In what year were the first vineyards planted in Long Island, NY?
1973
Long Island’s first vineyard was planted by Alex and Louisa Hargrave in 1973. They purchased about sixty acres in Cutchogue, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. The wines received some media attention, with Louisa Hargrave later penning "The Vineyard," a book detailing her experiences establishing winegrowing in Long Island.
Italy's famous Amarone wine takes its name from the Italian word for what taste term?
Bitter
Amarone is believed to have been first produced by accident when a Recioto dessert wine was instead vinified dry. It takes its name from "amaro," meaning bitter (though it can also mean "unlucky," or "disappointed").
What designation took the place of Sicilia IGT in Italy in 2011?
Terre Siciliane
The Sicilia IGT was promoted to DOC status in 2011 (although, controversially, it did not include the more stringent production requirements that usually accompany such promotions). In its place, the IGT Terre Siciliane was created.
True or False: The French wine region of Beaujolais takes its name from the Dukes of Beaujeu?
True
The Dukes of Beaujeu not only gave the Beaujolais wine region its name, but also were instrumental in making the wine of the area fashionable. Before them, grape-growing and winemaking had been taking place in the Beaujolais region dating back to Roman times, and was progressed in Middle Ages by the Benedictine monks.
To qualify for Tuscany's Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG, what percent of the wine must be made from Sangiovese grapes?
90%
Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG wines (established in 2011) must be made form 90% Sangiovese grapes, and aged for a minimum of 17 months (including 12 months in barrel, and 4 months in bottle). This region of Tuscany first made wine under the Etruscans.
True or False: Historians believe that the Itata Valley was Chile's first wine region?
True
The earliest vines brought into Chile might have come through the port near Itata Valley's city Conception around 1550, making it possibly the first region in Chile to produce wine.
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Chile's Elqui Valley?
Syrah
The Elqui Valley sits on the edge of Chile's Atacama Dessert, with vineyards planted at over 2000 meters above sea level. There, Syrah has the most hectares under vine at 111 (with Pedro Jimenez close at 107 hectares, followed by Sauvignon Blanc at 76 hectares).
What fashion accessory was consistently used by Champagne icon Elizabeth Bollinger?
Pearl necklace
Madame Bollinger ran the historic Bollinger Champagne house from 1941 to 1973. Famous for her quotes about when to drink Champagne, she is nearly as famous for almost never appearing without her discreet white pearl necklace.
