80 Questions
What is the ideal range of latitude for growing wine grapes?
30-50° North and South
What is the primary goal of wine etiquette?
To make wine consumption a comfortable and enjoyable experience
What is the main objective of wine classes?
To demystify wine and make it accessible to everyone
What is the ideal balance of sunshine for growing wine grapes?
A fine line between too much and too little
What is the main focus of wine classes from a business perspective?
Understanding the sale of alcohol, licensing, and pricing
What is the purpose of grafting vines onto American rootstocks?
To protect the vines from Phylloxera
What is the main function of acidity in wine?
To give the wine essential freshness and crispness
What is the primary reason why vineyards are often located on slopes?
To improve drainage and solar panel effect
What is the term for a wine with a balance of sugar, acid, tannin, and alcohol?
Balanced
What is the term for the bitter compound found in grape skins, stems, and pips?
Tannin
What is the primary purpose of pruning in the summer?
To get rid of excess leaves and promote ripening
What happens to the grape flowers after they have been pollinated?
They transform into tiny bunches of grapes
What does the term 'Cru' refer to in the context of wine?
A superior site or sub-region
What is the primary purpose of oak aging in winemaking?
To add complexity and texture to the wine
What is the term for the process of removing the wine from the dead yeast cells at the bottom of the tank?
Racking
What is the purpose of chaptalization in cool climates?
To increase sugar levels
Why is it possible to make white wine from red grapes but not red wine from white grapes?
Because the skin of the grape gives color to the wine
What type of wine is made by fermenting the grape juice in contact with the grape skins for a short period of time?
Rosé wine
What is the purpose of malolactic fermentation in winemaking?
To convert the malic acid into lactic acid
What species of grape is commonly used for wine production?
Vitis Vinifera
What is the opposite of oxidation in the context of wine?
Reduction
What is the natural deposit that can be found in white or sweet wines?
Crystals
What is the ideal temperature for storing wine in a cellar?
12 degrees Celsius
Why are some wines more expensive than others?
Because of the high labour costs in some regions
What is the term for the expression of the character of the vineyard?
Terroir
What is the primary focus of the French Appellation Controlee system?
Defining a wine's region, grape varieties, and production methods
Which region is known for its tall, green bottles and varietal labeling?
Alsace
What is the name of the famous sweet wine produced in Sauternes?
Chateau d'Yquem
What is the term for the late-picked sweet wines produced in Alsace?
Vendange Tardive
What is the term for the rich, complex white wines produced in the Côte de Beaune?
All of the above
What is the recommended way to determine the price of wine in a restaurant?
Look for the price of a wine you are familiar with to gauge the restaurant's pricing policy
Why is it recommended to check the temperature of the wine?
To ensure the wine is served at the optimal temperature for its style
What is the purpose of decanting a wine?
To remove the sediment and allow the wine to breathe
What is the characteristic smell of a cork-tainted wine?
Musty, damp, and moldy
What is the recommended way to handle a wine that is not to your liking due to a fault?
Ask the sommelier to taste the wine and offer their opinion
Which grape variety is commonly used in the Northern Rhone region?
Syrah (Shiraz)
What is the name of the region known for its Sauvignon Blanc-based white wines?
Loire
Which region is known for its Beaujolais Nouveau wines?
Beaujolais
What is the name of the region known for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier-based wines?
Champagne
Which region is known for its Malbec-based wines?
Cahors
Why do vineyards in cooler northern climates tend to be located near rivers?
To utilize the movement of water to force the roots to search deeper for nutrients
What is the primary reason for green pruning in summer?
To increase the amount of sunlight that reaches the grapes
What is the purpose of chilling the grape juice initially in the wine-making process?
To preserve the primary aromas of the grape
Why is it important to pick grapes at the right time for harvest?
To ensure the grapes are fully ripe and have reached optimal sugar levels
What is the principle of fermentation in wine-making?
Sugar + yeast = carbon dioxide + alcohol
What is the primary reason why wine makers choose to leave the wine on the lees?
To add complexity and texture to the wine
What type of wine is made by fermenting the white grape juice in contact with the skins of the white grapes?
Orange wine
What is the purpose of malolactic fermentation in winemaking?
To convert the malic acid into lactic acid
What is the term for the process of removing the wine from the dead yeast cells at the bottom of the tank?
Racking
What is the purpose of blending in winemaking?
To combine different grape varieties for a more complex flavor
What is the primary factor that determines the balance between too much and too little sunshine for growing wine grapes?
Proximity to a large body of water
What is the primary reason why acidity is essential in wines?
