Cork Academy

Grapes & regions

By grape

GrapeCountryRegionCharacteristics
Pinot NoirAustraliaSoutheastern Australia, Mornington Peninsulalight and fragrant to riper with cooked-red-fruit flavours (red plum, strawberry) and medium tannins
AustraliaSoutheastern Australia, Yarra Valleylight and fragrant to riper with cooked-red-fruit flavours (red plum, strawberry) and medium tannins
ChileCasablanca Valleyflavours of cooked strawberries
FranceBurgundy
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Beaunemore flavour intensity, complexity and length
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Pommardmore flavour intensity, complexity and length
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertinmore flavour intensity, complexity and length
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georgesmore flavour intensity, complexity and length
New ZealandNorth Island, Martinborough
New ZealandSouth Island, Central Otagoripest and most powerfully flavoured Pinot Noir in NZ; pronounced fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), medium to full body and medium tannins; often oaked and needs aging
New ZealandSouth Island, Marlborough
South AfricaWestern Cape, Walker Bayvibrant red fruit
USACalifornia, Central Coast, Santa Barbara Countyripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
USACalifornia, Northern California, Carnerosripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
USACalifornia, Northern California, Sonomaripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
USAOregoncomplex, fresh, red fruit flavours, subtle oak flavours (smoke, cloves)
Zinfandel / PrimitivoItalyPugliasoft, fruity, dry
USACaliforniamedium-sweet rosé (White Zinfandel); red: pronounced aromas of black fruit (blackberry, black plum), dried fruit (raisin, prune) and oak (vanilla, coffee)
RieslingAustraliaSouth Australia, Clare Valleydry, pronounced aromas of lime, peach, blossom and petrol
AustraliaSouth Australia, Eden Valleydry, pronounced aromas of lime, peach, blossom and petrol
FranceAlsace, Alsacedry, pronounced aromas and flavours (ripe citrus and stone fruit); medium body, high acidity
GermanyMosellighter in body; medium sweetness to balance very high acidity
GermanyPfalzdry, medium-bodied
GermanyRheingaudrier and more body than Mosel
Chenin blancFranceLoire Valley, Vouvraydry: fresh apple flavours, off-dry, medium labelled Demi-Sec; sweeter made from extra-ripe or botrytis-affected grapes with stone fruit or tropical fruit aromas; unoaked
South AfricaWestern Cape, Walker Bay
Sémillon / semillonAustraliaSouth Australia, Barossa Valley
AustraliaSoutheastern Australia, Hunter Valleydry, single-varietal, light body, light alcohol
FranceBordeauxcommonly blended with Sauvingon Blanc
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Sauternessweet wines made from grapes affected by botrytis
FurmintHungaryTokajTokaji Aszú: sweet from grapes affected by botrytis
ChardonnayAustraliaSouth Australia, Adelaide Hillsmedium, high acidity; carefully balanced with oak
AustraliaSoutheastern Australia
AustraliaSoutheastern Australia, Yarra Valleymedium, high acidity; carefully balanced with oak
AustraliaWestern Australia, Margaret Rivermedium to full body, ripe stone fruit (peach) and tropical fruit flavours (pineapple)
ChileCasablanca Valley
ChileCentral Valley
FranceBurgundysimple, apple and lemon, high acidity
FranceBurgundy, Chablisdry, high acidity, flavours: apple, lemon, wet stones; unoaked
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Meursaultoak or aging on lees is common
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachetoak or aging on lees is common
FranceBurgundy, Mâconnais, Mâconfruity, unoaked
FranceBurgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuisséconcentrated, often oaked
FranceSouth of France
New ZealandNew Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bayfull body; pronounced stone fruit flavours
New ZealandSouth Island, Marlboroughripe lemon, peach, melon; high acidity, subtle oak
South AfricaWestern Cape
South AfricaWestern Cape, Walker Bayhigh acidity, ripe stone fruit, tropical fruit and oak
