ClassicGrapeVarietyMarkers–TimGaiserMSRedGrapesandWines

I.CabernetSauvignonLeftBankBordeauxBlendSight:deepruby.Nose:blackfruits(berry,blackcherryandcassis)withgreenolive,cedar,pencillead,violet-floral,andgreenherbs.Winesfromcoolervintagescandisplaymoreredfruitcharacteraswellasmorepronouncedherbalnotes,pyrazineandgreenpeppercharacters.Elementsofclay,driedleaves,mushroomandturnedearthcanoftenbefound.Leatherandgamearecommoninolderwines.Oakagingaddssmoke,toast,sweetbakingspicenotes.Palate:medium-to-fullbodiedandbonedrytodry.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohighinwarmvintages;acidity:medium-plus;tannin:medium-plustohigh.IDKeys:thecombinationofdeepblackfruits,greenherbs,earth/forestfloor,andbrightacidity.Somewinescanbebonedrywithconsiderableherbalelementsandpronouncedearthiness.NewWorld:CaliforniaSight:deepruby.Nose:ripeevenjammyblackfruits(berry,cherry,cassisandcurrant)withgreenolive,cedar,chocolateandgreenherbnotes.Coolerclimatewinescandisplayredfruitcharacteristicsandmoreherbalnotes.Oakagingaddssmoke,toast,sweetbakingspicesandsawdustnotes.Palate:fullbodiedanddry.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohigh;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus;tannin:medium-plustohigh.IDKeys:generallymuchriperandricherinstylethanBordeauxwithouttheprominentearth/mineralcomponent.NewWorld:SouthAustralia-CoonawarraSight:deepruby.Nose:blackberry,blackcherryandblackcurrantfruitwithpronouncedmint/eucalyptusandnotesofgreenoliveandherbs,alsoaferrous,ironstonenote.Oakaddsvanilla,bakingspicesandtoast.Palate:fullbodiedanddry.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohigh;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus;tannin:medium-plustohigh.IDKeys:CoonawarraCabernetisverydistinctivewithclassicCabernetblackfruitsbutwithastrongpresenceofmintandeucalyptus.

II.PinotNoirBurgundy:CotedeNuitsSight:lighttomediumruby.Nose:redfruits—cherry,raspberry,strawberry--withtea,floral,herb,andearthycomplexity.Withagethewinestakeongamy-vegetal-earthycomplexitiesdifficulttodescribe.Oakagingaddssmoke,vanilla,sweetspiceandwoodnotestothewines.Palate:mediumtomedium-plusbodiedanddrytobonedry.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plus;tannin:medium-minustomedium.Somewinemakersusestemsduringfermentationgivingthewinesagreenwoodyqualityonthenoseandpalateaswellasfirmertannins.IDKeys:althoughdeceptivelylightincolourthewinescanbequiteconcentratedinflavor.Light-bodied,supple,andelegantwithbrightredfruits(notblackfruits!),tea-spice,earthycomplexities,andnewoak.Burgundy:CotedeBeauneSight:lighttomediumruby.Nose:tartorriperedfruitsdependingonthequalityofthevintage;cherry,raspberryandcranberryarecommon.Non-fruitaromasincludegreenherb,blacktea,rosefloral,andclay/earth/mineralnotes.AswithwinesfromtheCotedeNuits,agecanaddgamy—savory-vegetal-earthycomplexities.Oakagingaddsaromasofvanilla,bakingspicesandtoast.Palate:medium-bodiedanddrytobonedry.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plus;tannin:medium-minustomedium.IDKeys:generally,winesfromtheCotedeBeaunetendtoberelativelyearthierandfirmerintanninsthanthosefromtheCotedeNuits;theyalsotendtohavelessforwardfruit.NewWorld:CaliforniaandOregonSight:mediumtodeepruby.Nose:riperedfruits(blackfruitsinwarmvintagesorregions),herb,floral,teaandmore.Oakagingaddssmoke,sweetspiceandwoodflavours.Palate:medium-minustomedium-plusbodiedanddry.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plusacidity:mediumtomedium-plus;tannin:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:suppleredberryfruit,spicesandnewwood.StemtanninsoftenpresentbutarelativelackofearthinesswhencomparedtoBurgundy.NewWorld:NewZealandSight:lighttomediumruby.Nose:redfruits—bothfreshanddrywithconsiderableherb,floral,teaandmineral/soil.Oakagingaddssmoke,sweetspiceandwoodyflavours.

