Africa, East Europe, East Med, Asia

Question 1

Bekka Valleys (and Lebanon’s) largest winery’s in terms of production?

1 notable mention?

Answer 1

1 Château Ksara (Oldest Also)

1857, In the heart of Bekka Valley. Founded by Jesuit Monks for sweet wine they later made Lebanon’s first dry red wine. In addition to the usual suspects also have some Arinaroa planted.

Domaine des Tourelles
1868; fell into decline during the war - claim to be Lebanon’s oldest ‘commercial’ winery. ‘Marquis des Beys’ top range white (Chardonnay) and Red (Syrah & CS).

Question 2

Lebanon 3 main wine regions?

2 producers of note?

No legal appellation system. Can label whatever you want..

Answer 2

Batroun
Ixsir (1,800m HIGH) means ‘elixir’ in Arabic. Bordeaux varieties + Syrah, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay.

Mount Lebanon
Château Belle-Vue
2000. La Renaissance is Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. La Château is CF, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

Bekka Valley

Question 3

Bekka Valley Terroir?

2 mountain ranges & 1 river?

Answer 3

At roughly 900 to 1,000 meters in elevation Bekaa Valley rests shielded from the Mediterranean humidity behind Mount Lebanon and the Syrian desert’s heat by the Anti-Lebanon range.

The Litani River extends the length of the Bekaa Valley before emptying into the Mediterranean just north of Tyre – frequently the river dries up.

Rainfall is low. Semi-continental. Alluvial soils? Clay, chalk-limestone and stony.

The dry region widely facilitates an organic approach to viticulture

Question 4

Lebanon

Varieties of note?

Answer 4

Bordeau &, Rhône varieties:

• Obaideh, Merweh, Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscat
• Cinsault (35%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Carignan, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvèdre etc

Obaideh & Merweh the most notable indigenous varieties long mistaken to be Chardonnay and Sémillon, respectively, they are organoleptically similar to these French counterparts. Tend to be most successful in the mountain vineyards, rather than the Bekaa.

Question 5

Chateau Musar

Red blend?

Viticulture and vinification?

White blend?

6 vintages of note?

Answer 5

Red: CS Carignan and Cinsault from vineyards near the

Low yielding bush vines planted in the 1930’s in the
Bekaa Valley on gravelly soils over limestone. Dry-farmed.

12-36 months in predominantly old French oak barriques (Nevers), before being blended and bottled in the third year after the harvest.

White: Obaideh and Merwah. Ungrafted 80-90 year old bush vines@ 1,4-1,500m elevation. Ferments in cask.

• 1967 Vintage shown at the 1979 Bristol Wine Fair to M.B
• 1976 was not produced as shelling was too heavy to get
  fruit into the winery and they had no electricity, no fuel
  and no transport.
• 1984 not commercially released
• 1989 Last vintage of pure Cinsault
• 1992 declassified due to the weak vintage - neither did
  d’Yquem
• 1998 is meant to be its best vintage ever – has more
  Cinsault than usual.

Vintages are notoriously inconsistent.
Lebanese Civil (1975-1990) .

Question 6

6 Major winemaking Regions of Israel North to South?

5 sub regions of note?

2 most important by % of production?

Answer 6

Galilee [Upper & Lower] (25% of Production)

Golan Heights (18% of Production)

Coastal Plain [Samson] (15% of plantings)

Central Mountains [Mt. Carmel, Menashe, SHOMRON HILLS, Judean Hills] (11% of plantings)

Judean Foothills (27% of plantings) - Domaine du Castel here

Negev (4% of plantings)

Question 7

How old is Israel’s winemaking History?

Answer 7

Wine has a history in the region going back 5,000 years to Biblical times however went into dormancy during the Muslim conquest and then later when Ottoman Empire began ruling the territory in the early 16th century. The modern state of Israel wasn’t formed until 1984.

Question 8

1 major climatic influence in Israel?

Answer 8

Khamsin/Hamsin—hot winds that blow in from the Arabian Desert and can boost temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius, which causes the vines to close down.

Question 9

Israel’s Largest producer?

2 wines of note?

Israel’s 2nd largest?

Answer 9

Carmel Winery 1,400ha
1882 by Edmond James de Rothschild (of Lafite). It is the largest producer in Israel and one of the largest in the eastern Mediterranean.

All of Carmel’s wines are Kosher (all Non-Mevushal?).

1400 ha stretching from the Upper Galilee in the north to Negev in the south. Grapes intended for the estate’s largest production wines primarily come from the Shomron region, while the estate’s single-vineyard and prestige wines are primarily produced with fruit from the Upper Galilee (notably Kayoumi Winery).

• Carmel Limited Edition: Bdx blend
• Carmel Kayoumi Vineyard Riesling, dry 12% abv
• Carmel Kayoumi Vineyard Shiraz

Barkan Wine Cellars - fight over 1st…

Question 10

Name and location of Syria’s most famous winery?

Answer 10

Domaine de Bargylus

2006, Saadé brothers. Located in the Syrian Coastal Mountain Range; these mountains, known as Mount Bargylus in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, produced notable wines up until the rise of Islam. 900m above sea level with shingle and limestone terroirs.

• Vin Blanc: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.
• Vin Rouge: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Question 11

Morocco

AOC?
1 Premier Cru?
1 producer of note?

Answer 11

Morocco 7,000ha

Coteaux de l’Atlas AOC
The appellation surrounds the Northern Moroccan city of Meknès “mek-nez”.

Château Roslane
Created by Brahim Zniber in 1964, it is part of Celliers de Meknès group that operates 2,000 hectares in AOG Guerrouane, AOG Beni M’tir and the AOC Côteaux de l’Atlas. It Is the Moroccan wine leader responsible for 85% of the countries production.