To provide a sense of freshness and crispness
Which of the following wine styles is characterized by fermenting the grape juice in contact with the grape skins for an extended period of time?
Red wine
What is the effect of protein in food on tannin in wine?
It reduces the bitterness of tannin
What is the primary benefit of using natural, organic, and biodynamic winemaking practices?
Reducing the environmental impact of winemaking
Which of the following wine components is responsible for the sensation of dryness or astringency in the mouth?
Tannin
What is the primary function of the term 'Cru' in the context of wine?
To denote a superior site or sub-region
What is the primary purpose of wine etiquette, from a social perspective?
To make guests feel comfortable and at ease with wine
What is the term for the process of adding acidity to wines in warmer regions?
Acidification
What is the term for the top wine in Médoc, Graves, and Sauternes?
Premier Cru
What is the primary purpose of checking the vintage of the wine?
To check the wine's quality and authenticity
What is the recommended way to handle a wine that is not to your liking due to a fault?
Ask the sommelier to taste it and for an opinion
What is the purpose of decanting a wine?
To let the wine breathe and open up its flavors
What is the characteristic smell of a cork-tainted wine?
Musty, damp cardboard, moldy carpet
Why is it recommended to check the temperature of the wine?
To avoid over-chilling or over-warming the wine
What is the primary reason for the smell of rotten eggs and burnt rubber in wine?
Presence of sulphur dioxide
What is the main factor that affects the cellaring and maturing of wine?
Temperature
What is the primary benefit of buying wine en-primeur?
Lower price compared to bottled wine
What is the primary factor that determines the price of wine?
Labour costs in the region
What is the concept of 'terroir' in the context of wine?
The combination of climate, soil, and topography of a vineyard
What is the primary focus of the French Appellation Controlee system?
To define the origin and characteristics of wine
What is the term for the rich, complex white wines produced in the Côte de Beaune?
Montrachet
Which region is known for its tall, green bottles and varietal labeling?
Alsace
What is the term for the late-picked sweet wines produced in Alsace?
Vendange Tardive
What is the primary characteristic of the wines produced in the Côte d'Or region?
Rich, complex, and age-worthy
Which region is known for its steep sloping vineyards along the river Rhône?
Northern Rhône
What is the primary grape variety used in the production of white wines in the Condrieu region?
Viognier
Which region is known for its production of medium/light refreshing red wines such as Chinon and Bourgueil?
Loire
Which region is considered part of Burgundy and is best known for its red wines made from the Gamay grape?
Beaujolais
What is the name of the famous wine region known for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier-based wines?
Champagne
Study Notes
Wine Regions and Styles
- Latitude: wine is typically grown between 30-50° North and South
- Sunshine: a fine balance is required, with too much or too little affecting the grapes
- Heat: temperatures should be hot but not too hot, like a hot oven
- Water: a balance is required, with too much resulting in watery fruit
- Soil: poor soil can produce better grapes, as the vine has to work harder
- Altitude/Slope: good for drainage, poorer soils, and cooler temperatures
Seasons in the Vineyard
- Spring: vine emerges from dormancy, bud-burst, foliage and shoots develop
- Summer: vine flowers, and grapes develop and ripen
- Autumn: harvest, grapes are picked when they are ripe
- Winter: vine leaves fall, and the vine goes into dormancy
Wine Production
- Principle of Fermentation: sugar + yeast = carbon dioxide + alcohol
- White wine: grapes are de-stemmed and pressed, with the juice fermented without skins
- Red wine: grapes are crushed and fermented with skins, which give color and structure
- Rosé: red grapes are used, with skins and juice in contact for a short time
- Orange wines: white grapes are used, with skins and juice in contact for a longer time
Fermentation and Maturation
- Yeast: natural or added, it converts sugar to alcohol
- Racking: wine is removed from dead yeast cells
- Oak aging: wine is aged in oak barrels, which impart flavor and tannins
- Fining and Filtration: wine is clarified and stabilized before bottling
Tasting and Evaluating Wine
- Acidity: essential for freshness and crispness, it balances sweetness and fruit
- Tannin: comes from skins, stems, and pips, it gives bitterness and astringency
- Body/Weight: light, medium, to full-bodied, it's affected by alcohol and tannins
- Balance: the harmony of sugar, acid, tannin, and alcohol
Wine Labels and Classification
- Grape Variety or varieties: indicates the type of grape used
- Region of origin: indicates where the wine was made
- Name of Producer: important for quality and style
- Quality Category: indicates the level of quality, e.g., Premier Cru
- Cru Classé: a classification system for Bordeaux wines
Serving and Storing Wine
- Serving temperatures: whites 6-12°C, reds 12-20°C
- Decanting: removes sediment and allows the wine to breathe
- Storing: ideal cellar temperature is 12°C, with wines stored on their side
- Cellaring: wines can be aged for many years, with some styles better suited to it### Buying Wine in Wine Shops
- Many wine shops offer tasting and wine clubs, allowing customers to discover new wines and interact with smaller, independent producers.