USACalifornia, Central Coast, Santa Barbara Countytropical fruit flavours, high alcohol, flavours from new oak
USACalifornia, Northern California, Carneros
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valleyfull-bodied, pronounced tropical-fruit flavours; vanilla from new oak
USACalifornia, Northern California, Sonoma
USAOregonhigh acidity
Sauvignon blancAustraliaSouth Australia, Adelaide Hillsfresh and fruity, sometimes blended with Semillon
AustraliaWestern Australia, Margaret Riverconcentrated herbaceous aromas (grass); , sometimes blended with Semillon; some matured in oak
ChileCasablanca Valley
ChileCentral Valley
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Gravesmore concentrated and complex; blends with Sémillon; often matured in oak
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Pessac-Léognanmore concentrated and complex; blends with Sémillon; often matured in oak
FranceLoire Valley, Pouilly–Fumédry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
FranceLoire Valley, Sancerredry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
FranceLoire Valley, Tourainefruity, inexpensive
FranceSouth of Francedry, high acidity, tropical fruit flavours (passion fruit) and herbaceous notes (grass)
New ZealandSouth Island, Marlboroughall styles, experimental approach
South AfricaWestern Cape, Constantiarefreshing with ripe-tropical-fruit and herbaceous aromas
South AfricaWestern Cape, Elgingreen fruit flavours (apple) and sometimes wet stones
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valleyoak to add body and flavour (smoke)
Pinot grigioItalyFriuli-Venezia Giuliamore complex, fuller-body
ItalyVeneto, delle Venezieshort finish, acceptable to good quality
ItalyVeneto, Venetoshort finish, acceptable to good quality
Pinot grisFranceAlsace, Alsaceextra-ripe, medium acidity, medium to full body, pronounced flavour
GewurztraminerFranceAlsace, Alsace
ViognierFranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieusingle-varietal, ligh flavours of oak (vanilla)
AlbariñoSpainRías Baixas
Cabernet sauvignonAustraliaSouth Australia, Coonawarradistinctive herbal (mint), black fruit and oak (smoke and cedar)
AustraliaWestern Australia, Margaret Riverripe black-fruit aromas, subtle oak
ChileCentral Valley, Colchagua Valleydistinctive herbal (mint) and herbaceous (green ball pepper), black fruit, oak
ChileCentral Valley, Maipo Valleydistinctive herbal (mint) and herbaceous (green ball pepper), black fruit, oak
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Graves
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Margaux
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pauillac
FranceSouth of France
New ZealandNew Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay
South AfricaWestern Cape, Stellenboschused in Cape Blend
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valleyripest and full-bodied
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valley, Calistogaripest and full-bodied
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valley, Oakvilleripest and full-bodied
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valley, Rutherfordripest and full-bodied
USACalifornia, Northern California, Sonomaripest and full-bodied
MerlotAustraliaWestern Australia, Margaret River
ChileCentral Valleysoft, medium-bodied
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Graves
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Margaux
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pauillac
FranceBordeaux, Right Bank, Pomerol
FranceBordeaux, Right Bank, Saint-Émilion
FranceSouth of France
New ZealandNew Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bayfrom light and fruity to full-bodied
South AfricaWestern Cape, Stellenboschcomplex, age-worthy
USACaliforniaoak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valleyoak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
USACalifornia, Northern California, Sonomaoak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
Syrah / ShirazAustraliaSouth Australia, Barossa Valleyold vines, concentrated fruits, full-bodied, high, ripe tannins, cooked-black-fruit flavours (blackberry, black cherry), black peppery, oak (vanilla, coffee)
