1.
What color is White Zinfandel?
Correct Answer
A. Pink
Explanation
White Zinfandel is a type of rosé wine that is made from red Zinfandel grapes. The color of the wine is pink, which is why the correct answer is pink. This wine gets its pink color from the limited contact that the grape skins have with the juice during the winemaking process. The result is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet pink wine that is often enjoyed chilled.
2.
What can be said about the grapes used in vintage Champagne?
Correct Answer
C. They're All Produced The Same Year
Explanation
The correct answer is "They're All Produced The Same Year". Vintage Champagne is made from grapes that are harvested and fermented in the same year. This is different from non-vintage Champagne, which is made from a blend of grapes from different years. The grapes used in vintage Champagne are carefully selected to ensure the highest quality and express the unique characteristics of that particular year's harvest.
3.
What is another name for Elswein?
Correct Answer
D. Ice Wine
Explanation
Elswein is another name for Ice Wine.
4.
What kind of wine is used to produce pink champagne?
Correct Answer
D. Rose
Explanation
Rose wine is used to produce pink champagne. Rose wine is made from red grapes, but the skins are only left in contact with the juice for a short period of time, resulting in a light pink color. This method is used to create the distinctive color and flavor profile of pink champagne.
5.
What country produces Sauternes?
Correct Answer
C. France
Explanation
Sauternes is a famous sweet wine that is produced in the Sauternes region of France. The region is known for its unique climate, with morning mists and warm afternoons, which create the perfect conditions for the development of botrytis cinerea, a fungus that is essential for the production of Sauternes. The grapes used to make Sauternes are primarily Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, and the wine is highly regarded for its rich, honeyed flavors and complex aromas. Therefore, France is the correct answer for the country that produces Sauternes.
6.
Which of these is a fortified wine?
Correct Answer
D. Port
Explanation
Port is a fortified wine because it is a wine that has been fortified with the addition of a distilled spirit, usually brandy. This process increases the alcohol content and gives Port its distinct flavor and sweetness. Sauterne, Tokay, and Chardonnay are all types of wine, but they are not fortified wines.
7.
Which of these is a fortified wine?
Correct Answer
B. Madeira
Explanation
Madeira is a fortified wine because it is made by adding a distilled spirit, usually brandy, to the wine during the fermentation process. This addition of spirits increases the alcohol content and also helps in preserving the wine for a longer period of time. Madeira is known for its unique flavors and aromas, and it is often enjoyed as a dessert wine.
8.
Which of these is a fortified wine?
Correct Answer
B. Marsala
Explanation
Marsala is a fortified wine because it is made by adding brandy or a distilled spirit to the wine during the fermentation process. This addition of alcohol increases the alcohol content and gives the wine a longer shelf life. Fortified wines like Marsala are typically sweeter and have a higher alcohol content compared to regular wines. Sauterne, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir are not fortified wines.
9.
In wine-speak, what is the opposite of dry?
Correct Answer
B. Sweet
Explanation
The opposite of dry in wine-speak is sweet. Dry refers to a wine that has little to no residual sugar, while sweet wines have a higher sugar content. Therefore, sweet is the opposite of dry in the context of wine terminology.
10.
Sweet varieties of fortified wines are generally served as what?
Correct Answer
C. Dessert Wines
Explanation
Sweet varieties of fortified wines are generally served as dessert wines. These wines are typically sweet in taste and have a higher alcohol content compared to regular wines. They are often enjoyed after a meal as a sweet and indulgent treat. The sweetness of dessert wines pairs well with desserts and can enhance the flavors of sweet dishes. They are also commonly served with cheese and fruit platters as a delightful combination. Overall, dessert wines are a popular choice for those looking to end a meal on a sweet note.
11.
What is added to wine today to control the growth of natural bacteria from grape skins?
Correct Answer
C. Sulfur Dioxide
Explanation
Sulfur dioxide is added to wine today to control the growth of natural bacteria from grape skins. It acts as an antimicrobial agent and helps to prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Additionally, sulfur dioxide also acts as an antioxidant, preserving the flavor and color of the wine.
12.
Which of these is a fortified wine?
Correct Answer
D. Sherry
Explanation
Sherry is a fortified wine because it is made by adding a distilled spirit, typically brandy, to the base wine. This process increases the alcohol content and also helps to preserve the wine for longer periods of time. Sherry is known for its unique flavors and styles, ranging from dry to sweet, and is produced in the Jerez region of Spain. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine.
13.
In California, what is a wine made from Chardonnay grapes called?
Correct Answer
D. Chardonnay
Explanation
In California, a wine made from Chardonnay grapes is called Chardonnay. Chardonnay is a popular white wine grape variety that is known for producing full-bodied and rich wines with flavors of tropical fruits, citrus, and vanilla. It is widely grown in many wine regions around the world, including California, where it thrives in the sunny and warm climate. Chardonnay wines from California often exhibit a balance of fruitiness, acidity, and oak influence, making them highly sought after by wine enthusiasts.
14.
What is the term for how white wines with a low acid level taste?
Correct Answer
C. Soft
Explanation
Soft is the term used to describe white wines with a low acid level. These wines have a smooth and gentle taste, lacking the sharpness or tanginess that is typically associated with high acid wines. The low acidity gives them a mellow and rounded flavor profile, making them pleasant and easy to drink.
15.
What is the term for how white wines with a high acid level taste?
Correct Answer
A. Crisp
Explanation
The term "crisp" is used to describe white wines with a high acid level. This means that the wine has a refreshing and lively taste, with a sharpness that enhances the flavors. The acidity in these wines can provide a tart or tangy sensation on the palate, balancing out the sweetness and adding brightness to the overall taste profile.