The Ultimate Wine Taster Quiz

Fortified wine is a type of wine that has had additional alcohol, usually in the form of brandy, added to it. This process is done to increase the alcohol content and to preserve the wine. The addition of alcohol also gives fortified wine a higher alcohol content compared to regular wine. Examples of fortified wines include Port, Sherry, and Madeira.

Syrah is the main grape in red wines from Northern Rhone, France. This region is known for producing high-quality Syrah wines, which are often full-bodied, rich, and complex. The climate and terroir of Northern Rhone are particularly well-suited for growing Syrah grapes, resulting in wines with distinct characteristics such as dark fruit flavors, peppery notes, and a firm structure. Other regions mentioned, such as Rioja in Spain, Tuscany in Italy, and Damascus in Syria, may also produce red wines but they are not primarily associated with Syrah grape variety.

Languedoc refers to a region located in southern France. It is not associated with a specific grape used in the Loire Valley, a French table wine, or a Second Growth chateau in Bordeaux.

A white Bordeaux is typically made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. Viognier grapes are not commonly used in the production of white Bordeaux wines.

A Cabernet/ Bordeaux blend would be a classic pairing with lamb or beef because the bold and robust flavors of the wine complement the rich and savory flavors of the meat. The tannins in the wine help to cut through the fattiness of the meat, while the dark fruit flavors and earthy notes of the wine enhance the overall taste experience. This combination has been a traditional and popular choice for many years, making it a classic pairing.

A wine made from Viognier grapes is likely to have a perfumey aroma and flavors of peaches and orange blossom. Viognier is known for its highly aromatic profile, often described as floral and perfumey. It also tends to have flavors of ripe peaches and hints of orange blossom. This makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy aromatic and fruity white wines.

Pear, apple, and vanilla are typical characteristics found in Chardonnay wines. Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety that is known for its fruity and aromatic profile. It often exhibits flavors and aromas of ripe pear, crisp apple, and subtle hints of vanilla. These characteristics make Chardonnay a popular choice for wine enthusiasts who enjoy a fruit-forward and smooth wine.

Sancerre is an area in the Loire Valley, France. It is known for producing high-quality white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. These wines are renowned for their crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and mineral notes. Sancerre is considered one of the best regions for Sauvignon Blanc production, and its wines are highly regarded worldwide.

Chardonnay is the correct answer because white Burgundy is made from the Chardonnay grape variety. White Burgundy is a type of wine produced in the Burgundy region of France, and it is known for its rich and complex flavors, often with notes of citrus, apple, and butter. Chardonnay is a versatile grape that can be used to produce a wide range of styles, from crisp and unoaked to creamy and oaky.

Chaptalization is actually the process of adding sugar to wine during fermentation in order to increase the alcohol content. This is done when the grapes used to make the wine do not have enough natural sugar to achieve the desired alcohol level. Adding acid to wine is a different process called acidification, which is done to adjust the acidity level of the wine. Therefore, the statement that chaptalization is adding acid to wine to balance its taste is incorrect.

Grenache is generally known for producing fruity, high alcohol red or rose wines. This grape variety is known for its ability to ripen fully, resulting in wines with higher sugar content and therefore higher alcohol levels. Grenache wines often exhibit flavors of red fruits such as strawberries and raspberries, along with a smooth and velvety texture. Its versatility allows it to be used in both single-varietal wines and blends, making it a popular choice among winemakers.

AVA stands for American Viticultural Area. This term is used in the United States to define a specific grape-growing region that has distinct geographical and climate characteristics. AVAs are designated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and are used to regulate and label wines produced in specific regions. This term is not related to American Vine Ailments or the Association of Vineyard Activities.

Two California wines scoring tops in an international wine tasting would have launched international interest in California wines because it would have demonstrated the high quality and excellence of California wines on a global stage. This achievement would have garnered attention and recognition from wine enthusiasts and experts worldwide, leading to increased interest and demand for California wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its tannic, structured wines with tastes of chocolate, black currants, and tobacco. This grape variety is often associated with bold and full-bodied red wines that have a high level of tannins, which contribute to their structure and aging potential. The flavors of chocolate, black currants, and tobacco are commonly found in Cabernet Sauvignon wines, making it the correct answer for this question.

False. Professional wine tasters do not use the terms "aroma" and "bouquet" to describe the same thing. While both terms refer to the smell of the wine, they have different meanings. "Aroma" refers to the smell of the wine that comes from the grapes and the fermentation process, while "bouquet" refers to the additional scents that develop as the wine ages.

Chenin Blanc is not associated with a popular grape variety grown in Bordeaux. Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape variety that is commonly grown in South Africa, and it is also associated with wines from Vouvray, a region in the Loire Valley of France. However, it is not typically grown in Bordeaux, which is known for its red wine production.

Rutherford is known for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignons. This area in California has a long history of producing high-quality wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. The region's unique climate and soil conditions create ideal growing conditions for this grape variety, resulting in rich, full-bodied wines with intense flavors and aromas. Rutherford's reputation for producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons has made it a sought-after destination for wine enthusiasts and collectors.

Remuage, also known as riddling, is the process of removing dead yeast cells from champagne. This technique was discovered by a widow. The explanation behind this is that after her husband's death, the widow took over the winemaking business and developed the remuage method to improve the quality of the champagne. This innovation by a widow showcases the significant contributions made by women in the field of winemaking.