AustraliaSoutheastern Australia
AustraliaSoutheastern Australia, Hunter Valleymedium-bodied, medium to high tannins, fresh-black-fruit flavours
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rotiecomplex and peppery, sometimes small amounts of Viognier
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitageless intense, cheaper
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
FranceSouth of France, Minervois AOCblended
FranceSouth of France, Pays d'Oc IGPsingle-varietal
GamayFranceBeaujolais
FranceBeaujolais, Fleurie
Grenache / GarnachaAustraliaSouth Australia, Barossa Valleyold vines: concentrated red-fruit and spice flavours
AustraliaSouth Australia, McLaren Valeold vines: concentrated red-fruit and spice flavours
FranceCôtes du Rhône
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Papefull-bodied, high alcohol levels
FranceSouth of France, Minervois AOCblended
SpainCatalunya, Prioratold vines: the most powerful full-bodied
SpainNavarradry rosé wines
SpainRioja
TempranilloSpainCatalunyafrom simple fruity and light to powerful oak-aged
SpainRibera del Duerofull-bodied, fresh black-fruit flavours
SpainRiojasometimes blended with Garnacha
CarmenèreChileCentral Valley
MalbecArgentinaMendoza
PinotageSouth AfricaWestern Cape
CorteseItalyPiemonte, Gavi
GarganegaItalyVeneto, Recioto di Soavesweet, appassimento
ItalyVeneto, Soave
VerdicchioItalyMarche, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
FianoItalyCampania, Fiano di Avellino
NebbioloItalyPiemonte, Barbaresco
ItalyPiemonte, Barolo
BarberaItalyPiemonte, Barbera d'Asti
CorvinaItalyVeneto, Amarone della Valpolicellapartially dried fruits; dry to off-dry, high alcohol, high tannins, pronounced flavours and dried fruit (prunes, raisins, figs)
ItalyVeneto, Recioto della Valpolicellasweet from partially dried grapes
ItalyVeneto, Valpolicella
SangioveseItalyTuscany, Brunello di Montalcinopowerful, full-bodied, very high tannins - must mature in oak
ItalyTuscany, Chianti
MontepulcianoItalyMontepulciano d'Abruzzo

By region

CountryRegionGrapeCharacteristics
ArgentinaMendozaMalbec
AustraliaSouth Australia, Adelaide HillsChardonnaymedium, high acidity; carefully balanced with oak
Sauvignon blancfresh and fruity, sometimes blended with Semillon
AustraliaSouth Australia, Barossa ValleyGrenache/Garnachaold vines: concentrated red-fruit and spice flavours
Sémillon/semillon
Syrah/Shirazold vines, concentrated fruits, full-bodied, high, ripe tannins, cooked-black-fruit flavours (blackberry, black cherry), black peppery, oak (vanilla, coffee)
AustraliaSouth Australia, Clare ValleyRieslingdry, pronounced aromas of lime, peach, blossom and petrol
AustraliaSouth Australia, CoonawarraCabernet sauvignondistinctive herbal (mint), black fruit and oak (smoke and cedar)
AustraliaSouth Australia, Eden ValleyRieslingdry, pronounced aromas of lime, peach, blossom and petrol
AustraliaSouth Australia, McLaren ValeGrenache/Garnachaold vines: concentrated red-fruit and spice flavours
AustraliaSoutheastern AustraliaChardonnay
Syrah/Shiraz
AustraliaSoutheastern Australia, Hunter ValleySémillon/semillondry, single-varietal, light body, light alcohol
Syrah/Shirazmedium-bodied, medium to high tannins, fresh-black-fruit flavours
AustraliaSoutheastern Australia, Mornington PeninsulaPinot Noirlight and fragrant to riper with cooked-red-fruit flavours (red plum, strawberry) and medium tannins
AustraliaSoutheastern Australia, Yarra ValleyChardonnaymedium, high acidity; carefully balanced with oak
Pinot Noirlight and fragrant to riper with cooked-red-fruit flavours (red plum, strawberry) and medium tannins
AustraliaWestern Australia, Margaret RiverCabernet sauvignonripe black-fruit aromas, subtle oak
Chardonnaymedium to full body, ripe stone fruit (peach) and tropical fruit flavours (pineapple)
Merlot
Sauvignon blancconcentrated herbaceous aromas (grass); , sometimes blended with Semillon; some matured in oak
ChileCasablanca ValleyChardonnay
Pinot Noirflavours of cooked strawberries
Sauvignon blanc
ChileCentral ValleyCarmenère
Chardonnay
Merlotsoft, medium-bodied
Sauvignon blanc
ChileCentral Valley, Colchagua ValleyCabernet sauvignondistinctive herbal (mint) and herbaceous (green ball pepper), black fruit, oak