- These shops often feature owner-run or staff-led operations, with knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff.
- Smaller, independent wine producers can be found in these shops, offering a diverse range of wines.
Factors Affecting Wine Prices
- High labor costs in regions with steep slopes, such as Cote Rôtie and Mosel, contribute to higher wine prices.
- Low crop yields from old vines and marginal climates also impact wine prices.
- The use of new French oak barrels, which can cost up to €1,000, increases wine prices.
- Rare wines and supply and demand factors also drive up prices.
- En-primeur, a practice where customers order and pay for wine before it is bottled, can be beneficial but also carries risks.
French Wine and Terroir
- France is a complex, diverse, and influential wine country with many famous regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhone, Loire, and Alsace.
- The concept of terroir is central to French wine, encompassing natural components like location, geology, topography, climate, and soil.
- Terroir is the expression of the character of the vineyard and is the personality of the vineyard.
- The French Appellation Controlee system is based on the concept of terroir, guaranteeing the origin, grape variety, and production methods of a wine.
French Wine Regions
Alsace
- Key grape varieties in Alsace include Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc.
- Wines from Alsace are generally richer and drier in style than their German counterparts.
- The region is known for its distinctive tall green bottles and varietal labeling.
- Alsace also produces good sparkling wines, 'Cremant d'Alsace', and red wines, including Pinot Noir.
Bordeaux
- The region is divided into the "Left Bank" and "Right Bank" of the Gironde Estuary.
- The Left Bank is home to Medoc, Margaux, St Julien, St Estephe, and Pauillac, while the Right Bank is home to St-Emilion and Pomerol.
- The 1855 classification is still in use, with 61 chateaux classified under Grand Cru Classe.
- Red Bordeaux wines are also known as 'Claret', and the region is known for its white wines, rosé wines, and sweet wines.
Burgundy
- The region comprises 5 areas, including Chablis, Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, and Beaujolais.
- Chablis is known for its dry, minerally Chardonnay, while Côte d'Or is split into Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits.
- The Côte de Nuits produces famous red wines, such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-St-Georges, and Vosne-Romanee.
- The Côte de Beaune produces famous white wines, such as Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, and Corton Charlemagne.
Rhône Valley
- The North Rhône is characterized by steep sloping vineyards along the river Rhône, and produces red wines named after villages, made from Syrah.
- The South Rhône is flat and broad, with wines dominated by Grenache and Syrah.
- Châteauneuf du Pape is the most famous wine in the region, with 13 permitted grape varieties.
Loire
- The Loire is a very well-known white wine region, with grapes including Muscadet, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Styles range from dry Muscadet to Vouvray, Saumur, and Anjou, and the region also produces sparkling and sweet wines.
Champagne
- Champagne is a famous brand, with most wines blended and made in a house style.
- Grapes used in Champagne include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
- The region is known for its vigorously protected trademark and brand name.
The South and South-West
- This region encompasses Gascony, Bergerac, Saussignac, Cahors, Madiran, Jurancon, and many other areas.
- The region is known for its diverse range of wines, including iconic wines and up-and-coming winemakers.