Only estate authorized for bottling as Coteaux de l’Atlas Premier Cru.

The red is Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah. (Chateau is a term that requires authorization as well?).

[Algeria: Mascara & Morocco: Atlas]

Question 12

Algeria

Region of note?

Mountain?

Grapes of note?

Answer 12

A former French colony. Algiers the capital sits on the coast.

Côteaux de Mascara, south-west of Algiers.

Slopes of Mount Bénichougrane, 650-950m, on alluvial limestone sand soils. “benny-shu-gran”.

Red: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Alicante-Bouschet, Aramon and Mourvedre.

White: Clairette, Muscat, Merseguéra and Farana.

100 year old history of producing Rose wines as well

[Algeria: Mascara & Morocco: Atlas]

Question 13

Algeria 2 producers of note?

Answer 13

Koutoubia
One of the more famous producers from the Côteaux de Mascara region. Red: Grenache, Cinsault & Alicante. White: Clairette pred.

Domaine Frédéric Lung
Known for older vintages of the ‘Royal Kabir’ bottling. E.g. ’42 & ’45.

Question 14

Tunisa 4 AOC?

1 Producer of note?

Answer 14

• Grand Cru Mornag AOC - mainly south but AOC
  surrounds Tunis.
• Mornag – east of Tunis on the Peninsula
• Coteaux de Tébourba – NW of Tunis. Some bottles are
  labelled as Premier Cru.
• Côteaux d’Utique – NW of Tunis

Chateau Mornag
Rhone for varieties for Rose’s (#1) and Reds. Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre dominate plantings. Known for their Grand Cru Mornag AOC.

[Tébourba T for TUNISIA]

Question 15

Name the Cyprus PDO that has the highest elevated vineyards?

1 Producer and bottling utilising the PDO?

Answer 15

Pitsilia PDO

Nestled below 3 mountain tops, notably Cyprus’ highest mountain, Mt. Olympus (1,950m). Naturally the highest vineyards on the Island are found here. Sandier Volcanic soil. Typically smaller holdings under contract to one of the 2 main wineries in the area.

Tsiakkas Winery ‘sea-akas’
Vineyards as high as 1,400m (Petralona Vineyard planted to Xynisteri).
‘Pitsilia White’: 100% Xynisteri botteled as Pitsillia PDO from 2 vineyards, one being Petralona.

Question 16

Why in Cyprus are PGI’s more commonly found?

Name one Cyprus PGI?

Name a producer and bottling utilising the PGI?

Answer 16

Less restrictive and allow for international varieties, while PDO’s do not?

PGI Lemesos / Limassol (eng)

Tsiakkas Winery bottle ‘Vamvakada a single vineyard Vamvakada from 1000m elevation. (aka Maratheftiko). Aged French & American Oak. ‘sea-akas’.

Question 17

Commandria PDO

Altitude requirement?
Vineyard age requirement?
Training method?
Varieties and min. must weights?
Production styles?
Aging requirements?
Synonym?

Answer 17

400-900m.
min. 4 years are allowed.
Goblet method and watering is prohibited.

• Xynisteri (white) min must weight: 204 g/l ‘lacking acidity” although is considered superior?
• Mavro (red) min. must weight: 230 g/l

Sun dried 7–10 days for a min. 374 g/l.
OR
IF fortified: Min. Base Wine of 9.5% abv before fermentation

Min. 2 years in oak barrels. Don’t have to be vintage dated; many producers utilise a solera system approach aka locally as ‘Mana’.

Question 18

KEO

2 bottlings of note?

Answer 18

Cyprus’s largest wine and beer producer.

Known for the ‘St. John’ bottling named after the St. John Knights of Jerusalem who were feudal owners of the land were the original vineyards are found.

St. John Commandaria ‘Vintage’ also – 1984 is the current release.

Question 19

There are 14 villages/communes of production for Commandaria PDO

Name 5?

Answer 19

Zoopigi/Zoopiyi, & Kalo Chorio are the most famous

Agios Georgios, Agios Konstantinos, Agios Mamas

Agios ‘ay-ge-os’ means Saint.

Question 20

Commandaria PDO

2 single village, single vintage bottlings?

Answer 20

2011 Zambartas Winery ‘Melusine’ Zoopigi Commandaria PDO

100% Xynisteri from the single villageof Zoopigi. Sun dried for 2 weeks, indigenous ferment in stainless steel (no fortification) then aged for 10 years in used oak. 2011 first vintage 13.5% abv. 500ml bottle.

2012 Tsiakkas Winery Commandaria DOP

vintage dated 100% Xynisteri single vineyard from Agios Mamas at 800m. 10 days sun-drying with no fortification, aged 3 Years in French & American oak. 500ml bottle.

Question 21

Koshu

Viticultural characteristics?

Styles?

Heritage?

Answer 21

A delicate light bodied white variety with thick pink skins that help to protect it in Japans humid growing environment.

Vigorous and Mid-late ripening. Typically pergola (as are all vines) trained and tends to be lower in abv and thus Capitalization is often necessary.

Sweet-dry, barrel ferment, sparkling, skin contact etc are all techniques being experimented with.

a pred. Vitis Vinifera x with wild Vitis Davidi.

Vitis Vinifera variety do not grow naturally in Japan. One of the more interesting theories is that it made its way from the Caucasus to China via the silk road and then was introduced to Japan from there via Monks and picked up some Asian DNA somewhere en-route.

Question 22

Muscat Bailey A

Parentage and characteristics?

Answer 22

Bailey (Red American V. labruscana) x Muscat of Hamburg (v.v)

A red vitis vinifera x labrusca x linceumii hyprid that was developed to adapt to the Japanese climate. Sweet fruited candy like reds with moderate acidity and soft tannins

Yamanashi, Japan.

