terraced Handwork Stakes with canes tied at the top to maximise sun exposure Minimal adjustments to the wine Stainless steel VATs or large oak vessels Light body Lo alcohol Hi acidity Medium sweetness Floral green fruit character ** to ****+ Michelsberg – Grosslage from the flat area of Mosel NiederOsterreich /Wachau Gruner Veltliner Moderate Cool continental with hi continentality and diurnal range Cooling Northerly winds Northern bank of the Danube river Traditionally no oak ageing Green grapes, salad, white pepper + mineral notes *** reknowned areas: Kamptal, Kremstal Riesling too Hun/Tokaji White Furmint Harslevelu Muscotaly (Muscat Blanc a petits grains Continental climate with short, cold winters and long warm summers Foothills of the Carpathian mountains Grape selection while picking between aszu and szamorodni Deep Hi acidity Intense aromas of orange marmalade, apricot & honey **** Puttonyos system to express level of sweetness 0 to 5
Slopes + southerly exposures+long dry autumns+humidity from Bodrog and Tisza rivers Tokaji: berries macerated with base wine during/after fermentation for 36hours for min 3 years with 2 in oak barrels Piemonte/Barolo DOCG + Barbaresco DOCG Red Nebbiolo Mediterranean climate with cooling effect from altitude 2 distinct soils: Blue tortonian -> softer fruitier early maturing (Barolo) Beiger Helvetian soil -> more structured and longer to mature (Monforte) Best south facing sites Vineyard: key to prevent disease + lo yielding grape Hail risks Winery: keep to manage ripeness and tannins. Tradi: long maceration Modern: use of rotary fermenters new oak barriques Min 3 years ageing with 18mths in oak Riservas 5 years with 18mths in oak Pale colour Hi alcohol Hi acidity Hi tannins Structural rigidity Red fruit, rose, liquorice, hay **** Barbaresco DOCG = very similar, less structure, same price Langhe DOC = best value Nebbiolo ** Veneto/Valpolicella DOC Red Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara Limestone+granite slopes Light Fruity Sour cherry character Herbal with black fruit Drink young with duck, ham or salami * Most red DOC after Chianti Bardolino similar style but from Lake garda area Valpolicella Classico zone: Illesi hills ~ Good Beaujolais Veneto/Valpolicella Amarone Red Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Limestone+granite slopes Passito: grapes dried after picking in special lodges Full bodied Hi alcohol Rich Hi acidity Nose of chocolate, dark rum and leather **** Veneto/Valpolicella Recioto Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara Limestone+granite slopes Passito: grapes dried after picking in special lodges Sweet wine Full body; Rich Lighter in alcohol vs. amarone ****
NZ/Marlborough White Sauvignon NZ: cool to moderate maritime climate 1. Wairau: cool climate with hi diurnal 2. Awatere: drier, cooler and windier higher acidity wines with tomato character Hi tech hygiene, temperature control, anaerobic winemaking and screwcaps purity of fruit Risk of frost Most wines blended Intense aromas of capsicum, gooseberry but also herbal notes, passion fruit, tomato, Hi fruit concentration Hi acidity Can age -> asparagus ** Marlborough plantings: ¾ of Sauvignon BLc Also Chardonnay *** and Pinot Noir *** NZ/Hawke’s Bay Red Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot NZ: cool to moderate maritime climate Warmest area with longest sunshine hours Varied soils, aspect & altitudes Bordeaux type blends *** NZ/Central Otago Red Pinot Noir Moderate to cool continental due to influence of Southern Alps foothills Long periods of sunshine Hot summers Hi diurnal in growing season Hi alcohol ***