Wine 101 Quiz
Welcome to the Tasters Guild Orlando 20-question game; Good Luck!
- 1.
Which pair are byproducts of a wine's fermentation process?
- A.
Sulfites & Oxygen
- B.
Vinegar & Sugar
- C.
Alcohol & carbon dioxide
Correct Answer
C. Alcohol & carbon dioxideExplanation
These are natural results of the fermentation process that all wines go through. In most wines the carbon dioxide is allowed to escape from the bottle prior to corking. For sparkling wines, like Champagne, it is trapped thereby creating the bubbles.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which country lets harvest time play a key roll in wine making style?
- A.
Germany
- B.
United States
- C.
Argentina
Correct Answer
A. GermanyExplanation
Wines made from grapes picked at different harvest times, even from the same vineyard, will have different sweetness levels and styles.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following wines should be stored in the refrigerator once opened?
- A.
White wines only
- B.
Sweet white wines only
- C.
Both red and white wines
Correct Answer
C. Both red and white winesExplanation
While white wine ordinarily should be served at a colder temperature than red wine, ALL opened wine should be stored in the refrigerator to slow down the wine's deterioration.
Red wines should come back up to a cool room temperature before serving.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Tannins in wine primarily come from:
- A.
The soil and sunlight
- B.
The skins, stems and seeds of the grapes
- C.
Alcohol
Correct Answer
B. The skins, stems and seeds of the grapesExplanation
The longer wine is allowed to stay in contact with these elements, the more "tannic" quality the wines will have.
Oak barrel aging can also contribute tannins from the wood.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Red Delicious and McIntosh are apple varietals, just like the followig are grape varietals:
- A.
Chianti & Barolo
- B.
Bordeaux & Burgundy
- C.
Merlot & Chardonnay
Correct Answer
C. Merlot & ChardonnayExplanation
Varietal refers to the specific grape type or variety.
The other choices are wine names based on regions.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why would you see wine connoisseurs holding wine in their mouths for a moment BEFORE swallowing?
- A.
To absorb the most alcohol
- B.
To properly judge the length of the finish
- C.
To slightly warm the wine, releasing more of its flavors
Correct Answer
C. To slightly warm the wine, releasing more of its flavorsExplanation
While holding the wine in the mouth, it should be rolled around to fully coat the taste buds. This helps to better appreciate the wine.
The length of the finish cannot be determined until after the wine is swallowed.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The "finish" of a wine refers to:
- A.
The lingering aftertaste of a wine once it is swallowed
- B.
How many glasses can be poured before the bottle is finished
- C.
The final wine tasted in a series of wines
Correct Answer
A. The lingering aftertaste of a wine once it is swallowedExplanation
Often the flavor ar the finish can bifferent from the initial taste of the wine. Some complexities and nuances are only perceptible during the finish. Usually the more complex the wine, the longer this aftertaste will be.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A Pinot Noir from Oregon would be closest in style to a(n):
- A.
Red Cotes du Rhone
- B.
Red Burgundy
- C.
Italian Barnaresco
Correct Answer
B. Red BurgundyExplanation
The grape varietal used to make Red Burgundy is Pinot Nor. Burgundy wines are named for the region in France from which they come.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which one of these is NOT a grape that produces many sweet wines?
- A.
Muscat Canelli
- B.
Moscatel
- C.
Muscatel
Correct Answer
C. MuscatelExplanation
Muscatel is not a grape but is a cheap sweet fortified wine with high alcohol.
Muscat Canelli ad Moscatel are two varieties of grapes in the Muscat family of grapes used for making generally sweet white wines.Rate this question:
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- 10.
If it says "vinted by" on the bottle, it typically means:
- A.
Shipped by
- B.
Sold By
- C.
Made by
Correct Answer
C. Made byExplanation
This term is occasionally seen on U.S. wine bottles. It is not meant to be a statement of quality.Rate this question:
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- 11.
People store wine on its side to prevent:
- A.
The cork from crying out
- B.
Stress on the glass bottle, which could cause it to shatter
- C.
The wine from reverting back to grape juice
Correct Answer
A. The cork from crying outExplanation
If the cork is allowed to dry out, it may shrink and lose its tight seal. This can result in air getting in the bottle causing the wine to spoil.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What color of grape is a Zinfandel wine made from?
- A.
White
- B.
Red
- C.
Both red and white
Correct Answer
B. RedExplanation
"White" Zinfandels are made from red grapes but the wine is allowed to stay in contact with its skins for only a brief time so very little color is imparted. Zinfandels with deep red color have had extensive contact with the grape shins.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Some believe "Legs", or the remnants of the wine as it drips down the glass, can give the best indication to what component of a wine?
- A.
Its complex fruit flavors
- B.
Its body and alcohol content
- C.
Its sweetness
Correct Answer
B. Its body and alcohol contentExplanation
The "Legs" of a wine can be an indicator of the wine's alcohol content.
Generally speaking, wines with "great legs" (i.e., slow drip, thick or long) are full bodied and have relatively high alcohol contents.
"Tears" is sometimes used as a synonym fo "legs".Rate this question:
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- 14.
In the U.S., for a wine to bear a varietal name (e.g., Merlot, Chardonnay), what is the minimum percentage of that grape varietal must comprise the wine?
- A.
95%
- B.
100%
- C.
75%
Correct Answer
C. 75%Explanation
This is the minimum amount in all U.S. states that produce wine. The exact percentage can vary and is determined by individual states, but it is never less than 75%.
So a U.S. "Chardonnay" must contain at least 75% Chardonnay grapes.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What wine is made from the same predominant grape in "Fume Blanc"?
- A.
Sauvignon Blanc
- B.
Pouilly-Fuisse
- C.
Pinot Blanc
Correct Answer
A. Sauvignon BlancExplanation
Fume Blanc can be another term for Sauvignon Blanc. The "Fume" comes from the "smoky" look of the fog that sets on certain vineyards.
However, occasionally U.S. wines that say Fume Blanc (instead of Sauvignon Blanc) may have an oaked style that imparts a smoky quality to the wine.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What does the Italian "Est! Est! Est! di Montefiascone" refer to in the wine world?
- A.
Wine growing region
- B.
Native Italian grape
- C.
Expression used by wine connoisseurs for outstanding wines
Correct Answer
A. Wine growing regionExplanation
This region near Rome got its name from a 12th Century servany to a German bishop. The servant was to determine if the wine in the area was good. He jubilantly proclaimed "Est! Est! Est!" meaning "It is! It is! It is!".
This area generally produces simple white wines.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which device is NOT a type of corkscrew?
- A.
Tastevin
- B.
Butterfly
- C.
Waiter's style
Correct Answer
A. TastevinExplanation
This can resemble an ashtray but is actually a shallow cup used for evaluating wine. Many restaurant sommeliers will have a tastevin on a chain around their neck.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What is the best temperature at which to store wine?
- A.
55'F
- B.
35'F
- C.
75'F
Correct Answer
A. 55'FExplanation
This is the recommended ideal for cool wine storage (not serving).
Storing at too cold of a temperature will dull the wine's flavor. Storing at too warm of a temperature will prematurely age the wine and is may deteriorate before it ever reaches its peak.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Where do most true sherries come from?
- A.
Spain
- B.
England
- C.
France
Correct Answer
A. SpainExplanation
While sherries are made in other countries, the Sherries usually regarded to be the best come from Andalusia region in the south of Spain.
The name Sherry comes from the town name of Jerez de la Frontera. The word "Jerez" became "Sherry".Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 18, 2022Quiz Edited by
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Aug 08, 2008Quiz Created by
Nicked
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