Palate:mediumtomedium-plusbodiedanddry.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus;tannin:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:NewZealandPinotsaresimilarinstyletoCaliforniaandOregonwithitssuppleredfruit,spicesandnewwoodqualities.However,thewinesaredistinctwiththeirpronouncedherbaceousness;manydisplayachalkymineralquality.

III.MerlotRightBankBordeauxBlendSight:verydeepruby.Nose:redandblackfruits,greenherb,forestfloor,violetfloral,earth-mineral.Oakagingaddsvanilla,sweetspiceandtoast/smokeflavours.Palate:medium-plustofull-bodied;supple,richandlush;anddrytobonedry.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohighinwarmervintages;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus;tannin:mediumtomedium-plustannins.IDKeys:Generally,Merlot-basedrightbankwinestendhavesoftertanninsthantheirCabernet-basedleftbankcounterpartsaswellasmoreherbal/vegetalcharacteristics.NewWorld:California,AustraliaandChileSight:verydeepruby.Nose:ripeblackfruits,greenherb,bitterchocolate,andoak.Mintandeucalyptuscanalsooftenfound.Palate:full-bodiedandusuallyricherandriperthanrightbankBordeauxwineswithmorenewoak.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohigh,acidity:mediumtomedium-plus;tannin:mediumtohigh.IDKeys:generallyMerlottendstoberipeandsupplewithlushfruitandherbalnotes;full-bodiedwinesdisplayconsiderablealcoholwitharelativelackofearthinessandconsiderablenewoak.TanninstendtobelessangularthanCabernetSauvignonalthoughCabernetisoftenblendedwithMerlotforaddedstructure.

IV.CabernetFrancFrance:LoireValleyChinonorBourgueilSight:mediumtodeepruby.Nose:tartredandblackfruits(sourcheery,plum,raspberry,andcranberry)withapronouncedgreentobacco-leaf,herbalcharacterandchalkyminerality.Warmervintagesyieldwineswithmoreblackfruitcharacter.Oakusagevariesfromoldwoodtonoticeablenewbarrique.Palate:mediumtomedium-plusbodiedandverydry,sometimesaustereincharacter.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plustohigh;tannins:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:similarinweighttomanytolighterrightBankBordeauxwinesbutwithapronouncedleafygreenherb(andstemmy)qualityandchalkyminerality.V.Gamay:BeaujolaisVillagesSight:mediumtodeeprubywithpurplehighlightsNose:candied,artificialfruitbasketderivedfromcarbonicfermentationwithconfectedredandtropicalfruits,peardrops,bubble-gum,floral,greenherbandstonyearth.Palate:medium-bodiedanddrytobonedry.Emphasisoncandiedfruit,herbandgraniticsoilStructure:acidity:medium-plus;alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus,tannin:medium-minustomedium.IDKeys:lookforthecandiedfruit-basketqualitywithherbalandstonyqualities.

