Test your wine knowledge with quiz questions from our expert.
What is the most widely planted grape variety in the Cognac Delimited Region of France?
Ugni Blanc
The base wine for Cognac must be at least 90% Ugni Blanc (more commonly known as Trebbiano), and it is unsurprisingly the most widely planted grape in the region. The base wines typically reach high acidity and low (around 9%) alcohol levels before they are distilled.
The terms Hors d'Age and Napoleon are used for what designation of Cognac?
X.O.
Hors d'Age and Napoleon are also known as X.O. (Extra Old) Cognac, in which the youngest eau-de-vie must be at least 6 years old (starting in 2018, however, the requirement will be 10 years).
Which region is responsible for the highest percentage of Cognac production?
Fins Bois
Fins Bois is the region that produces the highest percentage of Cognac, at just over 42 percent. The area typically produces Cognac that is fruity, intense, smooth, and meant for quicker aging.
Norisoprenoids accumulate in wine grapes during which stage?
Ripening
Norisoprenoids are aromatic compounds important to the individual varietal characteristics of wine grapes. They accumulate during ripening, and bind to the sugars in grapes, but eventually break down as the grapes reach maturity. They are typically released during fermentation, and as wines age.
Edelweisser Tokayer, Mehlweiss, and Seestock are synonyms for which grape variety?
Furmint
The Furmint grape, long a key component of Hungary's fabled sweet wines (and increasingly vinified into dry versions), has dozens of synonyms worldwide, including Moslovac (in Croatia), Sipon (in Slovenia), and Zopfner (in Germany).
True or False: the Soave Colli Scaligeri Superiore DOCG is named in honor of the unification of Italy in the 19th Century?
False
The Soave Colli Scaligeri Superiore DOCG takes its name from the Scaligeri family, the former Lords of Verona who owned much of the nearby hillsides during the 13th and 14th centuries.
How many "grand cru" vineyard sites exist in Italy's Soave?
Over 40
According to the Soave Consorzio, there are over 40 grand cru vineyards in the region, ranging in size from fewer than 10 hectares (Monticello) to over 780 hectares (Monte Calvarina).
242 million hectoliters of wine was consumed worldwide in 2016. Of the top five wine consuming nations that year, the USA took the top spot with over 318 mh consumed, followed by France, Italy, Germany, and China.
True or False: New vineyards in the Soave Superiore DOCG must be trained using the Espallier systems?
True
The Espalier system (Guyot and Cordon Spur training) must be used for new vineyard plantings in the Soave Superiore DOCG, and they must be planted with a minimum density of 4000 vines per hectare. Vines planted prior to 2002 in the region are permitted to also use the Pergola Inclinate or Pergoletta Veronese vine training methods.
What was the first wine region awarded DOCG status in Italy's Veneto area?
Recioto di Soave
Recioto di Soave achieved DOCG status in 1998, making it the Veneto's first official DOCG. Evidence of sweet wine similar to Recioto di Soave in the region dates all the way back to the 5th Century.
