Wine for Beginners Flashcards
Dive into the basics of wine, understanding varietals, tasting notes, and wine etiquette. Your first step to becoming a wine expert.
1
Q
What is wine made from?
A
Fermented grape juice
Actually, wine is technically made from any fermented fruit. (Did you know that cider is technically apple wine?)
This is as opposed to beer, which is made from fermented grains.
But, of course, when people colloquially refer to “wine”, it’s of the grape variety.
2
Q
What are the 3 main styles of wine?
A
- still
- sparkling
- fortified
Still wines are probably the wines you’re most familiar with! They don’t have any bubbles, come in an array of colors (white, red, and rosé) and are typically dry in style.
Sparkling wines have bubbles in them like Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco.
Fortified wines have had a distilled spirit like brandy added to them, increasing their alcohol percentage. They’re also often quite sweet, although they can be dry too. Think: Port wine, sherry, marsala, and vermouth.
3
Q
What are the 4 basic steps in making wine?
A
- The grapes are harvested and crushed
- The juice is fermented
- The resultant wine is filtered and bottled
- The bottle is left to mature for a few months or years
4
Q
How does wine fermentation work?
A
- Winemakers add yeast to the grape juice
- The yeast then consume the grape sugars over the course of 5-21 days
- This produces ethanol and carbon dioxide as byproducts
The resultant liquid that is less sweet than the original grape juice and also alcoholic, while the carbon dioxide escapes as a gas.
5
Q
What makes red wine red and white wine white?
A
- Red wine gets its color from the skin of the grapes, which are left in during fermentation.
- White wine is made from grapes with little to no skin contact during fermentation.
In other words, white wine is made from just the grape pulp. (Also, white grape skins don’t contain red pigment.)
6
Q
What are the 5 main components of wine?
i.e. the things that are in wine that play an important role in its taste and balance
A
- Water
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Acids
- Tannins
7
Q
In the context of wine, what does the term acidity mean?
A
The level of tartness in a wine, which provides freshness and balance.
Wines with high acidity taste crisp and citrusy, making your mouth water. Low-acidity wines, on the other hand, can taste flabby; lacking in structure with no backbone bringing the wine’s elements together.
8
Q
What is the name for the natural compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems?
A
Tannins
Tannins taste astringent and have a drying sensation in the mouth. Importantly, they contribute to the structure and mouthfeel of wine.
9
Q
What term is used to describe the weight and fullness of a wine in the mouth?
A
Body
The body of a wine can range from light-bodied, like Pinot Grigio or Grenache; and medium-bodied, like Chenin Blanc and Merlot; to full-bodied, like Cabernet Sauvignon and oaked Chardonnay.
10
Q
How might you describe the body of a wine that is heavy and feels thick and viscous in the mouth?
A
Full-bodied
Full body is about density and weight, and these two thing typically occur when the wine has a high alcohol content (13.8% abv and higher).
11
Q
What is a grape variety?
(aka ‘varietal’ or ‘cultivar’)
A
A specific type of grape with distinct characteristics that contribute to the flavor of the wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling are all examples of grape varieties.
12
Q
What is the range of alcohol content of most wines?
A
11% to 15%
White wines typically have lower alcohol than red wines
13
Q
What are some of world’s most popular red wines varietal?
Try to list 3
A
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Pinot Noir
- Malbec
- Zinfandel
14
Q
What are some of world’s most popular white wine varietals?
Try to list 3
A
- Pinot Gris / Grigio
- Riesling
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Sémillon
- Chenin Blanc
15
Q
What is a still wine?
A
Still wine is non-effervescent and doesn’t contain any bubbles
Unlike sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco.
16
Q
What are the 4 main categories of wine sweetness?
A
Dry, off-dry, medium-sweet, and sweet
(In order of least to most sweet)
Most still (i.e. non-sparkling) wines are made in a dry style. meaning they have very little residual sugar.
17
Q
Describe a typical Cabernet Sauvignon
A
- red wine
- dry
- high-alcohol
- full-bodied
- great with meat dishes
18
Q
Describe a typical Sauvignon Blanc
A
- white wine
- dry
- lighter-bodied
- acidic (tart/sour)
- aromatic
When a wine is described as “aromatic” it means that it packs a lot of delicious smells. These can be fruity, floral, earthy, herbaceous, or even vegetal (like green pepper and cut grass).
