1.
What do you call the traditional wine of Greece?
Correct Answer
B. Retsina
Explanation
Retsina is the correct answer because it is the traditional wine of Greece. Retsina is a white wine that is made using the ancient Greek method of adding pine resin to the fermenting grape juice. This gives the wine a unique flavor and aroma. Retsina has been produced in Greece for thousands of years and is often enjoyed with traditional Greek cuisine.
2.
What kind of grape is most commonly used to make Swiss wine?
Correct Answer
B. Chasselas
Explanation
Chasselas is the most commonly used grape variety to make Swiss wine. Chasselas is a white grape that is known for its light and crisp characteristics, making it a popular choice for Swiss winemakers. It is particularly well-suited to the cool climate and high altitudes of Switzerland, where it thrives and produces wines with delicate flavors and refreshing acidity. Chasselas is widely grown in the wine regions of Switzerland and is used to produce both still and sparkling wines.
3.
What rare, expensive dessert wine is produced in Hungary?
Correct Answer
A. Tokay Eszencia
Explanation
Tokay Eszencia is a rare and expensive dessert wine produced in Hungary. It is made from grapes affected by noble rot, which concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes. The wine is known for its rich sweetness, high acidity, and complex flavors of honey, apricot, and marmalade. Tokay Eszencia is highly regarded and sought after by wine connoisseurs around the world.
4.
About 25% of wine plantings in Germany are what kind of grape?
Correct Answer
B. Reisling
Explanation
Riesling is the correct answer because it is a widely planted grape variety in Germany, accounting for about 25% of wine plantings. Riesling is known for producing high-quality white wines with a range of styles, from dry to sweet. It is well-suited to the cool climate and steep slopes of German vineyards, and it thrives in the country's diverse soil types. Riesling wines from Germany are highly regarded for their vibrant acidity, aromatic profiles, and ability to age gracefully.
5.
What kind of grapes are used to produce the best of Germany's renowned dessert wines?
Correct Answer
C. Reisling
Explanation
Riesling grapes are used to produce the best of Germany's renowned dessert wines. Riesling is a white grape variety known for its high acidity and aromatic qualities. It is particularly well-suited for producing sweet wines due to its ability to retain acidity even when fully ripened. The cool climate and slate soil of Germany provide ideal conditions for growing Riesling grapes, resulting in wines with complex flavors, balanced sweetness, and a long aging potential.
6.
Riesling grapes ripen best in vineyards facing which direction?
Correct Answer
D. South
Explanation
Riesling grapes ripen best in vineyards facing the south direction because they require a lot of sunlight and warmth. South-facing vineyards receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day, allowing the grapes to fully ripen and develop their flavors. The southern exposure also helps to protect the grapes from cold winds, which can be detrimental to their growth. This orientation ensures that the grapes receive optimal conditions for ripening, resulting in high-quality Riesling wines.
7.
What country is noted for Madeira?
Correct Answer
B. Portugal
Explanation
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its unique fortified wine, also called Madeira, which is produced on the islands. Portugal has a long history of producing and exporting this wine, making it the country noted for Madeira.
8.
"Ruby", "tawny," and "vintage" are all styple of what kind of wine?
Correct Answer
A. Port
Explanation
"Ruby", "tawny," and "vintage" are all styles of Port wine. Port wine is a fortified wine that is produced in the Douro Valley in Portugal. These styles refer to different aging processes and characteristics of the wine. Ruby Port is young and fruity, while Tawny Port is aged in wooden barrels, resulting in a nuttier and smoother flavor. Vintage Port is made from the grapes of a single exceptional year and is aged in bottle, developing complex flavors over time.
9.
What was the original source of the yeast required to make wine?
Correct Answer
D. Fungus On The Grape Skins
Explanation
The original source of the yeast required to make wine is the fungus on the grape skins. Yeast is a microorganism that is responsible for the fermentation process in winemaking. When grapes are harvested, they naturally contain yeast on their skins. During the fermentation process, the yeast consumes the sugars in the grape juice and converts them into alcohol. This process is essential for the production of wine. Chamomile leaves, bread, and mushrooms are not typically used as sources of yeast in winemaking.
10.
What term is used to describe wine that is a little tart?
Correct Answer
C. Crisp
Explanation
Crisp is the term used to describe wine that is a little tart. This term refers to the refreshing acidity in the wine, which gives it a lively and zesty taste. A crisp wine typically has a bright and tangy flavor profile, with a clean and sharp finish. It is often associated with white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, that have a good balance between sweetness and acidity.
11.
What term is used to describe wine that is flavor intensive?
Correct Answer
D. Broad
Explanation
Broad is the correct answer because it is a term used to describe wine that has a wide range of flavors and aromas. A broad wine typically has a complex and intense flavor profile, with multiple layers of taste and a long-lasting finish. This term is often used to describe full-bodied wines that have a rich and robust character.
12.
What term is used to describe wine that has a smooth taste?
Correct Answer
A. Soft
Explanation
Soft is the correct answer because it is a term commonly used to describe wine that has a smooth taste. Soft wines are often characterized by their lack of harshness or bitterness, with a gentle and velvety texture on the palate. This term is frequently used to describe red wines that have mellow tannins and a smooth finish, as well as white wines that have a rounded and creamy mouthfeel. Overall, softness in wine refers to a pleasant and easy-drinking quality that is highly desirable among wine enthusiasts.
13.
About how many varietals are there worldwide?
Correct Answer
C. 25
Explanation
There are approximately 25 varietals worldwide.
14.
"Methode champenoise" is a process used to make what kind of wine?
Correct Answer
C. Champagne
Explanation
The correct answer is Champagne because "Methode champenoise" is a specific process used to make Champagne. This traditional method involves a second fermentation in the bottle, creating the bubbles that are characteristic of Champagne. It involves adding a mixture of sugar and yeast to the base wine, which produces carbon dioxide and creates the effervescence. This method is specific to the Champagne region in France and is regulated by law to ensure the quality and authenticity of the wine.
15.
What grapes are used to make White Zinfandel?
Correct Answer
C. Red Zinfandel
Explanation
White Zinfandel is made from red Zinfandel grapes. The grapes are crushed and the skins are removed before fermentation, resulting in a lighter colored wine. The process of removing the skins early in the winemaking process allows for less tannin extraction, resulting in a sweeter and less intense flavor profile compared to traditional red Zinfandel.