Question 23

2 most planted varieties in Japan?

2 most planted Vitis Vinifera varieties in Japan?

Answer 23

Koshu
Muscat Bailey A

Merlot
Chardonnay

Question 24

5 wine GI of Japan?

Answer 24

• Hokkaido GI (2018) #3
• Nagano GI (2021) – Sake GI also #2
• Osaka GI (2021)
• Yamagata GI (2021) – Sake GI also
• Yamanashi GI (2013) #1

[Honda, Nissan, Orion, YY?]

Question 25

What is Japans 3rd most important GI? 2 producers of note?

Answer 25

Hokkaido GI Domaine Takahiko Founded 2010. Hokkaido Island, 4km inland in the small valley of Yoichi Nobori. Volcanic clay mixed with weathered gravel. 4.6 ha of Pinot Noir located on a hilltop 60 meters above sea level. Organic. Ethereal, earthy and elegant Pinot Noir, 95% whole bunch 5% new oak. indigenous yeasts. Traditional bottling via gravity, without fining or filtration and little to no sulphur added. Compares his flavor profile to 'dashi'. de Montille & Hokkaido Hakodate, Hokkaido. Etienne de Montille of Domaine de Montille (300-year-old family-owned estate) – Japan’s first foreign owned vineyard. In 2016 planted 7ha of grapes; hope to produce in 2023 and have plans to increase plantings to 25ha.

Question 26

What is Japans 2nd most important GI? Island? Elevation? 1 producer?

Answer 26

Nagano GI Located in the centre of Honshu Island Created in 2021 is a GI for Sake as well as wine. Mountainous region, vineyards typically are around 500m. Good diurnal shifts. Chateau Mercian One of the biggest producers in Japan. Has vineyards in Yamagata (Katsunuma Winery) and Nagano (Kikyogahara & Mariko winerys). Jyonohira Ortus Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc Kikyogahara Merlot Signature

Question 27

What is Japans most important wine GI? Location? Basin? climate? elevation? Most important grape?

Answer 27

Yamanashi GI #1 est. 2013 Yamanashi prefecture is southwest/west of Tokyo, Honshu Is. Kofu is the county’s capital. In the Kofu basin were majority of the vineyards are found lies Mt. Fuji in its southern backdrop. Monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate. 80% mountain, many vineyards are above 500m. 90% of Japan’s 175ha (2008) Koshu plantings are found here, although it is planted in other areas of the country. The main grape crop however is Shine Muscat as a luxury table grape.

Question 28

1 iconic producer from Japans most important region? 1 single vineyard wine & site? 1 wine of note?

Answer 28

Grace Wine 1923 but first ‘Grace’ released wine 1957. Shigekazu Misawa 4th gene proprietor of Grace Wines. Among the first to trail and utilise VSP for Koshu. Akeno site @ 700m elevation is said to have the longest sunshine hours in Japan. Misawa Vineyard (8.6 hectares) planted in 2002. Top wine: Cuvée Misawa (1989) renamed Koshu Misawa Vineyard in 2020. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation (rare for Koshu) and maturation in stainless steel tanks or old French oak barrels for 7 months. Different terroir driven style. Grace’s ‘Gris de Koshu’ 2012 was the first Japanese wine to win a Decanter Gold Medal. 3? Weeks on skins. Clear and faultless. Fresh with an overflow of fruity aromas such as white peach, pear, orange and orange peel, floral notes of sandalwood and jasmine, and spicy aromas of white pepper and clove.

Question 29

Which wine making Province in Coastal China has a PGI for ice wine? Variety production req min. RS 1 producer?

Answer 29

Liaoning Province ‘lee-aw-ning’ Huanren Icewine PGI 100% Vidal. Naturally frozen on the vine, no chaptalization. 9-14% ABV, Min 150 g/l RS. Wunushan wines and Changyu Gold Diamond Icewine Valley are both in this region.

Question 30

What is Chinas 2nd most important wine making province? Location and climate? 2 PGI? 2 producers?

Answer 30

Hebei Province“Huh-bay” (Coastal China) The region roughly surrounds the capital city of Beijing. Despite is coastal location and proximity to the Bo Hai Sea (north of Shandong Peninsula) it has more of a continental climate. East Asian Monsoon is a challenge. Shacheng PGI is located northwest of Beijing. Hillier region - known for producing Chinas first dry white wine (from local variety Longyan by Great Wall 1979). Changli PGI is located northeast of Beijing - known for producing China’s first dry red wine (albeit later than white?) Great Wall. Based in Shacheng although vineyard holdings here in Shandong, Ningxia and Xinjiang as well. One of the country’s largest domestic producers. Domaine Franco Chinois (DFC) & Canaan Winery. Same winery although different vineyards. Winery in Shacheng? Neither appear to bottle under Shacheng PGI.. at least not in English. Hebei seems to be the most prominent geographical label.

Question 31

Chinas most important wine production province? Terroir climate? latitude? threats? soil? 1 PGI and 2 sub-regions?

Answer 31

Shandong 40% of country's production. Maritime climate due to its proximity to the Yellow Sea. Just north of the Peninsula is where the yellow sea flows into China to become the Yellow River (2nd). Cooler summers and warmer winters. East Asian Monsoon is a threat with cool, moist Pacific Ocean air that can cause high summer rainfall and fungal disease. 45 latitude - same as Bordeaux. Yantai PGI Penglai - county of Yantai. The most northern tip of the Shandong Peninsula. Majority of the region’s vineyards are located here on granite soils. Qingdao Most Southern part of the Shandong Peninsula. A few vineyards here - Tsingtao brewery located here also.