Sauvignon Blancs typically have strong citrus and green grassy notes.
19
Q
Describe a typical Merlot
A
- red wine
- dry
- medium- to full-bodied
- smooth and approachable
- red and black fruit
Has red and black fruit-forward flavors
20
Q
Describe a typical Chenin Blanc
A
- white wine
- dry
- medium- to full-bodied
- less acidic than Sauvignon Blanc
- fruity
Has lots of stone, tropical, or citrus fruit flavors and aromas, depending on where the grapes are grown.
21
Q
Describe a typical Chardonnay
A
- white wine
- dry
- medium- to full-bodied
- made in a variety of styles
- tropical fruit
Depending on where the fruit is grown and the style the winemaker is going for, Chardonnay wines vary a lot.
For example, American Chardonnays are most often matured in oak and exhibit tropical fruits and vanilla flavors, while some French Chardonnays (like Chablis) are not matured in oak and exhibit very acidic, citrusy flavors and aromas.
22
Q
Describe a typical Shiraz/Syrah
A
- red wine
- dry
- full-bodied
- bold and aromatic
- black fruit
Typically has notes of smoke, black fruit, and pepper spice.
23
Q
Describe a typical Pinot Noir
A
- red wine
- dry
- Light- to medium-bodied
- light cherry red in color
- silky tannins
Has bright acidity, and red fruit and earthy flavors and aromas.
24
Q
Describe a typical Pinot Gris / Grigio
A
- white wine
- dry
- light-bodied
- citrus & stone fruit
25
Describe a typical **Malbec**
* red wine
* dry
* medium- to full-bodied
* rich, dark fruit
## Footnote
Dark fruit aromas and flavors like blackberry and plum.
26
Describe a typical **Zinfandel**
* red wine
* dry
* full-bodied
* high alcohol
* smoke & spice
## Footnote
Typically has fruit, spice, and smoky notes.
27
Describe a typical **Riesling**
* white wine
* off-dry to dry
* lighter- to medium-bodied
* aromatic
* try with spicy coconut curries!
## Footnote
Flavors include citrus, stone fruit, white flowers, and even gasoline!
28
If I love **sweet (or off-dry) wines,** what are some styles I should try?
* dessert wine like Moscato
* late harvest wine
* some Rieslings (not all)
* Sauternes (French white wine)
* Port
29
What are some **common adjectives** to describe the *mouthfeel* of a wine?
## Footnote
"Mouthfeel" is the **tactile sensation** of the wine on your tongue and palate.
* smooth
* creamy
* astringent
* harsh
## Footnote
For example, some young red wines can feel very astringent and harsh in the mouth, while more mature reds can be smooth and creamy.
30
What natural or added compounds act as **preservatives** in wine to **prevent oxidation and bacterial growth?**
Sulfites
31
What term is used for the combination of **soil, climate, and geography**, which, together, imparts unique characteristics to the grapes grown there?
| and, therefore, the resulting wine
Terroir
## Footnote
The way the soil drains and its capacity to hold heat; the topography of the land and its exposure to the sun; and the location of the vineyard relative to the equator and nearby oceans and rivers... these are all aspects that contribute to the winemaking concept of "terroir" which is usually expressed in the **quality, complexity, and flavor/aroma profile** of the resultant wine, giving it a *sense of place.*
32
How is wine **aged?**
Two ways:
* In the barrel, and
* In the bottle
| and sometimes a mixture of both
## Footnote
Aging wine allows it to **develop complex flavors and aromas** over time.
Some winemakers will cellar wine for one year, many years, or even decades before releasing it to market.
When you buy a wine, you can age it at home if you like, provided you can store it somewhere cool and dark.
**Age is not directly proportional to quality!** It's possible for some wines to just *get too old* and will taste either sour, fruitless, and like vinegar or cooked (like stewed fruit / prunes).
33
How should wine be **stored?**
In a **cool, dark, and stable environment**
| (between 60°F (15°C) and 68°F (20°C))
## Footnote
Furthermore, wines with corks should be stored **on their sides** to keep the cork moist, while wines with screw caps can be stored either upright or on their sides.