WhiteGrapesandWinesI.SauvignonBlanc:Sancerre/Pouilly-FuméSight:paletomediumstrawwithgreenhighlights.Nose:grapefruit-lemon/limecitrusnoteswithpronouncedchalkyminerality,herbal-grassandwhiteflowernotes.Palate:lighttomedium-bodiedandverydrytobonedry.UseoflittleornowoodtypicalistypicalforSancerrewhileuseofpartialorallnewwoodcanbefoundinPouilly-Fumé.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plustohigh.IDKeys:thecombinationoftartcitrus,herbalnoteswiththemineralityoftentakingcenterstage.LookforoakinPouilly-FumébutnotinSancerre.NoteasilyconfusedwithNewZealandSauvignonsbecausethere’slessfruitandlessaggressivegrass/herb/vegetalnotesandstrikingminerality.NewZealandSight:verypalestrawwithgreenandsilverhighlights.Nose:pronouncedgrapefruitandlimecitrusnoteswithgooseberry,grass,andgreenherbnotes;somewinescanbeaggressivelyvegetalwithelementsofasparagus,greenbeanandbellpepper/jalapeño.Otherwineshaveatouchofmineralitywhilestillothersarepungentlyvegetal.Palate:medium-bodiedanddrywithemphasisonmouth-watering,juicycitrusfruit.Oakisalmostneverused.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plustohigh.IDKeys:intensecitrusandherbal/vegetalflavourscombinedwithtartacidityarekeystorecognizingNewZealandSauvignonBlanc.Somewineshaveanimpressionof“sweet”tropical(passionfruit)andpinkgrapefruitnotesaswell.Otherwinescanbeovertlyvegetalwithcannedgreenbeanorasparagusnotes.

II.ChardonnayCalifornia/AustraliaSight:paletomediumyellowwithgreenhighlights;riperstylestendtobedeeperincolour.Nose:coolclimatewinestendtodisplaytartmalicgreenapple/underripepear,tropicalfruit(mango,papaya,pineapple),andtartcitrusnotes.CoolclimatewinescanalsodisplayatouchofChablis-likemineralitydependingonthesite.Warmerclimatewinesofferripe(evenbakedorpuréed)apple/pearfruitandotheraromasincludingfloral,lemon/limecitrusandbutter/cream/popcornaromasfrommalolacticfermentation/conversion.Barrelfermentationandleescontactimpartsaromasofcreamandyeastaswellaslendingarichertextureonthepalatewitharomasofvanilla,bakingspicesandwood.Palate:mediumtofull-bodieddependingontheclimateand/orappellationandqualityofthevintage.Stylesrangefromlean,racywinesfromcoolclimateswithtart,malicfruit,towarmclimatewineswithultra-ripefruitandhighalcohol.Malolacticfermentation/conversionimpartsbuttery,butterscotchflavours;oakmakesitspresenceknownintheformofvanilla,sweetspices,andwoodtannins.Drytooff-drytoslightlysweetinstyle.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohigh;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:thoughthereareanincreasingnumberofexceptionsNewWorldChardonnaytendstobeallaboutwinemaking.Lookforthecombinationofripefruitandmedium-hightohighalcoholalongwiththeclassicChardonnaytreatmentofbarrelfermentation,leescontact,malolacticfermentationandnewoak.AlsonotethatwithwarmervintagesandricherwinesthedistancebetweenNewWorldChardonnayandWhiteBurgundyisgettingclosertogether.Butclassicexamplesofthelattertendtohavelessovertfruitandamorepronouncedearth/mineralqualitythantheirNewWorldcounterparts.ChablisSight:paletomediumstrawwithgreenhighlights.Nose:tartgreenapple,lemon-citrusfruitwithpronouncedchalkyseashellminerality.Someproducersusenewoakimpartingspiceandwoodaromas.Malolacticfermentationisalsosometimesused.Palate:medium-bodiedandverydrytobonedry.Flavoursincludetartgreenapple,lemonpeel,andchalkyminerality.Theintensityofflavourandqualityvarieswithproducerandthespecificappellation(1ercruvs.grandcru,etc.).Theoretically,thebettertheappellationthemoreintensityofmineralityandoverallflavour.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plustohigh.IDKeys:textbookChablisisanaustere,bonedry,highacidwhitewithpronouncedchalkyminerality.Thefruitisoftenovershadowedbythemineralityinallbuttheripestvintages.Traditionallymadewinesdisplaylittle,ifany,oakalthoughwinemakersareincreasinglyusingmorewood.

