Test your wine knowledge with quiz questions from our expert.
Which grape is dominant in the red wines of Bordeaux’s Left Bank?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Bordeaux’s Left Bank (including regions like Médoc and Pauillac) is known for Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends. This grape provides structure, high tannins, and flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco, often blended with Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties for balance.
Which grape is used to produce Beaujolais wines, including the famous Beaujolais Nouveau?
Gamay
Beaujolais is made from Gamay, a light-bodied, fruity red grape known for its bright acidity and flavors of red berries, banana, and floral notes. The carbonic maceration process used in Beaujolais Nouveau enhances its fresh and juicy character.
Which grape is the backbone of Champagne production?
Chardonnay
While Champagne can be made from three main grapes—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—Chardonnay plays a key role, especially in Blanc de Blancs styles. It contributes crisp acidity, elegance, and aging potential to sparkling wines.
Which grape is the primary variety in Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s most prestigious wines?
Sangiovese
Brunello di Montalcino is made entirely from a specific clone of Sangiovese called Sangiovese Grosso. It produces full-bodied wines with high acidity and tannins, featuring flavors of cherry, leather, earth, and spice, and it requires extended aging before release.
Which grape is the key variety in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the famous Rhône Valley red?
Grenache
While Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends multiple grapes, Grenache is usually the dominant variety, providing ripe red fruit, spice, and a full-bodied character. It is often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre (creating the GSM blend) for complexity and structure.
Which grape is used to produce Germany’s famous Riesling wines?
Riesling
Riesling is Germany’s flagship grape, known for its versatility and ability to range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. It produces wines with high acidity, floral and citrus notes, and the potential to age beautifully over decades.
Which grape is the main variety in Argentina’s signature red wine, Malbec?
Malbec
Malbec thrives in Argentina, particularly in Mendoza, where high-altitude vineyards help create bold, deeply colored wines with flavors of blackberry, plum, chocolate, and spice. It originally hails from France but has found global fame in South America.
Which white grape is responsible for the wines of Sancerre in France’s Loire Valley?
Sauvignon Blanc
Sancerre is a highly regarded Sauvignon Blanc-based wine from the Loire Valley, known for its crisp acidity, citrus and green apple notes, and flinty minerality. It’s one of the most famous expressions of the grape.
Which grape is the primary variety in Rioja, Spain’s most famous red wine?
Tempranillo
Rioja wines are primarily made from Tempranillo, known for its balanced acidity, moderate tannins, and flavors of red fruit, leather, and tobacco. It’s often blended with Garnacha (Grenache) and aged in oak for complexity.
Which grape is used to make Barolo, the renowned Italian red wine?
Nebbiolo
Barolo, known as the “King of Wines” in Italy, is made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape in the Piedmont region. Nebbiolo produces high-acid, tannic wines with aromas of roses, tar, and red fruit that develop complex flavors over time.
