Introduction to varietals

1
Introduction to varietals

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay
• Riesling
• Pinot Noir
• Syrah
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Zinfandel

2
What is a varietal?

• A varietal is a sub-species of grape.
• Common varietals include Chardonnay, Merlot, and
  Syrah (Shiraz), among others.
  
• An estimated 8,000 varietals exist only a few
  dozen are considered worthy of being used for
  wine.
  
• Varietals used in winemaking are typically from
  the species Vitis Vinifera.
  

3
New world vs. Old world

• In New World wine producing countries, wines
  are typically labeled by the varietal name i.e.
  California Chardonnay, New Zealand Sauvignon
  Blanc, Chilean Merlot, and Australian Shiraz.
• In the Old World, wines are commonly named for
  the geographic place that they come from, such as
  Bordeaux (France), Chianti (Italy), and Rioja
  (Spain).

American wine named for the grape varietal
Chardonnay.
French Bordeaux made (mostly) from the varietal
Merlot, but named for the region Saint-Emilion.
4
Sauvignon Blanc

• Well-known for its French origins it is the most
  famous white varietal of Bordeaux and the Loire
  Valley.
  
• Has enjoyed recent success in New World
  countries, especially New Zealand.
  
• Sometimes referred to as Fume Blanc, usually when
  it has been barrel-fermented or barrel-aged.

5
Characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc

• Aromas and flavors of
• grapefruit
• melon
• fig
• grass
• herbs
• gooseberry
• Light to medium-body
• High acidity

6
Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

• Grapes sourced from Lake, Mendocino, Paso Robles
  and Solano counties.
  
• Slow cold fermentation in stainless steel
  promotes clean, crisp, tropical flavors.
  
• 8 aged in American oak, adding richness,
  softness, and complexity.

7
Chardonnay

• The most famous white varietal.
• Indigenous to the Burgundy region of France
  makes up the renowned wines of Chablis,
  Meursault, Montrachet, etc.
  
• Planted in virtually every wine producing country.

8
Characteristics of Chardonnay

• Aromas and flavors of
• apple
• pear
• citrus
• peach
• apricot
• butter
• vanilla

9
Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Chardonnay

• Grapes sourced from Monterey, Santa Barbara,
  Sonoma, and Mendocino counties.
  
• 91 oak barrel fermented, adding depth, richness,
  color enhancement, and complexity.
  
• 6 months sur lie aged in small French and
  American oak barrels.
  

10
Riesling

• Indigenous to Germany, where it is often vinified
  in a sweet style.
  
• In the Alsatian region of France, which borders
  Germany, Riesling is often made dry.
  
• Riesling had been successfully planted around the
  world, although only in cool areas.

11
Characteristics of Riesling

• Aromas and flavors of
• peach
• passionfruit
• lime
• honey
• mineral
• A versatile varietal, Riesling can be made very
  dry to very sweet and all styles in between.
  

12
Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Riesling

• Grapes sourced from Monterey, Lake, Mendocino,
  and Santa Barbara counties.
  
• Off-dry (semi-sweet) with crisp acidity and
  flavors of honeydew, pineapple, peach, apricot,
  and tangerine.
  
• Slow cold fermentation in stainless steel
  protects rich fruit characteristics.

13
Pinot Noir

• Native to the Burgundy and Champagne regions of
  France.
  
• A difficult varietal for growers
• it thrives in cold climates and buds early, which
  makes it susceptible to frost.
  
• it is genetically unstable and prone to
  mutation.
  
• it dies young as a vine and matures early as a
  wine.
  
• Perhaps the worlds most noble grape, it is worth
  the effort.

14
Characteristics of Pinot Noir

• Aromas and flavors of
• raspberry
• cherry
• plum
• violets
• truffles
• tea
• Matches well with a wide range of food.
• Silky, luxurious texture.

15
Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Pinot Noir

• Grapes sourced from Monterey, Santa Barbara,
  Napa, and Mendocino counties.
  
• Aged 11 months in small (mostly) French oak
  barrels, contributing subtle toast and vanilla
  nuances.
  
• Pre-fermentation cold soaked to enhance color and
  flavor development.
  

16
Syrah

• Previously thought to be of Middle Eastern
  descent (Syrah was believed to have come from the
  Persian city of Shiraz), modern DNA research has
  proven this varietal to be indigenous to France.
• Syrah is the key red grape of the French Rhone
  Valley.
  
• It is often called Shiraz in the New World,
  especially in Australia.
  

17
Characteristics of Syrah

• Aromas and flavors of
• blackberry
• raspberry
• mint
• pepper
• chocolate
• Often very fruit-driven and jammy.
• Pairs well with robust, gamey, and spicy meats.

18
Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Syrah

• Grapes sourced from Paso Robles, Lodi/Delta, and
  the Sierra Foothills.
  
• In the classic tradition of Chateauneuf-de-pape,
  the Syrah is blended with small amounts of Petite
  Syrah (Dourif), Carignane, and Grenache, which
  adds complexity.
• 9 months aged in small oak barrels.

19
Merlot

• Traditionally used as a blending grape in
  Cabernet Sauvignon-based French Bordeaux.
  
• Widely planted in the New World, Merlot has
  become a shining star as a stand-alone varietal.
  
• Merlot is grown successfully in a wide range of
  climates and soil types.
  

20
Characteristics of Merlot

• Aromas and flavors of
• blueberry
• blackberry
• cherry
• plum
• vanilla
• Stylistically all over the map. Can be fruity or
  tannic, simple or complex, light or heavy.
  

21
Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Merlot

• Grapes sourced from the North Coast counties of
  Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino.
  
• 17 months aging in small oak barrels adds cedar,
  vanilla, and spice notes.
  
• Blending small amounts of Cabernet Franc and
  Merlot adds nuance and complexity.

22
Cabernet Sauvignon

• The key red varietal in French Bordeaux,
  particularly those from the Medoc, or left
  bank.
  
• The most robust red varietal angular and tannic
  with high alcohol and acidity.
  
• Cabernet Sauvignon has been successfully planted
  all over the world.

23
Characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon

• Aromas and flavors of
• black currant
• black cherry
• chocolate
• cedar
• cigar box
• herbs

24
Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon

• Grapes sourced from the North Coast counties of
  Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino.
  
• In the classic tradition of Bordeaux, small
  amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc are used in
  the final blend.
  
• Pre-fermentation cold soak enhances the color
  extended maceration improves tannins and
  mouthfeel.
  

25
Zinfandel

• The most widely planted varietal in the United
  States.
  
• Zinfandel is genetically identical to the
  Primitivo grape of Apulia, Italy.
  
• Zinfandel is often vinified in a light, fruity,
  sweet style known as White Zinfandel, although
  traditional Zinfandel is a robust red wine.

26
Characteristics of Zinfandel

• Aromas and flavors of
• raisin
• blackberry
• raspberry
• candied fruit
• spice
• Typically very high in alcohol.
• Often slightly sweet.

27
Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Zinfandel

• Grapes sourced from Mendocino, Paso Robles,
  Shenandoah Valley (El Dorado County), Lake
  County, and Dry Creek Valley.
  
• 8 months aging in small (primarily) French oak
  barrels adds spicy nuances.
  
• Small amounts of Syrah, Sangiovese, and Petite
  Syrah in the final blend adds complexity.