Question 32

Who is China's oldest and largest winery? 3 co-labs of note? 2 wines of note?

Answer 32

Changyu Pioneer Wine Co Yantai PGI, Shandong. Established in 1892 it is China's oldest and largest modern winery. Have an estate and vineyards just south of the city of Yantai itself? Portfolios include: * Chateau Changyu-Castel collaboration with French Castel Company in 2002. * Chateau Moser XV with Lens Moser * A majority of Australia's Kilikanoon estate in the Clare Valley Centenary Cellar Dry Red Wine Cabernet Gernischt & Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the top parcels in Ningxia, Xinjiang and Yantai. Gold Diamond Icewine Valley, Huanren PGI, Liaoning.

Question 33

Château Lafite Rothschild's China project? location? 1st and 2nd wine?

Answer 33

Domaine de Long Dai 2017. Mount Qiu, Penglai. Château Lafite Rothschild. * Long Dai (2017) : Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Marselan. * Hu Yue (2018) : Cabernet Sauvignon, Marselan, Syrah & Cabernet Franc.

Question 34

Gansu Province location? climate? varieties? PGI of note? 2 producers?

Answer 34

Borders the Gobi desert. Semi-arid to arid continental climate. Wuwei the largest sub-region has a cooler continental climate. Winters in Gansu are extremely cold and dry, and that necessitates burying the vines in the earth to protect them. * White: Riesling, Chardonnay * Red: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Hexi Corridor PGI Mogao winery Wuwei,1983. Government-owned listed company. Top wine is Golden Knight SCJQ1099; an 1,800 USD+ Pinot Noir. Info is scarce. Moen Estate Tianshui. Joint venture between Greece's Kir-Yianni (now son Mihalis) and China's Mogao. First in China to have planted Xinomavro. Now known for Pinot Noir. [G = Gansu & Greece]

Question 35

Ningxia Province Varieties? PGI? & Terroir elevation? soil? river?

Answer 35

White: Chardonnay Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Gernischt Helan Mountain East Region PGI (38,000ha 2nd largest) arid to semi-arid climate - sits on the eastern edge of the Gobi Desert. Vineyards must be buried to survive winter. Viticulture takes place around 1,200m elevation (more anthocyanin) on the east facing sandy, gravelly banks of the Huang He (Yellow Rover). The river proximity is essential allowing for easy to carry out manual irrigation as rainfall is low and unfortunately tends to fall late summer. Best sites skirt the foot of the Helan Mountain range above the alluvial flats of the Yellow River.

Question 36

Chateau Changyu–Moser XV 2 wines of note?

Answer 36

Chateau Changyu–Moser XV 4eme 2013. Changyu x Lenz Moser. The Chateau is built in an Bordelais style, complete with moat and fountains. 2016 ‘Purple Air Comes from the East' 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from the chateau's vineyards. Also do the world’s only ‘Blanc de Noir White Cabernet Sauvignon’.

Question 37

The Ningxia Classification inauguration year? point scale? criteria? styles? time peroid?

Answer 37

2013 Chateaus are ranked 1st-5th (currently no 1st) - wineries can be demoted * Scored on a 198-point scale * Criteria include: wine quality, vineyard management to winery reputation, hospitality capacity, vine age * Permits dry whites & reds * Assessed every 2 years. [198 points + 2 (years) = 200]

Question 38

Name 4 of Ningxia's 9 classified 2nd Grwoths?

Answer 38

Zhihui Yuanshi ‘she-way yuan-she’ Helan Qingxue 'shing-schway’ Chateau Bacchus Kanaan Winery - different from Canaan?

Question 39

1 controversially excluded producer from the Ningxia Classification? 2 wines of note?

Answer 39

Silver Heights Founded by father and daughter in 2007, Helan Mountain foothills. Emma trained at Château Calon-Ségur where she ended up marrying winemaker and later both moving to Ningxia. Controversially absent from the ‘Ningxia Classification’ although their production accounts for 60% of the region’s exports. * ‘Emma’s Reserve’ : flagship 100% CS. Smaller production. * ‘Summit’: flagship cabernet Sauvignon * Chardonnay Reserve also.

Question 40

Shaanxi Province “shan-shi” Terroir? PGI producer monopole? 1 Producer & 3 wines of note?

Answer 40

Covers a mountainous plateau between the western desert and the coastal plain. Continental climate however, due to the East Asian Monsoon, the region can receive significant rainfall in summer and high humidity. Clay-based Loess Plateau soils. Rongzi Winery Wine Loess Plateau (unofficial subregion). Has its own PGI. Jean-Claude Berrouet, former chief winemaker of Petrus consults. Known for its Pinot Noir & Cabernet Sauvignon. Grace Vineyard (ntbc: ‘Grace Wine’ JPN) 1997, Taigu. Established by a family from Hong Kong; daughter Judt who studied in the US took over in 2002. Loess dominated soils. Known for: * Sparkling wine * Aglianico * Deep Blue’ is their flagship CS – although region is tbc. Have both Shanxi Grace Vineyard & Ningxia Grace Vineyard.

Question 41

Yunnan Province Terroir and location? elevation? Producer?

Answer 41

This is Himalayan terroir. Normally an area along the tropics would seem like a very unlikely place to make quality wine But, with the high altitude of the Shangri-La Mountain range being around 2,600 meters it’s possible to grow quality wine grapes here. Monsoon do not reach this far inland. Ao Yun Flying above the clouds, LVMH. 2,600m (25% less oxygen) elevation in the foothills of the Himalayas (Meili Mountains?). 500ha (not all used for Ao Yun) over 314 plots managed by over 120 Tibetan farmers. Very remote. 2013 first vintage: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet franc.

Question 42

China's 'largest geographic' region of wine production? Varieties? Producer?