CôtesdeBeauneSight:lighttomediumstrawwithgreenhighlights.Nose:apple/pearandcitrusfruitwithmushroom-earthandmineralnotes;alsobutter/creamaromasfrommalolacticandvanilla,bakingspices,toast,andwoodnotesfromoakaging.Palate:mediumtofull-bodiedanddrytobonedry.Thewinescanbequitepowerfuldependingonthepedigreeofthevineyardandqualityofthevintage.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plustohigh.IDKeys:thecombinationoftartapple/pearfruitwithbrightcitrus,hazelnut,earthandnewoakflavoursiskeytorecognition.Generally,thestyleofChassagne-Montrachettendstoberichandfull-bodiedwithPuligny-MontrachetknownforeleganceandMeursaultforpronouncedearthiness.Again,theseareverybroadgeneralizationsandexceptionsoccuroften.

III.RieslingGermanyGermanRieslingcanbefoundinadramaticallywiderangeofstylesdependingonthespecificprädikatandregion.Youngwinesofferbright,purefruit,minerality,andtartaciditywhilewineswithbottleageoftendisplayacomplex,earthycharacteroftenreferredtoaspetrolordiesel.Thecompoundresponsibleforthepetrolcharacteriscalled“TDN.”Herearegeneraldescriptionsforyoungwinesforallsixprädikats:Kabinett:Sight:verypalestrawgreenandbrilliantincolour.Nose:tartgreenappleandgreenpearwithwhitepeach,limecitrus,tropicalfruits(pineapple,mangoandmore),andslate/mineral.Palate:Kabinettstendtobelight-bodied,racywineswithatouchofresidualsweetness.Flavoursrangefromtartgreenappleandpeartowhitepeach,tartcitrus,tropicalfruits,andslate/mineral.Nowoodinfluence.Structure:lowalcoholwithmedium-plustohighacidity.Spätlese:Sight:palestrawgreenandbrilliantincolour.Nose:tartappleandpear,whitepeach,stonefruits(apricot,peachandnectarine),honey(ifbotrytisispresent),tropicalfruits,tartcitrus,andslate/mineral.Palate:lighttomedium-bodiedandoff-drytoslightlysweetinstyle.Nowoodinfluence.Structure:lowtomedium-minusalcoholwithhighacidity.Auslese:Sight:paletomediumstrawwithgreenhighlights.Nose:honey,ripestonefruits(peach,apricotandnectarine),tropicalfruits,sweetandtartcitrus,andslate/mineral.Palate:medium-bodiedandmediumsweettoverysweetdependingonthespecificwine,producerandvintage.Nowoodinfluence.Structure:lowtomedium-minusalcoholwithhighacidity.Beerenauslese:Sight:rangesincolourfrompalestrawtodeepyellowwithgreen,goldandevenorangehighlightsdependingonthespecificwine.Nose:botrytisflavoursareusuallyfoundintheformofhoney,ripestonefruits,orangemarmaladeandpreservedcitrus;alsopearoil,herbs,tropicalfruits,andslate/earthandmineral.Palate:medium-plustofull-bodiedandverysweetinstyle.Structure:rich,unctuous,andintenselyflavouredbutatthesametimewithlowalcohol,highacidity,andnowood.

Beerenauslesenshowgreatlengthandpersistencewiththestampofthevineyardintheformofpronouncedminerality.Eiswein:Sight:paletomediumstrawgreen.Nose:flavoursincludetartcitrus(lemon,limeandgrapefruit)withnotesoftropicalfruits,herb,andmineral.Somewinesshowslightherbal/vegetalnotessuchasparsleyorcelery.It’simportanttothattherearenotenobotrytiselementsinEiswein.Palate:mediumtofull-bodiedandverysweetinthestyle.Structure:lowalcoholandveryhighacidity.Infact,theaciditycanberemarkablyhigh,insomecasesover15gramsperlitre.Eisweinisveryintenselyflavouredandtheextremeaciditymasksjusthowsweetthewinesare.Trockenbeerenauslese:Sight:mediumstrawtomediumyellowtodeepredamberdependingonregion,producerandvintage.Nose:flavoursincludehoney,citrusmarmalade,tropical,pearoil,marzipan,sweetbakingspices,redfruitsandmuchmore.Palate:full-bodiedandverysweet,oftenatover200gramsperlitreresidualsugar.Structure:lowalcoholandveryhighaciditywiththemineralstampofthevineyard.IDKeys:GermanRieslingsvarydramaticallyinstylefromlight,delicateKabinettswithjustatouchofsweetnessallthewaytothenoblesweetwineswithamazinglyhighacidityandawealthofresidualsugar.Increasingresidualsugarineachsucceedingprädikatsgivesaricher,moreunctuousmouthfeel.Thehighacidityfoundinmostwinesalsomaskssomeoftheresidualsugarmakingthewineseemlesssweet.Qualitywinesshowthestampofthevineyardregardlessofthelevelofresidualsugar,allwithoutanytraceofwood.Olderwinestakeonpetrolnotes(TDN)andotherbottlecomplexities.