Wine fridges are fantastic appliances for this purpose, since not everyone's home comes with a basement or a cool, dark place they can store their wine.
34
What is the **ideal serving temperature** for red wine?
Red wine is typically served between 60°F (15°C) and 68°F (20°C).
## Footnote
In other words: on the cool side of room temperature.
Red wines can be served at the same temperature that they're stored.
35
What is the **ideal serving temperature** for white wine?
White wine is usually served between 45°F (7°C) and 50°F (10°C).
## Footnote
In other words: chilled!
Whites wines should be served at a **cooler temperature** than they're stored. So it's a good idea to put a white wine in the fridge several hours beforehand so that it's nice and chilled by the time you intend to serve it.
36
List **four places** in your home you should **never store wine**
## Footnote
Unless you're trying to make red or white wine vinegar.
(Fun fact: The French words "vin aigre" mean "sour wine", which is where the word *vinegar* comes from!)
1. Kitchen, *especially* on top of the refrigerator
2. In direct sunlight or bright artificial lights
3. Near a radiator, heating vent, or AC unit
4. Bathroom
## Footnote
Wine doesn't store well in heat, light, and in environments that have **extreme fluctuations in temperature**, like your kitchen, where you fire up the stove on the daily.
37
Which of Brainscape's **wine articles** should I read to **cure me of my wine ignorance?**
[10 Things everyone should know about wine](https://www.brainscape.com/academy/wine-guide-facts-to-know/)
## Footnote
It's a fun and easy read, I promise!
38
What does the wine term **Brut** mean?
Dry
## Footnote
Brut just means "dry", but for *sparkling* wine.
39
What do you call a wine professional who **curates wine lists, suggests pairings, and assists with wine service** in restaurants?
A sommelier
## Footnote
As in Brainscape's ["Somm Talk" YouTube series](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLif1P5CShk0ds_lnLRvAeME8jI_dX-l7m).
40
What are **3 questions** you can ask a sommelier to make a good wine choice?
1. "What wine would you recommend to go with [meal X]?”
2. "I usually like [wine X]. Do you have anything that's similar to that?"
3. "What on the wine list is exciting to you right now?"
41
**How can you ask a sommelier/server** for a good wine recommendation if you've got a *strict budget?*
"What is your favorite wine for under $80?"
| (or whatever you're comfortable spending).
## Footnote
You could also ask:
* “Do you have any wines on special tonight?”
* "What are some simple wines that are a great value?"
* "What are some wines with [characteristic X] that are 'not too crazy fancy'?"
42
Aside from budget, what **# 1 criterion should you consider** when ordering or buying wine?
The meal you intend on pairing it with.
## Footnote
What you want to eat—more specifically its weight, complexity, and flavor profile—is *paramount* in choosing the perfect wine.
Ask the sommelier/server: "We’d like to order the Greek pizza / sea bass / filet mignon / quarter-pounder with cheese (just kidding), etc. What wine do you recommend to go with it?”
43
What is wine **made from?**
Fermented grape juice
## Footnote
Actually, wine is technically made from *any* fermented fruit. (Did you know that cider is technically apple wine?)
This is as opposed to beer, which is made from fermented *grains.*
But, of course, when people colloquially refer to "wine", it's of the grape variety.
44
What are the **4 main overarching styles** of wine?
* red
* white
* rosé
* sparkling
## Footnote
There's also **fortified wine** like port or sherry!
45
What are the **4 basic steps** in making wine?
1. The grapes are **harvested and crushed**
2. The juice is **fermented**
3. The resultant wine is **filtered and bottled**
4. The bottle is left to **mature** for a few months or years
46
How does **wine fermentation work?**
* Winemakers **add yeast** to the grape juice
* The yeast then **consume the grape sugars** over the course of 5-21 days
* This **produces ethanol and carbon dioxide** as byproducts
## Footnote
The resultant liquid that is less sweet than the original grape juice and also alcoholic, while the carbon dioxide escapes as a gas.
47
What makes red wine **red** and white wine **white?**
* Red wine gets its color from the **skin of the grapes**, which are left in during fermentation.
* White wine is made from grapes with **little to no skin contact** during fermentation.
## Footnote
In other words, white wine is made from just the grape pulp. (Also, white grape skins don't contain red pigment.)