Answer 42

Xinjiang “shin·jang” The most northwestern corner of China and the largest geographic region of wine production. Chardonnay and Bordeaux varieties but interestingly Rkatsiteli and Saperavi also. Puchang Vineyard, Turpan Valley. Produces all.

Question 43

India wine history? 2 main states of production and location?

Answer 43

Historically speaking viticulture was introduced to India by the Persians around 500BC. During the 16th -19th century Islamic dietary laws outlawed alcohol and then we fast-forward to the 1980s when modern viticulture takes place in India. Most of India's wine regions are located in the south-western part of the country, primarily in the state of Maharashtra and in Karnataka bordering the Arabian Sea (a warm sea).

Question 44

Maharashtra ‘ma-huh-rash-truh’ 2 main regions? 1 river? 2 producers?

Answer 44

Includes the capital of Mumbai. * Nashik: NE of Mumbai. Wine capital on the banks of the river Godavari. Sula here, 75% of India's production? * Pune: Akluj sub-region - J'NOON Boisset Collection project

Question 45

Karnataka ‘ka-na-tuh-kah’ 4 major regions? 1 producer?

Answer 45

Southly adjacent to Maharashtra * Bangalore (Nandi hills sub-region) * Hampi Hills - KRSMA here "ka-risma" * Bijapur * Northern Karnataka

Question 46

Indian Synonyms Bangalore Blue? Gulabi?

Answer 46

Isabella (Red Vitis Lambrusca x vv?) Black Muscat/ Muscat of Hamburg (Red v.v ) = Schiava Grossa x Muscat of Alexandria; typically a table grape

Question 47

Turkish Varieties 3 white? 4 red?

Answer 47

White: Sultaniye, Narince, Bornova Misketi (Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains) Red: Öküzgöku, Kalecik Karasi, Çalkarasi, Boğazkere Papazkarasi ('black priest' black-blue skin)

Question 48

Turkey 3 regions West to East

Answer 48

Marmara 40% prod. European side/west of Istanbul. Sometimes referred to as Thrace-Marmara; but Thrace is 1 of 4 unofficial sub regions. Aegean 50% prod. Based around Izmir (grape named after the city). Anatolia, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, South Eastern Anatolia.

Question 49

Danubian Plain PGI Location? While international varieties are common name 2 native red varieties? 2 notable villages?

Answer 49

Northern part of Bulgaria, bordering Romania and partly delimited by the Danube River. Generally temperate continental climate. Riesling, SB, CH, CS, Merlot, Pamid Gamza (Kadarka) Novo Selo & Suhindol

Question 50

Valley of the Roses PDO location? grape of note? 3 villages of note?

Answer 50

Sandwiched between the two PGIs is world-renowned for its rose-growing industry. It produces 85% of the world’s rose oil. Misket Cherven/ Red Misket (no relation to Muscat) - white grape with pink skin. Of the 3 villages: Karlovo, Sliven, Sungurlare. “Sungra-lair” is the most famous village. A pale pink grape that produces a white wine with floral aromas, vanilla, rose, citrus and tropical fruit. The wine has minerality, light body, and a clean finish.

Question 51

Thracian Plain PGI location? International variety's of note? 2 native red variety's of note? 3 notable villages?

Answer 51

Bulgarian southern zone, bordering Turkey, east of the Rodopi mountains. A temperate climate. Merlot & CS. Pinot Noir - in the north on limestone near Rose Valley. Mavrud Pamid Notable villages: Nova Zagora (Edoardo Miroglio), Stara Zagora, Stombolovo.

Question 52

Black Sea Coast PDO? Location? White varieties of note? 1 native variety, styles and character? 2 notable villages?

Answer 52

Eastern part of Bulgaria on the western coast of the Black Sea. Characterized by long and mild autumns, ideal ripening conditions for white wines which dominate plantings. Dimyat, Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, and Gewürztraminer. Dimiat/Dymiat: old Balkan white variety unknown cross with Gouais Blanc. Usually produced either off dry or sweet and is typically best consumed while still young. Often also used for sparkling wine, whiskey distillation and liqueurs. simple, grapey aromas with notes of sweet apricot and quince Notable villages: Dobrich, Varna.

Question 53

Struma River Valley PDO location? varieties of note? 1 native red of note and style? character? 2 notable villages?

Answer 53

Located in the southwest of Bulgaria along the state border with Greece; west of the Rodopi mountains. 2 hours from the Aegean Sea and thus enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pamid Shiroka Melnishka / “Melnik” (most famous village also). Of all the native variety's Melnik produces the densest reds with high levels of extract, tannin, and acidity for dry to semi-dry styles. The grape likes oak from which it produces spicy tobacco notes. Melnik (southern slopes of the Pirin Mountains), Harsovo.

Question 54

Bulgaria Bottling terms? Barik Reserve Special Reserve

Answer 54

Fermentation occurred in Oak cask of 500L or less Single variety 1yr of aging before release Single variety 2 years of aging before release

Question 55

Rubin Parentage?

Answer 55

Nebbiolo x Syrah aka. Rubin Bolgarskii Bulgaria

Question 56

Romania's most famous DOC? Location? Grape? Style?

Answer 56

Cotnari DOC ‘coat-nar’ Northeastern Romania (historical western Moldavia) are the country’s most famous vinous product, having once enjoyed a reputation on par with Tokaji and Constantia dating back to the 15th century. Permitted styles from a variety of grapes: white, red & rose – may be dry but the demi-sweet to sweet styles are historically significant and long lived. Doesn’t appear to be any regulation for the sweet styles per the DOC however there is a traditional recommendation: Grasă de Cotnari (w) is primary Typically undergoes some skin maceration ‘may' be affected by noble rot 'may' undergo barrel fermentation

Question 57

Transylvania location? DOC & native varieties? 1 subzone DOC & producer?