ChileCentral Valley, Maipo ValleyCabernet sauvignondistinctive herbal (mint) and herbaceous (green ball pepper), black fruit, oak
FranceAlsace, AlsaceGewurztraminer
Pinot grisextra-ripe, medium acidity, medium to full body, pronounced flavour
Rieslingdry, pronounced aromas and flavours (ripe citrus and stone fruit); medium body, high acidity
FranceBeaujolaisGamay
FranceBeaujolais, FleurieGamay
FranceBordeauxSémillon/semilloncommonly blended with Sauvingon Blanc
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, GravesCabernet sauvignon
Merlot
Sauvignon blancmore concentrated and complex; blends with Sémillon; often matured in oak
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Pessac-LéognanCabernet sauvignon
Merlot
Sauvignon blancmore concentrated and complex; blends with Sémillon; often matured in oak
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, SauternesSémillon/semillonsweet wines made from grapes affected by botrytis
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, MédocCabernet sauvignon
Merlot
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-MédocCabernet sauvignon
Merlot
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, MargauxCabernet sauvignon
Merlot
FranceBordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, PauillacCabernet sauvignon
Merlot
FranceBordeaux, Right Bank, PomerolMerlot
FranceBordeaux, Right Bank, Saint-ÉmilionMerlot
FranceBurgundyChardonnaysimple, apple and lemon, high acidity
Pinot Noir
FranceBurgundy, ChablisChardonnaydry, high acidity, flavours: apple, lemon, wet stones; unoaked
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, BeaunePinot Noirmore flavour intensity, complexity and length
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, MeursaultChardonnayoak or aging on lees is common
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, PommardPinot Noirmore flavour intensity, complexity and length
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-MontrachetChardonnayoak or aging on lees is common
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-ChambertinPinot Noirmore flavour intensity, complexity and length
FranceBurgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-GeorgesPinot Noirmore flavour intensity, complexity and length
FranceBurgundy, Mâconnais, MâconChardonnayfruity, unoaked
FranceBurgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-FuisséChardonnayconcentrated, often oaked
FranceCôtes du RhôneGrenache/Garnacha
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern RhôneSyrah/Shiraz
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, CondrieuViogniersingle-varietal, ligh flavours of oak (vanilla)
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-RotieSyrah/Shirazcomplex and peppery, sometimes small amounts of Viognier
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-HermitageSyrah/Shirazless intense, cheaper
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, HermitageSyrah/Shiraz
FranceCôtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-PapeGrenache/Garnachafull-bodied, high alcohol levels
FranceLoire Valley, Pouilly–FuméSauvignon blancdry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
FranceLoire Valley, SancerreSauvignon blancdry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
FranceLoire Valley, TouraineSauvignon blancfruity, inexpensive
FranceLoire Valley, VouvrayChenin blancdry: fresh apple flavours, off-dry, medium labelled Demi-Sec; sweeter made from extra-ripe or botrytis-affected grapes with stone fruit or tropical fruit aromas; unoaked
FranceSouth of FranceCabernet sauvignon
Chardonnay
Merlot
Sauvignon blancdry, high acidity, tropical fruit flavours (passion fruit) and herbaceous notes (grass)
FranceSouth of France, Minervois AOCGrenache/Garnachablended
Syrah/Shirazblended
FranceSouth of France, Pays d'Oc IGPSyrah/Shirazsingle-varietal
GermanyMoselRieslinglighter in body; medium sweetness to balance very high acidity
GermanyPfalzRieslingdry, medium-bodied
GermanyRheingauRieslingdrier and more body than Mosel
HungaryTokajFurmintTokaji Aszú: sweet from grapes affected by botrytis
ItalyCampania, Fiano di AvellinoFiano
