1.
Which ONE of the following pairs are both applicable to Haut-Medoc?
Correct Answer
C. Chateau Margaux and Cabernet Sauvignon
Explanation
Chateau Margaux and Cabernet Sauvignon are both applicable to Haut-Medoc because Chateau Margaux is a renowned wine estate located in the Haut-Medoc region of Bordeaux, France, and Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the primary grape varieties grown and used in the production of wines in Haut-Medoc.
2.
Which style of wine is Haut-Medoc best known for?
Correct Answer
C. Blended, premium reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Explanation
Haut-Medoc is best known for blended, premium reds from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This region in Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its production of high-quality red wines that are typically a blend of these two grape varieties. The combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot creates complex and balanced wines with rich flavors and aromas. These wines are often aged in oak barrels, further enhancing their complexity and depth. The blending of these two grape varieties allows winemakers in Haut-Medoc to create wines that showcase the best qualities of both grapes, resulting in premium red wines that are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts.
3.
Which one of the following grape varieties are allowed in the production of Enre-Deux-Mers?
1. Merlot
2. Petite Verdot
3. Sauvignon Blanc
4. Semillon
5. Malbec
6. Cabernet Sauvignon
Correct Answer
C. 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Enre-Deux-Mers is a wine region in Bordeaux, France. The grape varieties allowed in the production of Enre-Deux-Mers are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. This means that only options 3 and 4, which are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, are correct. The other options, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, are not allowed in the production of Enre-Deux-Mers wines.
4.
Which ONE of the following grape varieties is most associated with Pomerol?
Correct Answer
A. Merlot
Explanation
Merlot is the correct answer because it is the grape variety most associated with Pomerol. Pomerol is a wine-growing region in Bordeaux, France, known for producing high-quality red wines, and Merlot is the dominant grape variety grown there. Merlot grapes thrive in Pomerol's clay and gravel soils, resulting in wines that are rich, smooth, and velvety in texture. This grape variety is highly regarded for its ability to produce full-bodied and complex red wines, making it the most closely associated grape variety with Pomerol.
5.
Which ONE of the following black grape varieties is the most widely planted in Bordeaux?
Correct Answer
A. Merlot
Explanation
Merlot is the most widely planted black grape variety in Bordeaux. It is known for its soft and fruity characteristics, making it a popular choice for blending with other grape varieties in Bordeaux wines. Merlot is favored for its ability to add richness and depth to the wines, while also providing a smooth and approachable flavor profile. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, another popular grape variety in Bordeaux, to create well-balanced and complex wines. The other options, Malbec and Petit Verdot, are also grown in Bordeaux but are not as widely planted as Merlot.
6.
Which ONE of the following is an AC for red wines only?
Correct Answer
B. Saint-Emilion
Explanation
Saint-Emilion is an Appellation Contrôlée (AC) for red wines only. This means that only red wines produced in the Saint-Emilion region of Bordeaux, France can be labeled as Saint-Emilion. Other options like Bergerac, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, and Pessac-Léognan may produce both red and white wines, but Saint-Emilion is specifically designated for red wines.
7.
What are the ideal autumn weather conditions for the development of noble rot?
Correct Answer
C. Misty mornings and sunny afternoons
Explanation
The ideal autumn weather conditions for the development of noble rot are misty mornings and sunny afternoons. This combination creates the perfect environment for the growth of the Botrytis cinerea fungus, which is responsible for noble rot. The misty mornings provide the necessary moisture for the fungus to thrive, while the sunny afternoons allow the grapes to dry out, preventing the spread of harmful bacteria. This unique weather pattern is essential for the development of the noble rot, which concentrates the sugars in the grapes, resulting in the production of sweet and flavorful dessert wines.
8.
Which ONE of the following white grape varieties is extensively planted in Bergerac?
Correct Answer
D. Sauvignon Blanc
Explanation
Sauvignon Blanc is extensively planted in Bergerac. This grape variety is known for its crisp acidity and aromatic profile, which makes it a popular choice for white wine production. It is often used to produce dry, refreshing wines with flavors of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruits. The cool climate and limestone-rich soils of Bergerac provide favorable conditions for growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes, resulting in high-quality wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the region.
9.
Which ONE of the following statements is true?
Correct Answer
D. Bergerac makes wines similar in style to Bordeaux
Explanation
Bergerac makes wines similar in style to Bordeaux because both regions are located in southwestern France and have similar climate and soil conditions. They also use similar grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, in their wine production. Therefore, the wines from Bergerac share many characteristics with Bordeaux wines, including their flavor profiles and aging potential.
10.
Which ONE of the following regions uses the Tannat grape?
Correct Answer
D. Madiran
Explanation
Madiran is the correct answer because it is a wine region in southwestern France known for producing red wines primarily made from the Tannat grape. The Tannat grape is known for its high tannin levels and bold flavors, which are well-suited for the region's warm climate and clay-limestone soils. Madiran wines are often characterized by their dark color, robust structure, and notes of dark fruits, spice, and earthiness.
11.
Which ONE of the following statements is false?
Correct Answer
B. Madiran wine is made exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Explanation
The statement "Madiran wine is made exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot" is false. Madiran wine is actually made primarily from the Tannat grape variety, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc sometimes being used as well.
12.
Bordeaux has a moderate _________ climate that benefits from the warming effect of the Gulf Stream.
Correct Answer
maritime
Explanation
Bordeaux has a moderate maritime climate that benefits from the warming effect of the Gulf Stream. This means that the city experiences mild winters and cool summers due to its proximity to the ocean and the influence of the warm ocean currents. The maritime climate also brings abundant rainfall throughout the year, which is beneficial for the growth of grapes and the production of wine in the region.
13.
The two biggest vineyard concerns in Bordeaux are fungal disease and variable levels of ripeness.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement is true. Page 77 of Wine and Spirits Understanding Style and Quality explains that both of these issues are a result of high rainfall and cloud cover.