Answer 57

In the center of Romana nestled at elevation within the Carpathian Mountains forming somewhat of a natural fortress “kaa·pay·thee·uhn”. At 175-500m elevation it is highest altitude wine region in Romania. International & native variety's but known for the production of predominantly white wines. Târnave DOC W: Fetească Regală (Royal maiden), Fetească Albă R: Fetească Neagră Subzone: Târnave-Jidvei DOC Jidvei 2,500ha. Originally a State Agricultural Enterprise but later privatised. Largest producer in Romania and the largest single-owned vineyard plantation in Europe? Multiple ranges under the brand. ‘Owners Choice’ & ‘Mysterium’ are the leading.

Question 58

Muntenia-Oltenia location? DOC and varieties of note?

Answer 58

Romania - Southern part of the country situated between the Transylvanian branch of the alps in the Carpathian Mountain range and the Danube River border with Bulgaria to the South. Dealu Mare DOC Just NE of Bucharest. Elevated (200–350 meters) south-facing slopes are gaining a reputation for red wines, particularly from Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Question 59

Dobrogei location? DOC and varieties of note?

Answer 59

‘dob-roger’ Located in Romania's most South-East corner where the Danube empties into the Black Sea. Danube Delta is to the Northeast. Murfatlar DOC located just west of the town of Constanta on the Black Sea coast was once known for its late-harvest Chardonnay. It is now however developing a reputation for its soft styles of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Question 60

Slovenia 3 PGI's?

Answer 60

Primorska - most important Posavje Podravje - NE Corner @ 9,000ha is largest. Maribor here. 70% of country's wine is white & majority by co-ops.

Question 61

Primorska PGI 4 sub regional PDO's?

Answer 61

Slovenia's most important region - adjacent to Friuli Goriška Brda PDO Vipavska Dolina PDO (Vipava Valley PDO) - Vipavec: crisp, dry white. Kras PDO Slovenska Istra PDO (Istra Peninsula shared with Croatia)

Question 62

Slovenian 3 synonyms for Friuli variety's? 2 indigenous white variety's?

Answer 62

Cooperatives are still responsible for the majority of production. Refosk (Refosco) Rebula (Ribolla) Sivi Pinot (Pinot Grigio) Pinela Zelen (Vipava Valley PDO) Overall, the focus is on white wine, at over 70% of production although Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are planted.

Question 63

Czech Republic 2 Regions & their locations? 1 VOC? Grapes of note?

Answer 63

Bohemia /Čechy Viticulture area is north of Prague. Mělník VOC. (ntbc Melnik, Bulgaria). Moravia - 96% of country's production. Viticulture area south of Brno. Grüner Veltliner, Müller Thurgau, Riesling, and Welsch-Riesling. The most planted red grapes are Saint Laurent and Blaufränkisch

Question 64

Russia 2 regions of viticultural significance? latitude? 2 seas?

Answer 64

Taman Peninsula within the state of Krasnodar Kai (80% of country's Production) Crimean Peninsula (occupied since 2014). Both are at 45° N - the same as Bordeaux & Piedmont and have a history of viticulture going back 2,500 years to the Greeks. Black Sea on one side with the smaller Sea of Azov to the North.

Question 65

2 Russian wine producers of note?

Answer 65

Novyi Svit Crimean. 1878, ‘New World’. Historically significant for their Method Champenois wines dubbed the ‘The People’s Champagne’ served at the coronation of last Tsar, Nicholas II. Was nationalised at one point but is now owned by a Russian Bank Massandra 1894 Yalta, Crimean. Originally built for Tsar Nicolas II in 1894 (Year he was Crowned) who wanted a winery to produce fine wine specifically for his royal palaces. Known their white, pink and black Muscats, but Pinot Gris and ' labelled' Tokays, Ports and Sherry's also. The grapes are picked relatively early, with no desiccation or noble rot, to retain very high acidity. Fortification takes place early into the fermentation? (to get the tech sheets you need KGB clearance).

Question 66

Slovakia 2 most important white and red variety's in local synoyms? Most important region? Location?

Answer 66

Varieties * Veltlínske Zelené (Gruner Veltliner) * Rizling Vlašský (Welschrielsing) * Frankovka Modrá (Lemberger/ Blaufrankisch) * Svätovavrinecké (Sankt Laurent) Malé Karpaty ‘Little Carpathians’ # 1 @ 5,588ha Region covers the most Western corner of the country just north of Bratislava (capital). Majority of plantings are Northeast of the capital.

Question 67

Egon Müller's Slovakian estate? Region? Village? First vintage?

Answer 67

Juznoslovenska #2 @ 4,903ha Southly adjacent to Malé Karpaty - South and east of Bratislava, just North of the River Danube; warmest part of the country with continental climate. Château Belá 2001 first vintage. Štúrovo, a river town situation on the Northern Banks of the Danube literally on the border with Hungary. His wife’s family estate, seized after they fled from Russia (were a noble family?) and purchased back at a later date. Riesling with energetic drive, purity of fruit and minerality on the palate (dry: 2-4 g/l rs?). Also Cabernet Sauvignon and straw/sweet wines.

Question 68

Slovakian Tokaj? size? How many villages of production? name 3? 1 producer of note?

Answer 68

998ha under vine. Smallest of the six vine-growing regions of Slovakia and the most northeastern tip of the Hungarian-Slovakian Tokaji boundary. 7 villages of production. Malá Tŕňa (Little Thorn) 'trin-ya' Veľká Tŕňa (Big Thorn) Viničky (Vi-neech-key ‘vines’) Tokaj & Co. Used to be the state-run co-operative during the period of communism in Slovakia. Largest vineyard holdings in the region – close to 100 ha. 2.5 km of cellars with some sections date back to the 15th century. Makes a wide range of styles from low-cost supermarket wines to The Tokaj & Co. Tokajské Vyber 5 Putñovy.