48
What are the **5 main components** of wine?
## Footnote
i.e. the things that are in wine that play an important role in its taste and balance
1. Water
2. Alcohol
3. Sugar
4. Acids
5. Tannins
49
In the context of wine, what does the term **acidity** mean?
The **level of tartness** in a wine, which provides **freshness and balance.**
## Footnote
Wines with high acidity taste crisp and citrusy, making your mouth water. Low-acidity wines, on the other hand, can taste flabby; lacking in structure with no backbone bringing the wine's elements together.
50
What is the name for the **natural compounds** found in grape **skins, seeds, and stems**?
Tannins
## Footnote
Tannins taste **astringent** and have a **drying sensation** in the mouth. Importantly, they contribute to the structure and mouthfeel of wine.
51
What term is used to describe the **weight and fullness** of a wine in the mouth?
Body
## Footnote
The body of a wine can range from **light-bodied,** like Pinot Grigio or Grenache; and **medium-bodied,** like Chenin Blanc and Merlot; to **full-bodied,** like Cabernet Sauvignon and oaked Chardonnay.
52
How might you describe the body of a wine that is **heavy** and feels **thick and viscous in the mouth?**
Full-bodied
## Footnote
Full body is about **density and weight,** and these two thing typically occur when the wine has a high alcohol content (13.8% abv and higher).
53
What is a **grape variety?**
| (aka 'varietal' or 'cultivar')
A **specific type of grape** with *distinct characteristics* that contribute to the flavor of the wine.
## Footnote
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling are all examples of grape varieties.
54
What is the **range of alcohol content** of most wines?
11% to 15%
## Footnote
White wines typically have lower alcohol than red wines
55
What are some of world's most popular **red wines varietal?**
| Try to list 3
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Shiraz / Syrah
* Pinot Noir
* Malbec
* Zinfandel
56
What are some of world's most popular **white wine varietals?**
| Try to list 3
* Pinot Gris / Grigio
* Riesling
* Chardonnay
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Sémillon
* Chenin Blanc
57
What is a **still wine?**
Still wine is **non-effervescent** and doesn't contain any bubbles
## Footnote
Unlike sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco.
58
What are the **4 main categories** of wine sweetness?
Dry, off-dry, medium-sweet, and sweet
| (In order of least to most sweet)
## Footnote
Most still (i.e. non-sparkling) wines are made in a dry style. meaning they have **very little residual sugar**.
59
Describe a typical **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* red wine
* dry
* high-alcohol
* full-bodied
* great with meat dishes
60
Describe a typical **Sauvignon Blanc**
* white wine
* dry
* lighter-bodied
* acidic (tart/sour)
* aromatic
## Footnote
When a wine is described as "aromatic" it means that it packs a lot of delicious smells. These can be fruity, floral, earthy, herbaceous, or even vegetal (like green pepper and cut grass).
Sauvignon Blancs typically have strong citrus and green grassy notes.
61
Describe a typical **Merlot**
* red wine
* dry
* medium- to full-bodied
* smooth and approachable
* red and black fruit
## Footnote
Has red and black fruit-forward flavors
62
Describe a typical **Chenin Blanc**
* white wine
* dry
* medium- to full-bodied
* less acidic than Sauvignon Blanc
* fruity
## Footnote
Has lots of stone, tropical, or citrus fruit flavors and aromas, depending on where the grapes are grown.
63
Describe a typical **Chardonnay**
* white wine
* dry
* medium- to full-bodied
* made in a variety of styles
* tropical fruit
## Footnote
Depending on where the fruit is grown and the style the winemaker is going for, Chardonnay wines vary *a lot.*
For example, American Chardonnays are most often matured in oak and exhibit tropical fruits and vanilla flavors, while some French Chardonnays (like Chablis) are *not* matured in oak and exhibit very acidic, citrusy flavors and aromas.
64
Describe a typical **Shiraz/Syrah**
* red wine
* dry
* full-bodied
* bold and aromatic
* black fruit
## Footnote
Typically has notes of **smoke, black fruit, and pepper spice.**
65
Describe a typical **Pinot Noir**
* red wine
* dry
* Light- to medium-bodied
* light cherry red in color
* silky tannins
## Footnote
Has bright acidity, and red fruit and earthy flavors and aromas.
