Test your wine knowledge with quiz questions from our expert.
What’s the primary white grape used in Sancerre?
Sauvignon Blanc
The primary white grape used in Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc.
Why Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre?
Sancerre, located in the Loire Valley of France, is famous for producing crisp, aromatic, and refreshing wines made primarily from this grape.
Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre is known for its bright acidity and distinctive flavors of citrus, green apple, gooseberry, and sometimes a touch of minerality, often with herbaceous or grassy notes.
Sancerre’s cool climate and unique terroir help enhance the fresh, zesty character of Sauvignon Blanc, making it one of the most beloved white wines in the world.
“Old World” refers to wine regions with a long history of winemaking, primarily in Europe. These regions have centuries-old traditions, techniques, and styles that have been passed down over generations.
Key Features of Old World Wines:
Regions: Typically includes countries like France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, and parts of Greece and Hungary.
Wine Styles: Old World wines often focus on expressing terroir—the influence of the land, climate, and local conditions—rather than showcasing bold, fruit-forward flavors. They tend to be more subtle, earthy, and acidity-driven.
Winemaking Traditions: The techniques in Old World wine regions often prioritize tradition and regulation, with strict controls on grape-growing and wine production.
Examples of Old World Wines:
Bordeaux (France) – Known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.
Chianti (Italy) – Famous for Sangiovese wines.
Riesling from Germany – Crisp and aromatic whites.
Old World wines often feel more connected to their place of origin, and they carry a sense of history and craftsmanship in every bottle.
Which famous wine region is known for Barolo and Barbaresco?
Piedmont
The famous wine region known for Barolo and Barbaresco is Piedmont, located in the northwestern part of Italy.
Why Piedmont?
Both Barolo and Barbaresco are made from the Nebbiolo grape, and Piedmont's climate and terroir are perfect for producing these complex, tannic, and aromatic wines.
Barolo is often referred to as the "King of Wines," known for its power, depth, and aging potential, while Barbaresco is often seen as the "Queen," offering a slightly more elegant, refined version of Nebbiolo.
Famous Features:
Barolo – Rich, full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit, rose, tar, and earthy notes. Requires aging to soften its tannins.
Barbaresco – Lighter and more accessible, with a slightly smoother texture but still with the distinct Nebbiolo character.
Piedmont also produces other top wines, including Barbera and Dolcetto, but Barolo and Barbaresco are the crown jewels!
What is the traditional bottle shape for a Bordeaux wine?
A straight-sided bottle with high shoulders
The traditional bottle shape for a Bordeaux wine is called a Bordeaux bottle. It has straight sides, high shoulders, and a deep punt (the indentation at the bottom).
Key Features of the Bordeaux Bottle:
Straight sides – Gives the bottle a sleek, clean look.
High shoulders – The characteristic feature that distinguishes Bordeaux bottles from other wine bottles (like Burgundy bottles, which have sloped shoulders).
Punt – A deep indentation at the bottom of the bottle, which helps in structural integrity and sediment collection in older wines.
This bottle shape is typically used for red and white Bordeaux wines, including blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s considered a classic and is widely used beyond Bordeaux for similar wine styles.
Which winemaking technique involves leaving grape skins in contact with white wine juice to create an “orange wine”?
Extended skin contact
The winemaking technique that involves leaving grape skins in contact with white wine juice to create orange wine is called skin contact or maceration.
Typically, white wines are made by separating the skins from the juice right after crushing. But in orange wine, the skins (which contain tannins, color, and flavor compounds) are left in contact with the juice for an extended period, often from several days to months.
This process gives the wine its amber or orange color and imparts more complex flavors such as spice, herbs, and sometimes a tannic, slightly bitter note.
Where It's Done:
Orange wines are mostly made in regions like Georgia (where it has ancient roots), parts of Italy, Slovenia, and even in some areas of Australia and California.
It creates noble rot, which concentrates sweetness in certain wines
Noble rot (a.k.a. Botrytis cinerea) is a beneficial fungus that affects wine grapes under the right conditions, concentrating their sugars and flavors to produce some of the world's most famous sweet wines.
How It Works:
It thrives in humid, misty mornings followed by dry, sunny afternoons, causing grapes to shrivel and intensifying their natural sweetness.
The fungus pierces the grape skins, evaporating water and concentrating sugars, acids, and flavors.
Famous Noble Rot Wines:
Sauternes (France) – Think Château d'Yquem, rich and honeyed.
Tokaji Aszú (Hungary) – Known as the "Wine of Kings."
Beerenauslese & Trockenbeerenauslese (Germany & Austria) – Lush, golden, and full of apricot and honey notes.
Flavors & Aromas:
Expect honey, apricot, marmalade, ginger, saffron, and nuts—a complex, luxurious profile!
While noble rot creates some of the world’s most prized dessert wines, its evil twin (grey rot) destroys grapes in damp conditions.
Which wine is often described as having aromas of petrol or gasoline as it ages?
Riesling
The petrol (or kerosene) aroma in Riesling is a natural characteristic that develops as the wine ages. It comes from a compound called 1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene (TDN).
Why Does Riesling Smell Like Petrol?
Aging – TDN becomes more noticeable as Riesling matures, often appearing in well-aged bottles.
Sun Exposure – Grapes grown in warmer, sunnier climates tend to develop more TDN.
Ripeness & Winemaking – Highly ripe grapes, extended bottle aging, and screw cap closures can enhance petrol notes.
In small amounts, petrol adds complexity and is prized in high-quality Rieslings, especially from Germany (Mosel, Rheingau). Too much can overpower the wine, but balance is key!
Love it or hate it, petrol in Riesling is one of those unique wine quirks that make it so interesting!
The Douro Valley, located in northern Portugal, is one of the world’s oldest and most stunning wine regions. It’s best known for producing Port wine, but it also makes fantastic dry red and white wines.
What’s the term for gently rotating wine in a glass to enhance its aromas?
Swirling
Swirling wine in a glass helps release its aromas by exposing it to oxygen and allowing volatile compounds to evaporate. This enhances the wine’s bouquet, making it easier to detect different scents and flavors. It also softens harsh alcohol notes, giving a more balanced and enjoyable tasting experience.
What does the term “dry” mean when referring to wine?
The wine has no sweetness
In wine terminology, "dry" has a specific meaning—it refers to a wine with little to no residual sugar, meaning it’s not sweet. The less sugar left after fermentation, the drier the wine. It’s not about taste or texture but the actual level of sweetness.
