Test your wine knowledge with quiz questions from our expert.
Which country contains the world's steepest vineyard?
Germany
Within the world's official wine growing regions, the steepest vineyard in the world is located at Bremmer Calmont in Germany's Mosel region. As per Wines of Germany, this dizzying vineyard has a gradient of 60 degrees, rising to a height of over 950 feet.
What year was the first written mention of Riesling found?
1435
According to Wines of Germany, the first written mention of Riesling was discovered in the Rheingau wine region, and dates all the way back to March 13, 1435.
According to BrandDirectory.com, which of the following is the most valuable Champagne brand in 2022?
Moët & Chandon
BrandDirectory.com has reported that, according to their valuations, France's Moët & Chandon is the world's most valuable Champagne brand as of 2022. Moët & Chandon has featured in several of the company's brand rankings, including the Strongest and Most Valuable France Brands, the Biggest Champagne & Wine Brands, and the Best Drinks Brands.
True or False: Sauvignon Blanc is the second most widely planted wine grape variety in Chile?
True
With over 37,000 acres of plantings (mostly in the Coastal and Central Valley regions), Sauvignon Blanc is the second most widely planted wine grape variety in Chile (as per Wines of Chile). Sauvignon accounts for 40% of all white wine grapes grown in Chile, and 13% of all wine produced in the country in 2021 (making Sauvignon Blanc the second most widely produced wine in Chile, as well).
An ancient grape crushing location carved from lava stones
In Sicily's Mt. Etna, the remains of many grape crushing locations carved into large lava stones can be found among the vineyards. These ancient makeshift wineries, called "palmento," usually had depressions carved for crushing grapes, receiving juice, and holding water, sometimes augmented by notches to support roofing posts and press arms.
What Italian grape variety is also known as Niurredu?
Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Mascalese is one of the most prominent red wine grapes grown on the slopes of Mt. Etna in the Italian island of Sicily. Historically, it is the Etna region's most widespread grape, and is sometimes known to local growers as Niurredu.
What wine did Thomas Jefferson call "as sweet as the silky Madeira, as astringent on the palate as Bordeaux, and as brisk as Champagne?"
Nebbiolo
Writing from Turin in 1787, Jefferson noted that "There is a red wine of Nebiule made in this neighborhood which is very singular. It is about as sweet as the silky Madeira, as astringent on the palate as Bordeaux, and as brisk as Champagne. It is a pleasing wine." The "Nebiule" he refereed to was made from Italy's Nebbiolo grape variety.
True or False: President George Washington purchased Champagne for just $1 per bottle?
True
In 1793, President George Washington purchased some 485 bottles of wines from France, mainly Champagne and Burgundy. The total cost to him was just over $355. The Champagne that Washington bought in that purchase cost him $1.00 per bottle, according to mountvernon.org.
True or False: Colorado's vineyards are among the highest in the world?
True
Colorado’s grape-growing areas range in elevation from 4,000 feet on the lower side, to a dizzying 7,000 feet on the higher end. This places Colorado's vineyards among the very highest in the world. Conditions at those heights result in hotter days followed by cooler nights, helping to preserve acidity in the grapes.
The first recorded wine production in Colorado dates back to what year?
1890
According to Colorado Wine, the first recorded wine production in Colorado was in 1890. That was when Colorado Governor George Crawford, who founded Grand Junction in 1881, planted 60 acres of wine grapes (along with other fruit) on Rapid Creek above Palisade. Colorado's largest annual wine festival (Colorado Mountain Winefest) is held at Palisade.
