Wines Prelim II

Identify the four hierarchical AOC levels of Bordeaux wine from broadest to most specific.

Regional (AOC Bordeaux), Sub-Regional (District), Commune (Village), and Chateau.

What percentage of Bordeaux's red wine production is represented by the Regional AOC level?

40%

Which Bordeaux district is uniquely restricted to the production of red wine only?

Medoc

List the six Haut-Medoc communes.

St-Estephe, Pauillac, St-Julien, Margaux, Moulis, and Listrac.

Which Haut-Medoc commune is referred to as the 'king of the Medoc'?

Pauillac

What types of wine are permitted in the Graves and Pessac-Leognan districts?

Red and dry white wines.

True or False: Saint-Emilion produces both red and white wines.

False (Red wine only).

What is the primary white grape variety of Bordeaux, accounting for 55% of white grape production?

Semillon

Describe the typical contribution of Sauvignon Blanc to a Bordeaux white blend.

It provides light color, fresh acidity, and aromatic complexity (broom, citrus).

Which white grape variety in Bordeaux is noted for powerful floral and muscat aromas and is almost always blended?

Muscadelle

What is the most widely planted red grape in Bordeaux, covering 69,000 hectares?

Merlot

Identify the primary characteristics Cabernet Sauvignon contributes to a Bordeaux blend.

Vigor, tannin, and longevity.

Which historic event prompted the creation of the 1855 Classification of Medoc and Sauternes?

The orders of Napoleon III to showcase France's best wines at a global exhibition.

How many 'crus' (growth levels) were established in the original 1855 Classification?

Five

Which Chateau was the only exception to the 1855 Medoc classification by being included despite being from Graves?

Chateau Haut-Brion

Under the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru designation, what is the maximum permitted yield?

40 hl/ha.

How many Chateaux currently hold First Growth status in Bordeaux?

Five

Identify the only Chateau to be elevated to First Growth status after the original 1855 classification.

Mouton-Rothschild (elevated in 1973).

Name the two First Growth Chateaux located specifically in the Pauillac commune.

Lafite-Rothschild and Latour (Mouton-Rothschild is also in Pauillac).

Which soil type dominates the Left Bank of Bordeaux, encouraging heat absorption and Cabernet Sauvignon ripening?

Gravelly soil.

What are the primary soil types of the Right Bank, making it ideal for Merlot and Cabernet Franc?

Clay and limestone.

Which Right Bank district was designated as a UNESCO heritage site in 1999?

Saint-Emilion

What is the varietal composition of a typical red wine from the Left Bank?

A high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Which sub-region is best known for producing dry white wines meant to be drunk young?

Entre-Deux-Mers

Identify the three grapes permitted in the production of Sauternes sweet white wines.

Semillon (85%), Sauvignon Blanc (10%), and Muscadelle (5%).

How long are Sauternes wines typically aged in oak?

Two years.

According to labeling laws, any specific Bordeaux appellation must be followed by what on the label?

The largest appellation to which the wine belongs.

True or False: The words 'grand vin' are legally sufficient on a Bordeaux label without other appellation details.

False (The words on their own are illegal).

What does the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Controlee) regulate regarding yields?

Maximum yields measured in hectoliters per hectare.

How does the Pine Forest influence the Bordeaux climate?

It acts as a protective barrier against Atlantic storms.

What term refers to the berry failure caused by cold rains or spring frosts during pollination?

Coloure

What specific organism is responsible for the 'Noble Rot' required for sweet Sauternes?

Botrytis Cinerea

Which river confluence provides the morning mists necessary for Botrytis Cinerea in Sauternes?

The Ciron

Which 12th-century historical event significantly increased the demand for Bordeaux wine in the British market?

The marriage of Aliênor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet (King of England) in 1152.

Who was responsible for draining the marshes in the Medoc during the 1600s?

Dutch engineers.

Compare the production volume of Bordeaux to Burgundy.

Bordeaux produces six times more wine than Burgundy.

What is the fundamental difference in how ratings are assigned in Bordeaux versus Burgundy?

In Bordeaux, the Chateaux receive the rating; in Burgundy, the vineyards receive the rating.

In the Southern Hemisphere, what practice is commonly used for harvesting to keep labor costs low?

Machine harvesting.

Which organization was formed in 1975 to promote New Zealand wines abroad?

WINZ (Wine Institute of New Zealand).

What is the varietal percentage requirement for New Zealand wines exported to the EU or US?

85%

Which New Zealand wine region is ranked as number one in the country?

Marlborough

True or False: The term 'Reserve' on a New Zealand wine label is strictly regulated by law.

False (It is unregulated).

Under the Australian Wine & Brandy Corp. laws of 1980, what percentage of a wine must come from a specific vintage to list it?

95%

Which Australian wine region is historically considered the 'Napa of Australia'?

Hunter Valley

Identify the soil characteristic for which the Coonawarra region in South Australia is famous.

Terra Rossa (red soil) known for top-quality red wines.

Which Australian region is specifically noted for producing top-tier Chardonnays?

Padthaway

What is the signature red grape of South Africa?

Pinotage

Identify the genetic cross that created the Pinotage grape.

Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

What is the local South African name for the Chenin Blanc grape?