AlsaceSight:strawtomediumyellow.Nose:ripeapple-pearandyellowpeachfruitwithsweetandtartcitrus.Wineswithbotrytishavehoneyandstonefruitelementsalongwithfloralandmushroom/earthnotes.Palate:full-bodiedanddrytooff-dryinstyle.Some"dry"winesareslightlysweet.Structure:alcohol:medium-plussometimesborderingonhigh;acid:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:Rieslingflavorsbutwithrich,ripefruit,highalcohol,andmediumacidity;morealcoholandrichnessthanmostGermanRieslingswithlessacidity;alsolessopulentlyfloralthanGermanRieslingwithaweightierandroundermouthfeel.

Australia:ClareandEdenValleysSight:mediumstrawwithgreenhighlights.Nose:racygreenapple,unripegreenpear,limezest,andmineralwithatouchofwhitefloral.Palate:medium-bodied,verydryandbracinglyacidicwithanausterecharacter.Structure:mediumalcoholandmedium-plustohighacidity.IDKeys:ClareandEdenRieslingscanberemarkablyintenseincharacterwithbracingacidityandastonishingmineralitynottomentiontheirausterityandpotentialforlong-termaging.WinesthatdohaveageoftenshowpronouncedpetrolorTDNnotes.

IV.CheninBlancLoireValleySight:paletomediumstrawgreen,verybright.Nose:redandgoldenapple,quince,lemon-limecitrus,peach-apricot,floral,springgreens/herb,greenolive,sulphur/wetwool,andpronouncedchalkyminerality/wetstone.SO2oftendetected;usedbarrelsornowoodatall.Palate:bonedrytosweetdependingonthestyle.VouvraySecandSavennièrescanbeaustere,bonedryandintenselyflavouredwineswithintenseminerality.VouvrayDemi-SecandDouxoftendisplayhoneyandbotrytisnoteswithtartcitrusandchalkyminerality.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plustohigh.IDKeys:drywineshaveacombinationofapple-peachfruit,wetwool,wetstone-mineralqualitywithhighacidityandnowood.Sweeterwineshavehoney,ripestonefruits,citrus,andminerality.TheSO2qualitiesoftenmakeOldWorldChenineasiertoidentify.NewWorld:California–WashingtonStateSight:paletomediumstraw.Nose:afruit-bowlofripemelon,pear,andtropicalfruitwithsweetandtartcitrusnotes.Little,ifany,mineralityandoakinfrequentlyused.Palate:mediumbodiedandoff-drytoslightlysweet.Qualitywineshaveagoodbalanceofripe,succulentfruitandcrispacidity.Structure:acidity:mediumtomedium-plus;alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:off-dry,pleasantlyfruityandquaffable.

V.Semillon:

