1.
1. What year did Prohibition start?a) 1920b) 1945c) 1933
Correct Answer
A. 1920
Explanation
Prohibition refers to the period in the United States when the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned. The correct answer is 1920 because that is the year when the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, officially starting Prohibition. This amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, leading to the closure of many bars and the rise of illegal alcohol production and distribution. Prohibition lasted until 1933 when the 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and ending the ban on alcohol.
2.
2. What climate does Pinot Noir grapes grow best?a) Hot and dryb) Warm days and cool nightsc) Freezing cold days and nights
Correct Answer
B. Warm days and cool nights
Explanation
Pinot Noir grapes grow best in warm days and cool nights. This climate provides the ideal conditions for the grapes to ripen slowly and develop their complex flavors. Warm days allow the grapes to receive ample sunlight and heat, promoting sugar accumulation and flavor development. On the other hand, cool nights help to preserve acidity and maintain the grapes' freshness. This combination of warm days and cool nights creates a balance between sugar and acidity, resulting in well-balanced and flavorful Pinot Noir wines.
3.
3. What grapes are most commonly used in Champagne?a) Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapesb) All Pinot Grisc) Blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio
Correct Answer
A. Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes
Explanation
Champagne is a sparkling wine that is traditionally made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. These two grape varieties are commonly used in Champagne production because they each bring unique characteristics to the wine. Chardonnay contributes elegance, finesse, and citrus flavors, while Pinot Noir adds body, structure, and red fruit flavors. The combination of these two grapes creates a balanced and complex Champagne.
4.
4. What grape was widely grown during prohibition?a) Cabernet Sauvignonb) Merlotc) Zinfandel
Correct Answer
C. Zinfandel
Explanation
During prohibition, Zinfandel grape was widely grown. This grape variety was popular because it could be easily transported and used for making homemade wine. Its thick skin and high sugar content made it suitable for producing high-alcohol wines, which were in demand during that time. Zinfandel became a popular choice among bootleggers and individuals who wanted to make their own wine at home.
5.
5. True or False Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape?a) Trueb) False
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Shiraz and Syrah are indeed the same grape variety. The difference in name comes from the different regions where the grape is grown. In Australia and South Africa, the grape is commonly referred to as Shiraz, while in other parts of the world, particularly France, it is known as Syrah. Despite the difference in name, the grape itself is genetically identical, and the wines produced from it have similar characteristics.
6.
6. The five red grapes of Bordeaux are?a) Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noirb) Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdotc) Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsaul
Correct Answer
B. Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir
Explanation
The correct answer is option A, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir. This is because these five grape varieties are commonly used in the production of red wines in the Bordeaux region of France. Option B includes some grape varieties that are also used in Bordeaux blends, but it is missing Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. Option C includes grape varieties commonly used in the Rhône Valley, not Bordeaux.
7.
7. Which of these wines would pair best with spicy Asian food?a) Chardonnayb) Cabernet Sauvignonc) Gewurtraminer
Correct Answer
C. Gewurtraminer
Explanation
Gewurztraminer would pair best with spicy Asian food because it is a white wine with a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor profile. The sweetness helps to balance out the spiciness of the food, while the aromatic qualities complement the complex flavors of Asian cuisine. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are both more full-bodied and may overpower the flavors of the spicy food.
8.
8. What year was the Paris tasting that launched international interest in California wines?a) 1974b) 1976c) 1977
Correct Answer
B. 1976
Explanation
The Paris tasting that launched international interest in California wines took place in 1976. This event, also known as the Judgment of Paris, was a blind wine tasting competition where French judges ranked California wines above their French counterparts. This unexpected outcome put California wines on the global wine map and significantly raised their reputation and demand worldwide.
9.
9. Which wine would pair best with caviar?a) Pinot Grisb) Chardonnayc) Champagne
Correct Answer
C. Champagne
Explanation
Champagne is the best wine to pair with caviar because its crisp acidity and effervescence complement the rich and salty flavors of caviar. The bubbles in Champagne also help cleanse the palate between bites, allowing the flavors of both the wine and the caviar to shine. Additionally, Champagne's toasty and yeasty notes can enhance the overall dining experience when paired with caviar.
10.
10. The 2005 Supreme Court’s Granholm vs. Heald ruling which has been called the most important legal decision affecting wine in four decades determined that...a) States couldn’t allow their own wineries to ship directly to consumers while withholding the same privilege from out-of-state-wineries.b) All fifty states will allow direct shipping into their state from any out-of-state winery provided the winery pays the specific state permit fees.c) No direct shipment of wine will be allowed from any winery in or out of state.
Correct Answer
A. States couldn’t allow their own wineries to ship directly to consumers while withholding the same privilege from out-of-state-wineries.
Explanation
The correct answer is that the 2005 Supreme Court's Granholm vs. Heald ruling determined that states couldn't allow their own wineries to ship directly to consumers while withholding the same privilege from out-of-state wineries. This means that states cannot discriminate against out-of-state wineries by denying them the ability to ship directly to consumers while allowing their own wineries to do so. This ruling was significant as it ensured equal treatment for wineries regardless of their location, promoting fair competition in the wine industry.
11.
11. When was the corkscrew designed?a) 1700’sb) 1800’sc) 1900’s
Correct Answer
B. 1800's
Explanation
The corkscrew was designed in the 1800's. This can be inferred from the given options and the fact that the corkscrew is a relatively modern invention. The 1700's would be too early for the invention of the corkscrew, and the 1900's would be too late. Therefore, the 1800's is the most logical choice for when the corkscrew was designed.
12.
12. How many calories in a 4 ounce glass of wine?a) 75b) 85c) 95
Correct Answer
B. 85
Explanation
A 4 ounce glass of wine contains 85 calories.
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13. What approximate percentage of the population is allergic to sulfites in the wine?a) 50%b) 25%c) 1%
Correct Answer
C. 1%
Explanation
Approximately 1% of the population is allergic to sulfites in wine. This means that out of every 100 people, only 1 person will have an allergic reaction to sulfites. It is a relatively small percentage compared to the overall population.
14.
14. What are sulfites?a) A dangerous product used in winemaking that can create many health issues.b) A natural product of fermentation found in all wines, used in winemaking to kill bacteria, wild yeasts and prevent oxidation.c) A fungus that grows on the grape vines and kills it.
Correct Answer
B. 14. What are sulfites?
a) A dangerous product used in winemaking that can create many health issues.
b) A natural product of fermentation found in all wines, used in winemaking to kill bacteria, wild yeasts and prevent oxidation.
c) A fungus that grows on the grape vines and kills it.
15.
15. How do I determine if a wine is good or not?a) High wine scoresb) It’s expensivec) I like the taste
Correct Answer
C. 15. How do I determine if a wine is good or not?
a) High wine scores
b) It’s expensive
c) I like the taste
Explanation
The given answer is correct because determining if a wine is good or not is subjective and can vary from person to person. High wine scores can indicate that experts and critics have evaluated the wine and found it to be of high quality. However, it's important to note that personal preference also plays a role, as some people may enjoy the taste of a wine regardless of its scores or price. Therefore, all three factors - high wine scores, expensive price, and personal taste - can be considered when determining if a wine is good or not.