Question 69

What greater region is most commonly associated with Graševina? 2 sub regions?

Answer 69

Kontinentalna Hrvatska/ Continental Croatia. With around 8,400ha Croatia leads in the world in Welschriesling plantings. Wide range of styles from dry, off dry to rich and sweet (botrtized). Can be lightly oaked and elegant. Croatian Uplands Continental climate. The cooler and wetter mountainous uplands - established tradition of sweet wine production. Slavonia and the Danube Inland for the country's warmest wine region. Salvonski Brod mountains here. Slavonian oak forests for wine barrels are also found here.

Question 70

Croatia's smallest wine region? variety of note? 1 producer & wine of note?

Answer 70

Istria and Kvarner “kra-near” (Primorska Hrvatska PDO/Coastal Croatia) Coastal region to the north. Malvazija Istaska (Malvasia) Istria is well known for its black & white truffles grown in the valley floor beneath Motovun. Benvenuti Santa Elisabetta: Single vineyard Teran (Terrano/ Refosco d'Istria) - red

Question 71

2 Croatian synonyms for Zinfandel/Primitivo?

Answer 71

Crljenak Kastelanski Tribidrag (older synonym)

Question 72

Dalmatia 2 native white variety's?

Answer 72

Whites * Pošip – notably from its home on The Island of Korčula, but now on the mainland also. * Vuguva

Question 73

Dalmatia 1 native red variety? 2 regions of note?

Answer 73

Plavac Mali (‘small blue’) - full bodied, tannic & alcoholic. Typically oaked. Sometimes RS is left to balance rustic styles. The best examples come from the Pelješac Peninsula * Dingač PDO (Croatia’s first PDO 1961) * Postup

Question 74

What is Prošek?

Answer 74

A sweet passito wine from Dalmatia, Croatia. The better examples being made from Plavac Mali. However rights to use the name are currently being contested within the EU by Prosecco.

Question 75

One Dalmatian producer of note? 2 wines?

Answer 75

Grgić Vina Winery Dingač, Dalmatian Coast, 1996. Miljenko “Mike” Grgich ‘grig-ich’ of Grgich Hills Estate (St.Helena, Napa) Croatian estate. His personal recollection of Croatia’s coastal vineyards was the impetus that led UC Davis’s Carole Meredith to establish the definitive correlation between Zinfandel and Crljanek in 2001. * Pošip: from the Island of Korčula. * Plavac Mali: from Dingač & Postup sites and aged in French Oak.

Question 76

Croatia's first PDO?

Answer 76

Dingač PDO (1961), Dalmatia. Exsclusvie for Plavac Mali.

Question 77

Armenia 2 regions of note? 1 producer & flagship wine of note?

Answer 77

Ararat Plains - Mt. itself is now on the Turkish side. The Bible states that when Noah descended from the Ark in Mount Ararat, he planted the first vines and made wine from them. Vayots Dzor - Zorah, 2006. Yeraz (‘dream’ ) 100% Areni Noir from 100+ y/o bushvines @ 1,370m. Portion fermented in karasi (amphora).

Question 78

Georgia's most important wine region? location? 2 valleys? soils? 1 less common white variety?

Answer 78

Khaketi - 80% of countrys production and 13 of the 18 EU appelations. East of Tbilsi in the SW foothills of the Caucasus Mt range. Alazani #1 Iori Cinnamonic soils" sand, red (iron rich) calcareous clays. Kisi, a floral white variety

Question 79

Georgia's second most important wine region? location and lay of the land?

Answer 79

Kartli Flatter land around the capital. It is here the Neolithic clay wine jars dating back 8,000 years to 6,000 BC where unearthed. (Tbilisi is higher, cooler and windier producing lighter wines)

Question 80

Khaketi White wine AOC/PDO of note? Location and historical significance?

Answer 80

Tsinandali AOC Rkatsiteli is often blended with Mtsvane Kakhuri Is a village is situated in the district of Telavi, on the right bank of the river Alazani. It is noted for the Palace and historic winery estate which once belonged to the 19th century aristocratic poet Alexander Chavchavadze and since 2019 is the venue for the Tsinandali festival.

Question 81

What is the name for the Khaketi specialty of semi-sweet Saperavi?

Answer 81

Kindzmarauli, naturally sweet and aged for 2 years?

Question 82

Name a producer from Cornwall, England? wine of note?

Answer 82

Camel Valley Darnibole PDO [2017]: 100% Bacchus. 5ha single vineyard monopole (UK’s only) from Devonian Slate marked by sandy-alluvial soils deposited by an old path of the Camel River. Interestingly must also be bottled under screw cap – very rare although there are a few VOCs in the Czech Republic that specify screwcap or cork.

Question 83

4 producers based in Kent?

Answer 83

Gusbourne, Appldore Chapel Downs, Tenterden Domaine Evremond - Owned by Taittinger Balfour Winery, Hush Heath Estate

Question 84

3 producers from Hampshire?

Answer 84

Hambledon Considered the birthplace of English wine and has England's oldest commercial vineyard (and vines?), dating back to 1952 - also the birthplace of cricket. Louis Pommery First English Sparkling to come from a Champagne house. Collaboration with Hattingley Valley. Exton Park Known for their signature Reserve Blend. The RB ‘#’ range draws on a 10-year library of reserve wines started in 2011. The # = the number of Reserve Wines contained. Always single vineyard. 24ha over 9 plots in South Downs? planted in 2003.