BordeauxBlanc-withSauvignonBlancSight:mediumtodeepstraw.Nose:ripepearfruitwithnotesofwax-lanolin,floral,lemoncitrusandearth.ManywinesareblendedwithSauvignonBlancandoakaged.Palate:mediumbodiedanddrywithawaxytextureandnotesofgravellyearthandoak.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plus.IDKeys:thecombinationofwaxytexture,racyacidity,presenceofearthandoakarekeystorecognizingSemillon-basedWhiteBordeaux.Sauternes–BarsacSight:mediumyellowtogold.Nose:honey,ripestonefruits,butterscotch,sweetspices,vanilla-oakwithatouchofearthiness.Palate:medium-plustofull-bodied;mediumsweettoverysweetdependingonthespecificwineandvintage.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:honeyandbotrytisnotes,residualsugar,andthepresenceofoak.AustraliaSight:strawordeepyellowdependingonthestyleofthegivenwine.Nose:traditionalAussieSemillonsareoak-agedforlongperiodsoftimeandthearomasreflectsuchwithelementsofbakedfruits,butterscotch,sweetspices,vanillacustard,andoak.Newerstyledwines,especiallythosefromtheHunterhavelittleornooakandbrightlemon-limecitrus,floralandmalicappleflavours.Palate:oak-agedwinesarerich,full-bodied,anddevelopedwithnutty,oxidativenotes.Newerstyledwinesarelighterinbodywithhigheracidandlessalcohol.Bothstylesareverydry.Structure:alcohol:medium-minustomedium;acidity:medium-plustohigh.IDKeys:lookforoxidativequalitieswithripefruit,butterscotchandnewoakintraditionalwines.Newernon-oakedwinesareremarkablydistinctivewineswithrelativelyloweralcoholandveryhighacidity.

VI.Gewürztraminer

AlsaceSight:deepstrawtopaleyellow.Nose:exotic,highly-perfumednoseofripestonefruits,lychee,sweetcitrus,pronouncedfloral(rosepetalandjasmine),andearth-mineral.Woodrarelyused.Palate:medium-plustofull-bodied.Thepalateisrich,viscousandsometimesoilywiththehallmarktouchofbitternessonthefinish;winescommonlyhavemorethanatouchofresidualsugareventothepointofbeingslightlysweet.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohighalcohol;acidity;medium-minustomedium.IDKeys:AlsaceGewurztraminerisunmistakablyflamboyantwithitsheady,exoticallyperfumednose,succulentoff-dryfruit,oilytexture,bitterfinish,andlackofacidity.VII.ViognierNorthernRhône:ChateauGrillet&CondrieuSight:mediumstraw.Nose:pronouncedfloral(whiteflowererandroses),stonefruits,honeyandstonymineral.Somewinesareagedinnewoak.Palate:medium-tofull-bodiedanddrytobonedry.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plus.IDKeys:thecombinationofpronouncedfloralnotes,ripestonefruits,mineralityandatouchofbitternessonthefinishfoundinallthearomaticgrapevarieties(Viognier,Gewürztraminer,MuscatandTorrontés).Somewinesoffernewoakaromasandflavours.UsuallymoreacidityandlessalcoholthanNewWorldcounterparts.CaliforniaSight:deepstrawtodeepyellowgold.Nose:profilesimilartoCondrieubutbutmuchriperandwithoutminerality.Fruitsincludeapricot/peach/nectarine,goldenapple,orangeaswellashoneyandfloralelements.Ahighpercentageofnewoakandfullmalolacticareoftenused.Palate:medium-plustofull-bodiedwithripesweet(evencanned)fruitandthehallmarktouchofbitternessonthefinishwithelementsofnewoak.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohigh;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:ripe,oftenover-ripestonefruits,floralnotesandtheuseofnewoak;likeChardonnaywithcannedpeachesandbitternessonthefinish

VIII.MuscatAlsaceSight:deepstrawtodeepyellow.Nose:verysimilarpalatetoAlsaceGewurztraminerinstylewithanexoticfloral(orangeblossomandrosepetal)andspicynoseandlychee,ripestonefruitsandearth-mineral.Woodrarelyused.Palate:mediumtofull-bodiedanddrytobonedry.Onceagain,likeAlsaceGewurztraminerbutwithrelativelyhigheracidity;oftentheperceptionofsweetnessonthepalateevenwhendryandstillthehallmarkbitternessonthefinish.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohigh;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:verysimilartoAlsaceGewurztraminerbutwithatouchhigheracidity.Moscatod’AstiSight:verypalestrawwithmediumbubbles.Nose:intenselygrapeynosewithpeach,apricot,strawberryandotherfreshfruitshighlightedbybrightsweetandtartcitrusandtouchofmineral.Palate:light-bodied,slightlysparklingandoff-drytoslightlysweet.Fruitpunchorfruitbowlinstyle.Structure:alcohol:verylow(5.5%!);acidity:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:light-bodiedandlowalcohol;delightfullyfruity,off-dryandslightlysparkling.Springinaglass.MuscatdeBeaumesdeVenise—VinDouxNaturelSight:mediumtodeepyellow.Nose:spirity(frommutage/fortification),ripewhitefruits,honey,floral,orangecitrusandbittercitruspeel;oakpresencefoundinsomewines.Palate:full-bodiedandmediumsweet.Structure:alcohol:high(15%orhigher);acidity:medium-plus.IDKeys:allthefruityqualitiesofdryMuscatbutwithaddedspirits(andsometimeswoodflavours).