66
Describe a typical **Pinot Gris / Grigio**
* white wine
* dry
* light-bodied
* citrus & stone fruit
67
Describe a typical **Malbec**
* red wine
* dry
* medium- to full-bodied
* rich, dark fruit
## Footnote
Dark fruit aromas and flavors like blackberry and plum.
68
Describe a typical **Zinfandel**
* red wine
* dry
* full-bodied
* high alcohol
* smoke & spice
## Footnote
Typically has fruit, spice, and smoky notes.
69
Describe a typical **Riesling**
* white wine
* off-dry to dry
* lighter- to medium-bodied
* aromatic
* try with spicy coconut curries!
## Footnote
Flavors include citrus, stone fruit, white flowers, and even gasoline!
70
If I love **sweet (or off-dry) wines,** what are some styles I should try?
* dessert wine like Moscato
* late harvest wine
* some Rieslings (not all)
* Sauternes (French white wine)
* Port
71
What are some **common adjectives** to describe the *mouthfeel* of a wine?
## Footnote
"Mouthfeel" is the **tactile sensation** of the wine on your tongue and palate.
* smooth
* creamy
* astringent
* harsh
## Footnote
For example, some young red wines can feel very astringent and harsh in the mouth, while more mature reds can be smooth and creamy.
72
What natural or added compounds act as **preservatives** in wine to **prevent oxidation and bacterial growth?**
Sulfites
73
What term is used for the combination of **soil, climate, and geography**, which, together, imparts unique characteristics to the grapes grown there?
| and, therefore, the resulting wine
Terroir
## Footnote
The way the soil drains and its capacity to hold heat; the topography of the land and its exposure to the sun; and the location of the vineyard relative to the equator and nearby oceans and rivers... these are all aspects that contribute to the winemaking concept of "terroir" which is usually expressed in the **quality, complexity, and flavor/aroma profile** of the resultant wine, giving it a *sense of place.*
74
How is wine **aged?**
Two ways:
* In the barrel, and
* In the bottle
| (and sometimes a mixture of both)
## Footnote
Aging wine allows it to **develop complex flavors and aromas** over time.
Some winemakers will cellar wine for one year, many years, or even decades before releasing it to market.
When you buy a wine, you can age it at home if you like, provided you can store it somewhere cool and dark.
**Age is not directly proportional to quality!** It's possible for some wines to just *get too old* and will taste either sour, fruitless, and like vinegar or cooked (like stewed fruit / prunes).
75
How should wine be **stored?**
In a **cool, dark, and stable environment**
| (between 60°F (15°C) and 68°F (20°C))
## Footnote
Furthermore, wines with corks should be stored **on their sides** to keep the cork moist, while wines with screw caps can be stored either upright or on their sides.
Wine fridges are fantastic appliances for this purpose, since not everyone's home comes with a basement or a cool, dark place they can store their wine.
76
What is the **ideal serving temperature** for red wine?
Red wine is typically served between 60°F (15°C) and 68°F (20°C).
## Footnote
In other words: on the cool side of room temperature.
Red wines can be served at the same temperature that they're stored.
77
What is the **ideal serving temperature** for white wine?
White wine is usually served between 45°F (7°C) and 50°F (10°C).
## Footnote
In other words: chilled!
Whites wines should be served at a **cooler temperature** than they're stored. So it's a good idea to put a white wine in the fridge several hours beforehand so that it's nice and chilled by the time you intend to serve it.
78
List **four places** in your home you should **never store wine**
## Footnote
Unless you're trying to make red or white wine vinegar.
(Fun fact: The French words "vin aigre" mean "sour wine", which is where the word *vinegar* comes from!)
1. Kitchen, *especially* on top of the refrigerator
2. In direct sunlight or bright artificial lights
3. Near a radiator, heating vent, or AC unit
4. Bathroom
## Footnote
Wine doesn't store well in heat, light, and in environments that have **extreme fluctuations in temperature**, like your kitchen, where you fire up the stove on the daily.
79
Which of Brainscape's **wine articles** should I read to **cure me of my wine ignorance?**
[10 Things everyone should know about wine](https://www.brainscape.com/academy/wine-guide-facts-to-know/)
## Footnote
It's a fun and easy read, I promise!