Question 85

Steepest vineyard in the UK?

Answer 85

Hundred Hills First winery in Oxfordshire. Has the steepest vineyard in the UK in Stonor valley.

Question 86

Breaky Bottom's signature variety?

Answer 86

Breaky Bottom 2.43ha, Sussex Downs. Original plantings in 1974 with Seyval Blanc and Muller-Thurgau for still wine production. Produced their first sparkling brut made with 100% Seyval Blanc in 1995, released in 2000 as ‘Millennium Cuvée Maman Mercier’ Seyval Blanc: is a French Hybrid (Seyval 5656 x Rayon D’or) Early to mid-ripening, vigorous, high yielding and good all round disease resistance. Does not have the foxy flavours of some other hybrid varieties. Is NOT a permitted variety of Quality Sparkling Wine.

Question 87

2 producers based in Dorset, UK?

Answer 87

Bride Valley Steven Spurrier (1941-2021) planted 10ha on his wife’s 80ha farm. First vintage was 2011 vinified at his Furleigh estate. Decanter Man of the Year 2017. * also does a Crémant. UK’s only. Lower bar pressure for creamier texture. Furleigh Estate

Question 88

UK's largest vineyard?

Answer 88

Denbies Surrey Planted in 1986. largest physical vineyard in the UK: 107ha of vines planted (all contiguous?) on North Downs soil - quite chalky. (UK’s largest producer however is Chapel Down, who buy in a large proportion of their grapes)

Question 89

Significance of the Essex terroir? 1 producer & 1 bottling of note?

Answer 89

Crouch Valley in Essex is said to be the driest & warmest valley in England (or at least among ). Clay soils. Danbury Ridge Danbury, Essex. Along a unique geological feature known as the Danbury to Tiptree ridge. 11.3ha over 3 estate vineyards: Octagon Block (bottle as a cru), Sleipnir Block and Polo Field. An additional 6.37 on the Purleigh, Spar Hill. – no Sparkling wines? (yet?) Still Chardonnay and Pinot Noir only?

Question 90

English Wine County's by plantings #1- #4

Answer 90

Kent 1,033ha West Sussex 570ha East Sussex 439ha Hampshire 380ha

Question 91

6 Permitted varieties for English Sparkling PDO

Answer 91

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Précoce, Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris

Question 92

Wales 3 wine county's of note? 2 producers of note?

Answer 92

West Wales – Pembrokeshire East Wales – Monmouthshire Sugar Loaf Vineyards South Wales – The Vale of Glamorgan Glyndwr : 1979. Wales’ oldest vineyard

Question 93

England's oldest commercial vines & vineyard?

Answer 93

Hambledon, Hampshire. Considered the birthplace of English wine, dating back to 1952 - also the birthplace of cricket.

Question 94

When, Where and Who first planted Bacchus in the UK?

Answer 94

1977 2250 clone New Hall Vineyards, Crouch Valley, Essex.

Question 95

Top 5 UK varietys by plantings?

Answer 95

Chardonnay (31%) Pinot Noir (29%) Pinot Meunier (9%) Bacchus (8%) Seyval (3%)

Question 96

What hybrid variety is not permitted under English wine PDO but is under PGI? What is its parentage?

Answer 96

Seyval Blanc (French Hybrid) Seyval 5656 x Rayon D’or Is NOT a permitted variety of Quality Sparkling Wine PDO. Is permitted under PGI however and the protected term ‘English’ may be used on labels. Breaky Bottom (Sussex Downs) and Camel valley (Cornwall).

Question 97

Serbia is mostly dominated by international varieties however name 1 indigenous white and red?

Answer 97

Smederevka - commonly blended with Riesling Italico (also known as Laski Riesling or Welschriesling). Prokupac - a hardy native red

Question 98

Vojvodina region, name 2 notable sub regions?

Answer 98

The area north of Belgrave, Serbia in the Pannonian basin area. Both flatter regions: Subotica Potisje

Question 99

Serbia's most famous/largest region? 2 of its 9 most famous sub-regions?

Answer 99

Tri Morave, Central Serbia This is the largest wine-growing region in Serbia, covering the basin of the three Morava rivers of Central Serbia. Jagodina Župa

Question 100

Teran PDO Variety? Region?

Answer 100

Terrano vareity (red, related to Refosk), under Kras PDO, Slovenia. also produced under Carso DOC, Italy. Light, early consuming reds, not suitable for aging. Contested by Croatia were in Istria Teran is another red variety, considered a speciality of the region?

Question 101

Where is Jilin? What is it famous for? Variety?

Answer 101

At 42°N latitude above North Korea. Ice wine. Vitis Amurensis is a winter hardy native variety commonly crossbreed with Vitis vinifera to develop cold-resistant hybrids, aiming to reduce the costs of vine burying. Amurensis grapes contain high levels of anthocyanins and acid, but sugar levels are low, so chaptalisation is a must.

Question 102

What does the CADA stand for? What do they govern?

Answer 102

Chinese Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA) Products Protected by Geographical Indications. 'Estate Wines' designantion

Question 103

Name a Georgian PDO for the exclusive production of Cabernet Sauvignon? 1 village of production?

Answer 103

Teliani PDO, Eastern Georgia 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 2 villages of production; 1 being Tsinandali.

Question 104

Name a Georgian PDO for the exclusive production of Amber wines?

Answer 104

Tsarapi PDO, Eastern Georgia Rkatsiteli with a max 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane and Khikhvi. They must be fermented in amphora.

Question 105

Name a Georgian PDO that permits sparkling wines?

Answer 105

Atenuri/Ateni PDO, Central Geogria * Sparkling - Sec * Semi-Sparkling * White From Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, and Aligote.