IX.PinotGris-GrigioNorthernItalianPinotGrigioSight:paletomediumstrawwithatouchofrose/copper.Nose:tartapple,greenpear,citrus,straw,almondandstone/mineral.Palate:drytobonedryandlighttomedium-bodiedwithtartapple/citrusandmineralnotes.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plus.IDKeys:mostPinotGrigiosarelightandcitrusywithtartfruit,almondandmineralnotes.ThebestexamplescomefromAltoAdigeandcanbemuchricherwithconsiderableintensityoffruitandminerality.Mayofthewinesshowabrassy/copperyhueinthecolour.AlsacePinotGrisSight:deepstrawtomediumyellowwithhintofcopper.Nose:ripe,smokyyellowappleandmelonwithsweetandtartcitrus,floral,honey,anddarkearth-mineral.Palate:medium-plustofull-bodiedanddrytooff-dryinstyle(somewinesshownoticeablyresidualsugar).Veryripefruitwithanearthycharacter;botrytisnotesoftenfoundevenonwinesdryinstyle.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohigh;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:full-bodiedandoff-drywithrich,smokypear-melonfruitandearthiness.Manywineshaveresidualsugarwitharich,palate-coatingmouthfeel;thetextureisoftendescribedas“oily.”X.Marsanne

RhôneSight:deepstrawtoyellowgold.Nose:ripegoldenapple,peachandmelonfruitwithcitrusandjasminefloralnotes.WinesareoftenblendedwithRoussanneandoak-ageddisplayingoxidativequalitiesandawaxy-nuttycharactersimilartosomestylesofSemillon.Palate:dry,richandfullbodied.Structure:alcohol:medium-plustohigh;acidity:mediumtomedium-plus.IDKeys:ripefruits,waxiness,highalcoholandearthinessarekeystorecognition.X.GrünerVeltlinerSight:paletodeepstraw.Nose:stylevarieswithdifferentregions/climatesandevenclassifications(Wachau).Coolclimatewinestendtobelighterinbodywithtartgreenapple/pear,brightcitrusfruitsandherbal-vegetalqualities(celery,caraway,radish,whitepepper,lentils)withearthand/ormineral.Winesfromwarmerregionshavemuchriperfruitwithnotesofpeach-nectarine,rhubarb,yellowapple,honeyandmore.Palate:winesaregenerallyverydryandstylesrangefromlightandracytorich,weighty,andgrand

dependingonspecificregionandproducer.Structure:alcohol:mediumtohigh;acidity:medium-plustohighacidity.IDKeys:canbelightandracyorfull-bodiedandgrand.Ripefruitandthecelery-radish-whitepeppercombinationareuniqueGrüner.XI.AlbariñoSight:paletomediumstraw.

Nose:whitepeach,greenpear,mandarin/orangeandlime-citruswithnotesoffloral,lightherb,hops/Pilsnerandwetstoneminerality.Woodrarelyused.Palate:lighttomediumbodiedandbonedrytodry.Structure:alcohol:mediumtomedium-plus;acidity:medium-plus.IDKeys:combinationofpeach,sweetcitrusandherbal-citrusycharacterwitharomasofflowers,beer/hopsandmineral;Albariñoisoftendescribeas“ViogniernoseandRieslingpalate.”