80
What does the wine term **Brut** mean?
Dry
## Footnote
Brut just means "dry", but for *sparkling* wine.
81
What do you call a wine professional who **curates wine lists, suggests pairings, and assists with wine service** in restaurants?
A sommelier
## Footnote
As in Brainscape's ["Somm Talk" YouTube series](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLif1P5CShk0ds_lnLRvAeME8jI_dX-l7m).
82
What are **3 questions** you can ask a sommelier to make a good wine choice?
1. "What wine would you recommend to go with [meal X]?”
2. "I usually like [wine X]. Do you have anything that's similar to that?"
3. "What on the wine list is exciting to you right now?"
83
**How can you ask a sommelier/server** for a good wine recommendation if you've got a *strict budget?*
| and it's a little embarrassing to say so
"What is your favorite wine for under $80?"
| (or whatever you're comfortable spending.)
## Footnote
You could also ask:
* “Do you have any wines on special tonight?”
* "What are some simple wines that are a great value?"
* "What are some wines with [characteristic X] that are 'not too crazy fancy'?"
84
Aside from budget, what **# 1 criterion should you consider** when ordering or buying wine?
The meal you intend on pairing it with.
## Footnote
What you want to eat—more specifically its weight, complexity, and flavor profile—is *paramount* in choosing the perfect wine.
Ask the sommelier/server: "We’d like to order the Greek pizza / sea bass / filet mignon / quarter-pounder with cheese (just kidding), etc. What wine do you recommend to go with it?”
85
You've ordered a glass of wine in a restaurant and it tastes astringent, flat, and overall unpleasant. *What should you do?*
Politely ask the server to **bring you a fresh glass** of the same wine, but from a *newly-opened bottle* OR **request a different wine,** entirely.
## Footnote
Do NOT suffer through a bad glass of wine! As long as you are polite, you are not inconveniencing the restaurant by sending a bad glass or bottle back.
86
What happens to wines when they are exposed to air and subsequently **undergo a chemical change?**
They become **oxidized**
## Footnote
When wine is exposed to the oxygen in air, it begins to oxidize, which creates different flavors and aromas that can actually complement the wine.
If left for too long, however, oxidation can rob a wine of its freshness, fruit, and color, ultimately causing it to spoil.
87
How long can I keep wine *after opening it?*
* Red wine: 3–5 days in a cool, dark place with a cork
* White wine: 3-5 days in the fridge, with a cork or screw cap
88
What term is used to describe a wine that **smells and tastes spoiled**, like musty cardboard, wet dog, or a moldy basement?
**Corked** as in "This wine smells corked"
| (this is caused by **cork taint**)
## Footnote
Cork taint is caused by **penicillium mold,** which is endemic to the cork. When this mold gets in contact with anything chlorine-based, it produces a compound called TCA (trichloroanisole), which has that characteristic musty, wet dog smell. *Yuck*
89
What is the purpose of **decanting wine?**
Decanting wine helps to (1) **separate out any sediment** and (2) **allows the wine to breathe,** enhancing its aromas and flavors.
## Footnote
Decanters come in many shapes and sizes—some of them quite exotic—but what they all share in common is that they maximize the surface area of the wine that's exposed to the air.
90
Should I always **decant my wine?**
Nope! Decanting is best for **red wines that are younger than 10 years.**
## Footnote
Most white and rosé wines don't need to be decanted.
91
What **five important things** does a *wine label* tell you?
1. **Who** - the producer or estate that made the wine
2. **What** - which grapes were used to make it
3. **Where** - in which region, sub-region, or vineyard the grapes were grown
4. **How** - the style in which the wine was made
5. **When** - the year the wine was made (vintage)
92
What is the term for the solid particles that **settle at the bottom** of a wine bottle over time, especially in older wines?
Sediment
## Footnote
The sediment in wine is typically either **tartrate crystals**—dark, crunchy, flavorless little crystals—or it can be spent yeast, called **lees.** Both are completely natural byproducts of winemaking and neither will make you ill.
93
What are **3 popular styles** of sparkling wines?
* Champagne (France)
* Prosecco (Italy)
* Cava (Spain)
94
How are sparkling wines like Champagne made?
