1.
Which pair are byproducts of a wine's fermentation process?
Correct Answer
C. Alcohol & carbon dioxide
Explanation
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.
2.
Which country lets harvest time play a key roll in wine making style?
Correct Answer
A. Germany
Explanation
Wines made from grapes picked at different harvest times, even from the same vineyard, will have different sweetness levels and styles.
3.
Which of the following wines should be stored in the refrigerator once opened?
Correct Answer
C. Both red and white wines
Explanation
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.
4.
Tannins in wine primarily come from:
Correct Answer
B. The skins, stems and seeds of the grapes
Explanation
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.
5.
Red Delicious and McIntosh are apple varietals, just like the followig are grape varietals:
Correct Answer
C. Merlot & Chardonnay
Explanation
Varietal refers to the specific grape type or variety.
The other choices are wine names based on regions.
6.
Why would you see wine connoisseurs holding wine in their mouths for a moment BEFORE swallowing?
Correct Answer
C. To slightly warm the wine, releasing more of its flavors
Explanation
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.
7.
The "finish" of a wine refers to:
Correct Answer
A. The lingering aftertaste of a wine once it is swallowed
Explanation
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.
8.
A Pinot Noir from Oregon would be closest in style to a(n):
Correct Answer
B. Red Burgundy
Explanation
The grape varietal used to make Red Burgundy is Pinot Nor. Burgundy wines are named for the region in France from which they come.
9.
Which one of these is NOT a grape that produces many sweet wines?
Correct Answer
C. Muscatel
Explanation
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.
10.
If it says "vinted by" on the bottle, it typically means:
Correct Answer
C. Made by
Explanation
This term is occasionally seen on U.S. wine bottles. It is not meant to be a statement of quality.
11.
People store wine on its side to prevent:
Correct Answer
A. The cork from crying out
Explanation
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.
12.
What color of grape is a Zinfandel wine made from?
Correct Answer
B. Red
Explanation
"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.
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?
Correct Answer
B. Its body and alcohol content
Explanation
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".
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?
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.
15.
What wine is made from the same predominant grape in "Fume Blanc"?
Correct Answer
A. Sauvignon Blanc
Explanation
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.
16.
What does the Italian "Est! Est! Est! di Montefiascone" refer to in the wine world?
Correct Answer
A. Wine growing region
Explanation
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.
17.
Which device is NOT a type of corkscrew?
Correct Answer
A. Tastevin
Explanation
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.
18.
What is the best temperature at which to store wine?
Correct Answer
A. 55'F
Explanation
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.
19.
Where do most true sherries come from?
Correct Answer
A. Spain
Explanation
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".