Don and Linda Mercer were the first to plant wine grapes in Washington State's Horse Heaven Hills region. In what year did they plant their vines?
1972
The Mercers planted their grapes in 1972, after receiving growing advice from the person who is known as "The Father of Washington Wine," Dr. Walter Clore.
True or False: Washington State's Horse Heaven Hills AVA was named after an area that got its moniker from a lawyer?
False
The Horse Heaven Hills AVA is named after the Horse Heaven area, which was given its title in 1857 by cowboy James Kinney, who noticed the abundance of grass in the area that could be used for grazing.
True or False: the term "recioto" may be derived from the Veneto term for "ears?"
True
In the past, winegrowers in the Veneto would try to increase sugar content in grape bunches by cutting away the lower portion of the bunches, leaving only the "ears," called "recie" in the Veneto dialect. The term recioto may be derived from this practice. An increase in maturity of the grapes between the "ears" and the main body of the bunch (up to about 1 degree Baume) has been measured in some cases.
What French AOC houses the only unfortified wine in the country with a maximum alcohol content stipulation?
Muscadet
Under French AOC regulations, the maximum alcohol content of a wine bearing the Muscadet AOC can be no higher than 12 percent. This makes it the only unfortified French wine to have a maximum alcohol content condition.
True or False: Since 2008, Austria's Kamptal DAC has been designation reserved for wines made from only Gruner Veltliner or Riesling?
True
Kamptal DAC designated wines not only must have a minimum alcohol content between 12 to 12.5 percent (13 percent or more for Kamptal DAC Reserve wines), but also must be dry and made from Gruner Veltliner or Riesling.
True or False: Plantings of Aligote and Gamay make up half of the land under vine in Burgundy?
False
Chardonnay makes up approximately 48 percent of plantings (as measured by area under vine) in Burgundy. Pinot Noir accounts for 34 percent. Gamay and Aligote, and all other varieties, combine for a total of only 18 percent.
