italy, spain, portugal

When did winemaking begin in Austria?

As early as the 4th century BCE.

What was the Antifreeze Scandal of 1985?

Producers adulterated wines with diethylene glycol; the scandal led to major reforms.

Where are Austria’s winemaking regions located?

East of the country: Burgenland, Styria, Vienna, and Lower Austria near the Danube.

What percentage of Austria’s wine is white?

Approximately 70%.

What are common white grapes in Austria?

Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay.

What are common red grapes in Austria?

Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, St. Laurent, Pinot Noir.

How is Austrian wine quality rated?

Tafelwein, Qualitätswein, Prädikatswein—based on grape ripeness and sugar content.

What do Austrian wine labels require for vintage and region?

Vintage: min. 85% from that year; Region: 100% from that region.

What foods pair well with Austrian white wines?

Similar to German and Alsatian food—seafood, lighter dishes.

What famous wine glasses are made in Austria?

Riedel—designed to enhance specific grape varieties.

How many named grape varieties are in Italy?

Over 2,000.

When did the shift from bulk to quality wine production begin in Italy?

Post-1960s, especially after the methanol scandal in 1986.

What does 'Imbottigliato all’origine' mean?

Wine bottled at the site where grapes were grown.

What was the Methanol Scandal of 1986?

Adulterated wines caused deaths and blindness; led to export market collapse.

What does DOC regulate?

Boundaries, allowed grapes, blend percentages, yield, alcohol, aging.

What grape is central to Tuscany and Chianti?

Sangiovese.

What are aging requirements for Brunello di Montalcino?

Minimum 2 years in oak, 4–6 months in bottle.

What are Super Tuscans?

High-quality wines using non-traditional grapes, outside DOC rules.

What is Lambrusco?

A slightly sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna.

What are key wine regions in Northern Italy?

Piedmont and Veneto.

What grapes are used in Barolo and Barbaresco?

Nebbiolo.

What is Amarone della Valpolicella?

A full-bodied wine made from raisinated grapes, fermented dry.

What grape is Prosecco made from?

Glera.

What caused the 'DOCG Drama' with Prosecco?

The grape's name changed from Prosecco to Glera to protect origin status.

What are key grapes of Southern Italy?

Primitivo, Nero d’Avola, Aglianico, Vermentino.

What effect do volcanic soils have?

They contribute minerality and sulfuric/smokey notes.

Why was winemaking limited in Spain for centuries?

Muslim rule from 711–1492 CE prohibited wine.

What are Spain’s main grape varieties?

Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell.

What are Spain's two famous traditional wine styles?

Sherry and Cava.

Why was irrigation legalized in Spain in 1996?

To combat frequent droughts and improve wine quality.

What influenced Rioja winemaking?

Bordeaux techniques and French winemakers fleeing phylloxera.

Why is Priorat important in modern Spanish wine?

Site of wine renaissance, known for premium GSM-style blends.

What are Spain’s four wine aging terms?

Joven, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva.

How is Sherry fortified?

Brandy is added after fermentation, resulting in dry fortified wine.

What pairs well with Tempranillo wines?

Grilled meats, game, and dishes with earthy or smoky flavors.