Wine Regions and Styles
- Latitude: wine is typically grown between 30-50° North and South
- Sunshine: a fine balance is required, with too much or too little affecting the grapes
- Heat: temperatures should be hot but not too hot, like a hot oven
- Water: a balance is required, with too much resulting in watery fruit
- Soil: poor soil can produce better grapes, as the vine has to work harder
- Altitude/Slope: good for drainage, poorer soils, and cooler temperatures
Seasons in the Vineyard
- Spring: vine emerges from dormancy, bud-burst, foliage and shoots develop
- Summer: vine flowers, and grapes develop and ripen
- Autumn: harvest, grapes are picked when they are ripe
- Winter: vine leaves fall, and the vine goes into dormancy
Wine Production
- Principle of Fermentation: sugar + yeast = carbon dioxide + alcohol
- White wine: grapes are de-stemmed and pressed, with the juice fermented without skins
- Red wine: grapes are crushed and fermented with skins, which give color and structure
- Rosé: red grapes are used, with skins and juice in contact for a short time
- Orange wines: white grapes are used, with skins and juice in contact for a longer time
Fermentation and Maturation
- Yeast: natural or added, it converts sugar to alcohol
- Racking: wine is removed from dead yeast cells
- Oak aging: wine is aged in oak barrels, which impart flavor and tannins
- Fining and Filtration: wine is clarified and stabilized before bottling
Tasting and Evaluating Wine
- Acidity: essential for freshness and crispness, it balances sweetness and fruit
- Tannin: comes from skins, stems, and pips, it gives bitterness and astringency
- Body/Weight: light, medium, to full-bodied, it's affected by alcohol and tannins
- Balance: the harmony of sugar, acid, tannin, and alcohol
Wine Labels and Classification
- Grape Variety or varieties: indicates the type of grape used
- Region of origin: indicates where the wine was made
- Name of Producer: important for quality and style
- Quality Category: indicates the level of quality, e.g., Premier Cru
- Cru Classé: a classification system for Bordeaux wines
Serving and Storing Wine
- Serving temperatures: whites 6-12°C, reds 12-20°C
- Decanting: removes sediment and allows the wine to breathe
- Storing: ideal cellar temperature is 12°C, with wines stored on their side
- Cellaring: wines can be aged for many years, with some styles better suited to it### Buying Wine in Wine Shops
- Many wine shops offer tasting and wine clubs, allowing customers to discover new wines and interact with smaller, independent producers.
- These shops often feature owner-run or staff-led operations, with knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff.
- Smaller, independent wine producers can be found in these shops, offering a diverse range of wines.
Factors Affecting Wine Prices
- High labor costs in regions with steep slopes, such as Cote Rôtie and Mosel, contribute to higher wine prices.
- Low crop yields from old vines and marginal climates also impact wine prices.
- The use of new French oak barrels, which can cost up to €1,000, increases wine prices.
- Rare wines and supply and demand factors also drive up prices.
- En-primeur, a practice where customers order and pay for wine before it is bottled, can be beneficial but also carries risks.
French Wine and Terroir
- France is a complex, diverse, and influential wine country with many famous regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhone, Loire, and Alsace.
- The concept of terroir is central to French wine, encompassing natural components like location, geology, topography, climate, and soil.
- Terroir is the expression of the character of the vineyard and is the personality of the vineyard.
- The French Appellation Controlee system is based on the concept of terroir, guaranteeing the origin, grape variety, and production methods of a wine.
French Wine Regions
Alsace
- Key grape varieties in Alsace include Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc.
- Wines from Alsace are generally richer and drier in style than their German counterparts.
- The region is known for its distinctive tall green bottles and varietal labeling.
- Alsace also produces good sparkling wines, 'Cremant d'Alsace', and red wines, including Pinot Noir.
Bordeaux
- The region is divided into the "Left Bank" and "Right Bank" of the Gironde Estuary.
- The Left Bank is home to Medoc, Margaux, St Julien, St Estephe, and Pauillac, while the Right Bank is home to St-Emilion and Pomerol.
- The 1855 classification is still in use, with 61 chateaux classified under Grand Cru Classe.
- Red Bordeaux wines are also known as 'Claret', and the region is known for its white wines, rosé wines, and sweet wines.
Burgundy
- The region comprises 5 areas, including Chablis, Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, and Beaujolais.
- Chablis is known for its dry, minerally Chardonnay, while Côte d'Or is split into Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits.
- The Côte de Nuits produces famous red wines, such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-St-Georges, and Vosne-Romanee.
- The Côte de Beaune produces famous white wines, such as Montrachet, Puligny-Montrachet, and Corton Charlemagne.
Rhône Valley
- The North Rhône is characterized by steep sloping vineyards along the river Rhône, and produces red wines named after villages, made from Syrah.
- The South Rhône is flat and broad, with wines dominated by Grenache and Syrah.
- Châteauneuf du Pape is the most famous wine in the region, with 13 permitted grape varieties.
Loire
- The Loire is a very well-known white wine region, with grapes including Muscadet, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Styles range from dry Muscadet to Vouvray, Saumur, and Anjou, and the region also produces sparkling and sweet wines.
Champagne
- Champagne is a famous brand, with most wines blended and made in a house style.
- Grapes used in Champagne include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
- The region is known for its vigorously protected trademark and brand name.
The South and South-West
- This region encompasses Gascony, Bergerac, Saussignac, Cahors, Madiran, Jurancon, and many other areas.
- The region is known for its diverse range of wines, including iconic wines and up-and-coming winemakers.
Learn about wine production, styles, and regions. This quiz covers white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines, as well as fortified, organic, and biodynamic wines. Explore wine-making processes and vineyards.
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