Steen

What percentage of South African wine production is dedicated to white versus red varieties?

60% White and 40%Red.

Which Argentinian wine valley accounts for 75% of the country's total production?

Mendoza Valley

What is the primary varietal for which Argentina has developed an international reputation?

Malbec

Which individual is credited as the 'Robert Mondavi of Argentina' for revolutionizing the industry?

Nicolas Catena

Under Chilean wine law, what does the term 'Gran Vino' indicate regarding aging?

The wine has undergone six years of aging.

Under Chilean wine law, what does the term 'Reserva' indicate regarding aging?

The wine has undergone four years of aging.

Which grape variety is Chile's signature red, having been mistaken for Merlot for decades?

Carmenere

What geographic feature provides an ample supply of water for irrigation in Chile's vineyards?

Snow melt from the Andes Mountains.

What is the highest classification level for Spanish wines?

Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa).

What is the Portuguese equivalent of the French AOC system?

Denominacao de Origem Controlada (DOC).

Define 'Fortified Wine'.

Wines to which brandy has been added, raising alcohol content to 15%-23%.

What are the three primary grapes used in the production of Sherry?

Palomino, Moscatel, and Pedro Ximenez.

Describe 'Flor' and its role in Sherry production.

A yeast that grows on the surface of some sherries, protecting the wine from oxidation and adding distinct aromas.

Which style of Sherry is aged by the sea at Sanlucar de Barrameda and undergoes full flor development?

Manzanilla

Which Sherry style undergoes partial flor development and is fuller-bodied than a Fino?

Amontillado

Define 'Oloroso' Sherry in terms of flor development.

A style that undergoes no flor development, resulting in deliberate oxidation.

What is the traditional tulip-shaped glass used to serve Sherry called?

Copita

What is the 'Solera System'?

A system of fractional blending of wines of different ages to maintain consistency.

Which Madeira variety is the sweetest, dark brown, and full-bodied?

Malmsey (7%-13% residual sugar).

What is an 'Estufa' in the context of Madeira production?

A heating room or tank where wine is oxidized and caramelized through heat.

Describe the 'Canteiro' method of making Madeira.

The natural heat method where barrels are kept in the attics of the winery for a long period.

How does Port production differ from Sherry production regarding fortification timing?

Port is fortified before fermentation is complete; Sherry is fortified after fermentation.

Identify the Port style that is a blend of mature, wood-aged ports.

Tawny Port

Which Port style is from a single vintage but left in wood for 4-6 years?

Late Bottled Vintage (LBV).

What are the requirements for a wine to be labeled 'Gran Reserva' in the Rioja region?

Aged at least 2 years in oak and 3 in bottle, with a minimum of 6 years total maturation.

Which Spanish region is best known for the white Albarino grape?

Rias Baixas in Galicia.

Name the primary red grape variety used in Rioja.

Tempranillo

In Champagne, what are the three approved grape varieties?

Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.

What percentage of Champagne grape production is Pinot Noir?

38%

Describe the soil composition of the Champagne region.

18 inches of loam on top of 800 feet of chalk.

Define 'Brut' Champagne regarding sweetness.

0-1.5% sugar.

Define 'Extra Dry' Champagne regarding sweetness.

1.5-3% sugar.

What is the minimum aging requirement for Vintage Champagne?

Three years in the bottle.

What is the 'Liqueur de Tirage' in Method Champenoise?

The addition of sugar and yeast to the cuvee to trigger the second fermentation.

In Method Champenoise, what is 'Remuage' (riddling)?

The process of working yeast deposits toward the cork by hand or gyropalette.

What is 'Degorgement'?

The removal of dead yeast cells from the neck of the bottle after riddling.

How does the 'Charmat Process' (Bulk Method) of making sparkling wine differ from 'Method Champenoise'?

The second fermentation takes place in closed tanks rather than individual bottles.

Identify two innovations attributed to Dom Perignon in the 17th century.

The production of white wine from red grapes and the use of cork stoppers.

What is 'Blanc de Blancs' Champagne?

Champagne made from Chardonnay only.

What is 'Blanc de Noirs' Champagne?

Champagne made from black grapes only (usually Pinot Noir).

Identify the German term for sparkling wine.

Sekt

Which Italian sparkling wine is made from Moscato grapes in the Piedmont region?

Asti

What is the difference between 'Spumante' and 'Frizzante'?

Spumante is fully sparkling; Frizzante is slightly sparkling.

Where are the best Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Champagne region?

Montagne de Reims

Where are the best Chardonnay grapes grown in the Champagne region?

Cotes Des Blancs

Define 'Cuvee' in the context of the grape pressing process in Champagne.

The juice from the first press, which is the highest quality.

What is the 'Taille' in Champagne pressing?

The juice from the second press.

What atmospheric pressure is required for a wine to be labeled 'Champagne'?

A minimum of 5.5 atmospheres.

What is the common grape variety used for Spanish Cava production?

Parellada, Malvasia, or Macabeo (Viura).

Which individual wrote a manuscript on a rudimentary sparkling wine method in 1334?

Francesc Scacchi

Name the five First Growth Chateaux of the 1855 classification as they stand today.

Lafite-Rothschild, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild, Margaux, and Haut-Brion.