ItalyFriuli-Venezia GiuliaPinot grigiomore complex, fuller-body
ItalyMarche, Verdicchio dei Castelli di JesiVerdicchio
ItalyMontepulciano d'AbruzzoMontepulciano
ItalyPiemonte, BarbarescoNebbiolo
ItalyPiemonte, Barbera d'AstiBarbera
ItalyPiemonte, BaroloNebbiolo
ItalyPiemonte, GaviCortese
ItalyPugliaZinfandel/Primitivosoft, fruity, dry
ItalyTuscany, Brunello di MontalcinoSangiovesepowerful, full-bodied, very high tannins - must mature in oak
ItalyTuscany, ChiantiSangiovese
ItalyVeneto, Amarone della ValpolicellaCorvinapartially dried fruits; dry to off-dry, high alcohol, high tannins, pronounced flavours and dried fruit (prunes, raisins, figs)
ItalyVeneto, delle VeneziePinot grigioshort finish, acceptable to good quality
ItalyVeneto, Recioto della ValpolicellaCorvinasweet from partially dried grapes
ItalyVeneto, Recioto di SoaveGarganegasweet, appassimento
ItalyVeneto, SoaveGarganega
ItalyVeneto, ValpolicellaCorvina
ItalyVeneto, VenetoPinot grigioshort finish, acceptable to good quality
New ZealandNew Zealand, North Island, Hawke's BayCabernet sauvignon
Chardonnayfull body; pronounced stone fruit flavours
Merlotfrom light and fruity to full-bodied
New ZealandNorth Island, MartinboroughPinot Noir
New ZealandSouth Island, Central OtagoPinot Noirripest and most powerfully flavoured Pinot Noir in NZ; pronounced fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), medium to full body and medium tannins; often oaked and needs aging
New ZealandSouth Island, MarlboroughChardonnayripe lemon, peach, melon; high acidity, subtle oak
Pinot Noir
Sauvignon blancall styles, experimental approach
South AfricaWestern CapeChardonnay
Pinotage
South AfricaWestern Cape, ConstantiaSauvignon blancrefreshing with ripe-tropical-fruit and herbaceous aromas
South AfricaWestern Cape, ElginSauvignon blancgreen fruit flavours (apple) and sometimes wet stones
South AfricaWestern Cape, StellenboschCabernet sauvignonused in Cape Blend
Merlotcomplex, age-worthy
South AfricaWestern Cape, Walker BayChardonnayhigh acidity, ripe stone fruit, tropical fruit and oak
Chenin blanc
Pinot Noirvibrant red fruit
SpainCatalunyaTempranillofrom simple fruity and light to powerful oak-aged
SpainCatalunya, PrioratGrenache/Garnachaold vines: the most powerful full-bodied
SpainNavarraGrenache/Garnachadry rosé wines
SpainRías BaixasAlbariño
SpainRibera del DueroTempranillofull-bodied, fresh black-fruit flavours
SpainRiojaGrenache/Garnacha
Tempranillosometimes blended with Garnacha
USACaliforniaMerlotoak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
Zinfandel/Primitivomedium-sweet rosé (White Zinfandel); red: pronounced aromas of black fruit (blackberry, black plum), dried fruit (raisin, prune) and oak (vanilla, coffee)
USACalifornia, Central Coast, Santa Barbara CountyChardonnaytropical fruit flavours, high alcohol, flavours from new oak
Pinot Noirripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
USACalifornia, Northern California, CarnerosChardonnay
Pinot Noirripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa ValleyCabernet sauvignonripest and full-bodied
Chardonnayfull-bodied, pronounced tropical-fruit flavours; vanilla from new oak
Merlotoak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
Sauvignon blancoak to add body and flavour (smoke)
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valley, CalistogaCabernet sauvignonripest and full-bodied
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valley, OakvilleCabernet sauvignonripest and full-bodied
USACalifornia, Northern California, Napa Valley, RutherfordCabernet sauvignonripest and full-bodied
USACalifornia, Northern California, SonomaCabernet sauvignonripest and full-bodied
Chardonnay
Merlotoak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
Pinot Noirripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
USAOregonChardonnayhigh acidity
Pinot Noircomplex, fresh, red fruit flavours, subtle oak flavours (smoke, cloves)

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Prepared based on “Wines: Looking behind the label, Issue 1 (2019)” and “WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines Workbook” by WSET.

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