Test your wine knowledge with quiz questions from our expert.
The Chilean communes of San Javier, Pencahue, Talca, Molina, Sagrada Familia, and Cauquenes are primarily known for growing what grape variety?
Carménère
Carménère has proved a versatile and high-quality wine grape variety in Chile, especially in the Maule region (the second largest region for Carménère in Chile). Notable communes include San Javier, Pencahue and Talca by the Maule River; Molina and Sagrada Familia by the Teno River; and Cauquenes in the heart of the Cordillera de la Costa range. All of these areas are located in the Entrecordilleras zone, which enjoys a relatively mild climate.
True or False: Soave Classico must be made from 100% Garganega grapes?
False
Soave Classico must be made from at least 70% Garganega grapes. Other grape varieties may be used, but in recent years the list of such grapes has been reduced: they can also include Chardonnay and Trebbiano di Soave (up to a maximum of 30% of the blend).
True or False: Over 50% of the wine grape harvest in Uruguay is done by hand?
True
Uruguay has just over 14,800 acres under vine, which is less than California's Alexander Valley. The majority of it is still harvested by hand by family-run farming operations.
Of the folowing grape varities, which has the most vineyard acreage plantings in California?
Chenin Blanc
Of the grape varieties Albarino, Chenin Blanc, Vermentino, and Grenache Blanc, by far Chenin Blanc is the most planted in California. As of 2023, the state had just over 4,000 acres of Chenin planted (the other three above varieties combined accounted for just over 1,400 acres total).
True or False: Vermouth di Torino Superiore must use 100% Piedmont wines during production?
False
The Vermouth di Torino Superiore category of vermouth has stricter production requirements than the Vermouth di Torino category, including a minimum wine content of 75% and minimum alcohol content of 17%. While it must be produced and bottled in Piedmont, it only requires that 50% Piedmont wine be used.
In what year did Italy's Asolo Prosecco become a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)?
2009
Italy's Asolo Prosecco was awarded Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status in 2009, almost 25 years after its consortium was founded in 1985. The first vintage of Asolo Prosecco Extra Brut was released in 2014.
What percentage of France's Roussillon wine production is white?
15%
Red wine production dominates the Roussillon region in France, accounting for 59% of its wines. 26% o fits production is devoted to Rose, and 15% to white wines.
True or False: France's Roussillon is the country's top producer of PDO-Certified Vins Doux Naturels?
True
The Roussillon region of France has over 52,000 acres under vine, producing primarily red wines. It's real specialty is the production of sweet, fortified Vins Doux Naturels: it accounts for 80% of France's PDO production for the category.
True or False: Portugal's Alentejo accounts for more than one-third of cork forests worldwide?
True
The Alentejo region in Portugal is well-known for wine production, but it is just as famous for being one of the main producers of cork in the world. The Alentejo is home to more than one-third of the world's cork forests, containing cork trees that are hand-harvested just once every nine years.
