1.
If a Champagne is "sec", what does that mean?
Correct Answer
B. It's Sweet
Explanation
If a Champagne is "sec", it means that it is sweet. The term "sec" is used to describe the sweetness level of Champagne and refers to a medium-sweetness level. This is in contrast to other terms such as "brut" which indicates a dry Champagne. Therefore, if a Champagne is described as "sec", it means that it has a noticeable level of sweetness.
2.
What do you call a Champagne made entirely from Chardonnay grapes?
Correct Answer
C. Blanc De Blanc
Explanation
Blanc De Blanc is the correct answer because it refers to a Champagne that is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. "Blanc De Blanc" translates to "White from Whites" in French, indicating that it is made from white grapes. This term is used specifically for Champagne made from Chardonnay grapes, distinguishing it from other types of Champagne that may include other grape varieties.
3.
What step in method champenoise results in the carbonation of champagne?
Correct Answer
B. Second Fermentation
Explanation
The carbonation of champagne is a result of the second fermentation. During this step, a mixture of yeast and sugar is added to the base wine, and the bottle is sealed with a crown cap. As the yeast consumes the sugar, it produces carbon dioxide, which gets trapped in the bottle, creating the characteristic bubbles in champagne. This second fermentation process can last for several months or even years, allowing the flavors and aromas to develop further.
4.
What country's wine regulatory system is called the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)?
Correct Answer
C. Italy
Explanation
The correct answer is Italy. Italy's wine regulatory system is called the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). This system ensures that wines produced in specific regions of Italy meet certain quality standards and are produced using traditional methods. The DOC designation guarantees the authenticity and origin of Italian wines, providing consumers with confidence in the quality and characteristics of the wine they are purchasing. Italy is renowned for its diverse and high-quality wines, and the DOC system plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the reputation of Italian wine both domestically and internationally.
5.
What dominates each of the winemaking zones in Italy?
Correct Answer
B. A Specific Varietal
Explanation
In Italy, each winemaking zone is dominated by a specific varietal. This means that each region specializes in growing and producing wine from a particular type of grape. This is a common practice in many wine regions around the world, as different grape varieties thrive in different climates and soil conditions. By focusing on a specific varietal, winemakers can showcase the unique characteristics and flavors of that grape, creating distinct and regionally specific wines.
6.
What Italian wine is associated with straw-wrapped bottles?
Correct Answer
C. Chianti
Explanation
Chianti is the correct answer because it is an Italian wine that is traditionally associated with straw-wrapped bottles. The straw wrapping, known as a "fiasco," was originally used to protect the bottle during transportation and is now a distinctive feature of Chianti wine. This wrapping method is unique to Chianti and helps to differentiate it from other Italian wines such as Sangiovese, Lambrusco, and Barolo.
7.
What wine do most Americans associate with Italian-American restaurants?
Correct Answer
B. Chianti
Explanation
Chianti is the correct answer because it is a popular Italian wine that is commonly associated with Italian-American restaurants. It is a red wine that pairs well with Italian cuisine and has a long history of being served in these types of establishments. Chianti is known for its medium body, high acidity, and flavors of cherry and earth, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice for many Americans dining at Italian-American restaurants.
8.
What kind of wine is Tuscan's Vin Santo?
Correct Answer
B. Dessert Wine
Explanation
Tuscan's Vin Santo is a dessert wine. This type of wine is typically sweet and often served after a meal as a dessert or with dessert. Vin Santo is a traditional Italian wine made from dried grapes, which gives it a rich and concentrated flavor. It is known for its amber color and notes of honey, dried fruits, and nuts. Dessert wines are higher in sugar content compared to other types of wine, making them a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.
9.
What wine is produced from red Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes grown in Tuscany?
Correct Answer
A. Chianti
Explanation
Chianti is the correct answer because it is a wine that is produced from red Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes grown in Tuscany. Chianti is a well-known Italian red wine that is known for its medium body and high acidity, making it a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. It is a popular choice among wine enthusiasts and is often enjoyed with Italian cuisine.
10.
What is the most famous white wine made in Italy?
Correct Answer
D. Soave
Explanation
Soave is the most famous white wine made in Italy. It is a dry white wine that is produced in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. Soave is known for its light and crisp flavors, with notes of citrus and almond. It is made primarily from the Garganega grape variety, which thrives in the volcanic soil of the region. Soave has gained international recognition and popularity for its quality and versatility, making it the most famous white wine from Italy.
11.
What organization developed regulations to establish the American Viticultural Areas (AVA)?
Correct Answer
D. BATF
Explanation
The correct answer is BATF, which stands for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This organization developed regulations to establish the American Viticultural Areas (AVA). AVAs are specific wine grape-growing regions in the United States that are recognized for their unique geographic and climatic characteristics. The BATF is responsible for overseeing and regulating the production, labeling, and marketing of alcoholic beverages, including wine.
12.
When is grappa traditionally enjoyed?
Correct Answer
B. After Dinner
Explanation
Grappa is traditionally enjoyed after dinner. It is a strong Italian alcoholic beverage that is often served as a digestif, meant to be sipped slowly and enjoyed at the end of a meal. Grappa is believed to aid in digestion and is often served in small glasses to be savored and appreciated. It is a common practice in Italian culture to have a glass of grappa after a meal as a way to conclude the dining experience.
13.
Grappa is a type of what?
Correct Answer
D. Brandy
Explanation
Grappa is a type of brandy. Brandy is a spirit made from fermented fruit juice, typically grapes. Grappa specifically refers to a type of brandy that is made in Italy and is distilled from the pomace, which is the leftover grape skins, seeds, and stems after the juice has been extracted for wine production. Grappa has a strong, distinct flavor and is often enjoyed as a digestif.
14.
Where is "boutique" vini da tavola, made from French grapes, primarily produced?
Correct Answer
A. Tuscany
Explanation
"Boutique" vini da tavola, made from French grapes, is primarily produced in Tuscany. This suggests that Tuscany is known for producing this type of wine, which is made from French grapes and falls under the category of vini da tavola.
15.
What is the U.S. system for classifying wines?
Correct Answer
A. AVA
Explanation
AVA stands for American Viticultural Area, which is the U.S. system for classifying wines. AVAs are specific geographic regions that have unique climate, soil, and other factors that influence the characteristics of the wines produced there. The AVA designation ensures that the wines meet certain quality standards and allows consumers to make more informed choices when selecting wines.