Sugar and yeast is added to the already-made wine (called a "base wine"), which is then bottled. A *second fermentation* begins, creating carbon dioxide, which is trapped inside the bottle as bubbles. The wine is then aged for 12 to 36 months.
## Footnote
This is known as the **traditional method** of making sparkling wine.
Other sparkling wines, like Prosecco, are made using a quicker, cheaper method.
95
What is the world's most **widely planted wine grape variety?**
Cabernet Sauvignon
96
What is meant by the wine term **vintage?**
The **year the grapes were harvested.**
## Footnote
If the bottle says "2018" on the front or back label, it means the grapes that were used to make that wine were harvested in 2018.
97
What does it mean when a wine is described as **oaked or oaky?**
Wine aged in oak barrels can develop **additional flavors and aromas**—such as vanilla, spice, or toastiness—as well as a **rounder, creamier texture.**
98
What is the term for the **specific geographic region** where grapes are grown and wine produced?
| e.g. Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Tuscany, etc.
Appellation
## Footnote
The appellation of a wine can represent a country, state, or specific vineyard area, such as Bordeaux in France, Napa Valley in California, or Stellenbosch in South Africa.
99
What is the purpose of **swirling wine in a glass** before tasting?
It **releases aromas** by exposing the wine to oxygen
100
What term is used for the **lingering taste and sensations** one experiences after swallowing wine?
Finish
## Footnote
A **long finish** indicates that the wine has *more complexity and depth,* and so it's seen as a very desirable quality!
101
What is the **proper way** to hold a wine glass?
By the stem, *not the bowl*
## Footnote
Holding a glass by the stem prevents the heat from your hand from warming the wine.
102
What is the difference between a **varietal wine and a blended wine?**
A varietal wine is made **primarily from one grape,** whereas a blended wine contains wine from **many different kinds of grapes**
## Footnote
Blending wines enable winemakers to achieve a certain vision or outcome that otherwise would have been controlled by that particular vintage's grape yield (or shortcomings).
It's like mixing two paints to create a different color. Red is an important color and blue is an important color... but mixing the two makes purple! This is where the artistry of winemaking can really shine.
103
What do you call the **droplets that form and run down the inside of the glass** after swirling?
The **legs or "tears"** of the wine
## Footnote
The more viscous the wine, the more of these droplets will form, which tells you **how much sugar or alcohol** is present in the wine.
104
What does it mean when a wine is described as **young?**
That it's been **recently bottled** and so may exhibit certain **youthful characteristics**
## Footnote
Depending on the style and quality of the wine, these "youthful characteristics" can be desirable (fresh, crisp flavors and bright fruits) or they can be undesirable (astringent, tart, underdeveloped green fruit flavors).
105
What does it mean when a wine is described as **mature?**
It's at the **pinnacle of its perfection for drinking**
## Footnote
Most wineries will cellar their white wines for 8-12 months and their red wines for 12-36 months (and sometimes more) before releasing them to market. They do this because they want you to experience the wine at its best!
And so, you don't have to age wine after buying it: you can drink it right away. However, if you did want to cellar a few to see how that improves their quality, stick with **fuller-bodied red wines** and make sure the place you store them is **cool and dark!**
106
What's the difference between **Old World** and **New World** wines?
* Old World wines are produced in the **traditional European wine regions,** such as France, Italy, or Spain.
* New World wines are produced in countries **outside of the traditional European wine regions,** such as America, Australia, or South Africa.
107
When does **alcoholic fermentation** stop?
When yeasts have eaten **all** the sugar.
## Footnote
The result is a **dry wine**; “dry” meaning there’s no residual sugar remaining. Essentially, the yeasts have run out of fuel!
107
What’s the **best time of the week** to shop for wine?
Tuesdays
## Footnote
According to the mobile shopping app *Ibotta*, which analyzed 50 million receipts submitted by its users, Tuesdays are the best days to shop for wine because many wine stores offer **specials and discounts**. For example, AstorWines.com offers 15% off every Tuesday.
Saturdays and Sundays, on the other hand, are the *most expensive days* to buy wine.
108
What is the easiest way to quickly master your knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and tasting notes?
Brainscape's [Wine Appreciation](https://www.brainscape.com/learn/wine-appreciation?utm_source=crosslink&utm_medium=in-app&utm_campaign=in-app) Flashcards
