Part 1

Question 1

What is the principle grape used in Burgundy ?

Answer 1

Pinot Noir

Question 2

Name the 5 First Growth Bordeaux (1855 Classification)

Answer 2

Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Chateau Latour
Chateau Margaux
Chateau Haut-Brion
Chateau Mouton Rothschild

Question 3

What is the Primary Grape for Barolo DOCG?

Answer 3

Nebbiolo

Question 4

What does “Riserva” indicate on an Italian wine label?

Answer 4

Denotes extended aging (minimum 2 years) and higher standards for quality

Question 5

What are the 4 noble white grape of Alsace?

Answer 5

Riesling
Muscat
Pinot Gris
Gewürztraminer

Question 6

What region is know for Vouvray and what type of grape is used?
What are the characteristics of this grape?

Answer 6

Loire Valley
Chenin Blanc
High Acid, can be sec or semi-sec, alcohol from 11%-12.5%, mineral component
Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Green Apple,Pear, Honey

Question 7

What are the main grapes used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and some characteristics of the wine?

Answer 7

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (GSM)

Known for powerful, concentrated, full-bodied nature often with higher alcohol rich tannins and aging potential

Question 8

What is Mistral Wind

Answer 8

The mistral is a strong, cold, and dry northwesterly wind that blows from southern France into the Gulf of Lion in the northern Mediterranean, often bringing clear skies and strong winds.

Question 9

What are some terroir qualities of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

Answer 9

Rolled Pebble soil, limestone, sands, and red clay
Mediterranean climate
Mistral Wind
Galets Roulés

Question 10

What is the minimum aging requirement for Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?

Answer 10

5 years (2 in oak)

Question 11

What is the difference between Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-Fuissé?

Answer 11

Pouilly-Fumé: Sauvignon Blanc (Loire); Pouilly-Fuissé: Chardonnay (Burgundy)

Question 12

Name two red grapes of Rioja

Answer 12

Tempranillo and Garnacha

Question 13

What is the primary grape used in Soave DOC?

Answer 13

Garganega

Question 14

What is the key grape of the Wachau region in Austria?

Answer 14

Grüner Veltliner

Question 15

What does ‘Sur Lie’ aging mean?

Answer 15

Wine aged on its dead yeast cells for added complexity

Question 16

What is the southernmost wine region in New Zealand?

Answer 16

Central Otago

Question 17

Name the three traditional grapes used in Champagne.

Answer 17

Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Pinot Meunier

Question 18

What does ‘Vendanges Tardives’ indicate on an Alsace wine?

Answer 18

Late harvest; sweet wine style

Question 19

What does ‘Noble Rot’ refer to?

Answer 19

Botrytis cinerea, a fungus that dehydrates grapes for sweet wines

Question 20

What does ‘Crianza’ indicate on a Spanish wine label?

Answer 20

Aged wine: 2 years total with 6 months in oak

Question 21

What is a key characteristic of wines from the Mosel?

Answer 21

High acid, low alcohol, mineral component

Question 22

What is the signature wine of Tokaj?

Answer 22

Tokaji Aszú

Question 23

What is the minimum aging for Champagne Non-Vintage before release?

Answer 23

15 months

Question 24

What is the primary grape of Gavi DOCG?

Answer 24

Cortese

Question 25

What is the term for blending different vintages in Champagne?

Answer 25

Assemblage

Question 26

What wine style is the Jura region of France known for?

Answer 26

Vin Jaune (oxidative, aged under flor)

Question 27

What is the style of “Blanc de Noirs” Champagne?

Answer 27

White wine made from black grapes

Question 28

What type of grape is Assyrtiko and where is it grown?

Answer 28

A white grape from Santorini, Greece

Question 29

Which French AOC specializes in Cabernet Franc-based reds in the Loire Valley?

Answer 29

Chinon

Question 30

What is the primary climate influence in Rías Baixas, Spain?

Answer 30

Atlantic Ocean—cool, wet maritime climate

Question 31

What’s the difference between free-run juice and press juice?

Answer 31

Free-run juice is lightly extracted, more delicate; press juice is more tannic and structured

Question 32

What are the three quality tiers of the German Prädikatswein system?

Answer 32

Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese (others include Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein)

Question 33

What does “Gran Selezione” mean in Chianti Classico?

Answer 33

Top classification tier above Riserva, with stricter aging and sourcing requirements

Question 34

What is the primary soil type of Chablis?

Answer 34

Kimmeridgian Limestone

Question 35

Name two Grand Cru villages in Champagne.

Answer 35

Aÿ, Bouzy (others: Verzenay, Ambonnay, etc.)

Question 36

What are the five communes allowed to produce Barolo?

Answer 36

Barolo, La Morra, Serralunga d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto, Monforte d’Alba

Question 37

What is bâtonnage and why is it used?

Answer 37

Stirring the lees to increase texture and complexity

Question 38

What is the permitted yield (in hectoliters per hectare) in Grand Cru Burgundy?

Answer 38

35 hl/ha

Question 39

Which Bordeaux château was upgraded from Second Growth to First Growth in 1973?

Answer 39

Château Mouton Rothschild

Question 40

What is the minimum pressure (in bars) in Champagne?

Answer 40

6 bars

Question 41

What is the difference between Barbaresco and Barolo in terms of aging and style?

Answer 41

Barbaresco ages 2 years minimum, lighter in body; Barolo 3 years minimum, more tannic

Question 42

Which AVA is known for high elevation Cabernet Sauvignon in California?

Answer 42

Howell Mountain AVA

Question 43

Which DOCG in Italy is known for Verdicchio?

Answer 43

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi or Verdicchio di Matelica

Question 44

What grape is used to make wine in Madiran AOC?

Answer 44

Tannat

Question 45

What is “diurnal shift” and why is it important in viticulture?

Answer 45

The temperature variation between day and night—important for acid retention and balance

Question 46

What is the soil type of Pauillac known for?

Answer 46

Gravel over limestone

Question 47

What is “élevage” in winemaking?

Answer 47

The process of wine maturation and refinement before bottling

Question 48

What is the primary difference between Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune?

Answer 48

Côte de Nuits: Pinot Noir-dominant; Côte de Beaune: more white wine (Chardonnay)

Question 49

What style of wine is Tokaji Aszú?

Answer 49

Sweet, botrytized wine from Hungary

Question 50

Which AVA is shared between Oregon and Washington?

Answer 50

Columbia Valley