Wine Quiz – Wine Terms

Where in France is the Champagne wine region located?

Which are the three 'primary' grape varietals used for crafting Champagne Wine?

On average worldwide - approximately how many bottles of Champagne are sold each year?

Which was the official Champagne served at the Royal Wedding of Prince William & Kate Middleton?

In which year was the Champagne wine region made a UNESCO Heritage Site?

What does ‘NV’ stand for on the wine label of a bottle of Champagne?

The Champagne bottle named 'Nebuchadnezzar' contains how many standard 750ml bottles?

When reading a Champagne wine label, what does the term ‘Blanc de Blancs’ refer to?

The term dosage (or liqueur d'expedition) refers to what?

Which of the following is 'not' a designated area within the Champagne wine region?

Which process involves the gradual rotating of the Champagne bottles, to collect sediment in the neck of the bottle?

Who of the following was the first 'founder' of a Champagne House to visit the United States?

The French 'term' used to describe someone who grows grapes specifically for the purpose of making wine is called a...?

Which of the following stages is 'not' part of a grapevine's annual growing cycle?

Which of the following is the biggest threat to a grape vine during budburst?

Which of the following factors is 'unlikely' to affect the character and flavour of ripe grapes?

In the vineyard the term ‘canopy’ refers to which of the following?

Which of the following describes the vineyard process of vine pruning?

Which of the following is a natural fungus found in the vineyard, considered desirable by winemakers who make sweet wines?

What is the 'term' for the removal of young unripe grapes from vines, used to reduce the crop yield and to improve the concentration of flavours in the remaining bunches?

During the grape growing cycle, the stage at which green grapes start to change colour is called what?

To protect grape vines around the world from a devastating pest, European varietals (Vitis Vinifera) are typically grafted onto resistant American root-stock, to protect them from which of the following?

In the vineyard, as grape bunches develop and ripen, which of the following is happening?

The varied factors which influence the grape vine and the resulting wine crafted from a specific site, including the soil, climate and topography are collectively referred to as what?

Starting things off with oysters served natural in their shell, on a bed of ice with a few pieces of lemon to squeeze over if you like - which of the following is a classic pairing and will complement the oysters?

Steamed or pan-fried fillet of white fish, served with asparagus spears or broccolini on a bed of risotto - which of the following is an 'ideal' pairing to complement these fresh flavours?

You are having a classic Italian summer lunchtime dish - a sardine salad, served with olives, capers and a mixed green salad with dressing - which of the following wines is a classic pairing?

You decide to have a grilled or bbq’d fillet of salmon, well-seasoned and served with eggplant, roast cherry tomatoes and rocket salad - which of the following wines could you serve to complement all these flavours?

You are lucky enough to catch or be in a restaurant serving smoked trout, served with green vegetables and a rich sauce - which of the following wines would not be an ideal pairing?

You are enjoying a classic summer dish of scallops served with a light, herb infused olive oil dressing - which of the following wines would 'clash' with the delicate flavours?

You are cooking or ordering some squid / calamari - served with rocket and an olive oil dressing or a dipping sauce - which of the following wines would 'overpower' the subtle flavours?

If you were in Spain or a Spanish themed restaurant and you ordered a classic seafood Paella - served with crusted rice - which of the following wines is not a classic pairing?

You are grilling some fresh prawn kebabs and serving them with a sweet and sour sauce - which of the following wines would 'clash' & 'overpower' the prawns?

You are about to enjoy some crayfish or lobster - served with a light aioli or mayonnaise dipping sauce - which of the following wine styles would not be a complementary pairing?

You are about to enjoy some Thai Fish Cakes served with a red chilli-dipping sauce - which of the following wines would make the dish even 'more intense' on the palate and not pair well?

You are about to enjoy a slow baked fish pie, with a thick crust and a rich creamy sauce - which of the following wines would not quite step up to this dish and be 'overpowered' by the pie?

Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris are one in the same - they also have a similar DNA profile to Pinot Noir. The difference in colour derived from a genetic mutation which occurred centuries ago. Which of the following is a typical description - difference between Pinot Grigio & Pinot Gris?

Pinot Grigio or Gris is planted and enjoyed all over the world, which of the following is another name for the grape varietal?

Pinot Gris with its natural greyish-blue skin is one of the more popular grapes varietal for producing which of the following wine styles?

Pinot Gris in France was once called ‘Tokay d'Alsace’ - but in 1993, an agreement was reached between Hungary and the EU to phase out the name Tokay from non-Hungarian wine. In the case of Alsace, in which year did they agree to remove Tokay from their wine labels?

In France, the spiritual home of Pinot Gris is in Alsace. What is the approximate planted area of Pinot Gris in the wine region of Alsace?

In Alsace, Pinot Gris is grown and used to make wonderful 'Late Harvest / Botrytis' styles such as ‘Vendages Tardives’. What is the name of the other style of wine made in the region which is intensely rich, sweet and quite rare?

The Pinot Gris grape typically has a greyish-blue skin, accounting for its name - Gris meaning ‘grey’ in French; and Pinot coming from the French word for?

Which of the following are ideal growing conditions and resulting character of Pinot Gris / Grigio?

In which of the following wine regions in Italy does Pinot Grigio thrive and produce quality wines?

Which of the following wineries is the top selling Italian Pinot Grigio in the USA, plus in 2021 celebrated 60 years of producing Pinot Grigio wine?

Which of the following is an ideal food pairing suggestion for Pinot Gris?

Which of the following New Zealand wineries has been producing quality Pinot Gris since 1985?

What is the general difference between ‘modern’ and ‘traditional’ styles of Spanish wine?

Cava the famous Spanish sparkling wine made primarily in the Penedès wine region near Barcelona, is crafted by using which of the following methods?

Which of the following wine regions in Spain was the first to receive official D.O. Appellation status?

What is the relationship between the Portuguese grape 'Verdelho' associated with Madeira, and 'Verdejo' the primary grape of Spain's Rueda wine region?

Although nearly exclusive to Spain (used for early drinking blends and brandy), which of the following Spanish white grapes, until recently, claimed the most hectares under vine in the world?

What is significant about the wine region of Málaga, in the mountains on the southern coast of Spain?

Garnacha is the primary red varietal grown in three of the following Spanish appellations - except in which wine region?

Spanish wines are classified as ‘Denominación de Origen’ (DO) and ‘Denominación de Origen Calificada’ (DOC). Currently only two wine regions have DOC status in Spain, they are?

Spain is the number one worldwide producer of organic wine. Due to traditional winemaking techniques, many winemakers have refused to use chemicals or pesticides in wine production since the 1950’s up to the present time. Approximately how many hectares of land is specifically registered as organic?

Spain is probably first thought of as a red wine producer, with famous wines crafted from Tempranillo and Garnacha. Spain also has white varietals like Albariño, Airén and Palomino producing wines. What is Spain's ‘approximate’ vineyard area of white vines?

A good value Spanish red wine alternative to the longer-aged ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Reserva’ - are wines which have had at least 2 years of aging, are called?

Which of the following families was been involved in the Spanish wine industry since 1430, making it one of the world’s oldest wine companies?

For the longest time, wine bottles across Europe were typically made in variable sizes between 700 - 800mls in volume. Why was this?

In order to aid easier wine trade between north America & Europe. The European Union adopted the same standard 750ml wine bottle size as the USA. In which year did the USA set the now ‘standard’ size for the glass wine bottle?

Wine producers in Portugal, Spain, Germany, Italy & France follow the tradition of their local wine regions in choosing the bottle shape most appropriate for the wine. Which of the following is the correct description of traditional bottle colours used for wines made in Bordeaux?

The particular glass bottles used for Champagne wines are especially heavy & strong, to contain the high-pressure contents. What is the approximate pressure inside a bottle of Champagne?

Chianti was made famous with the traditional bottle distinguished by the raffia basket woven around the base. Not just for rustic charm, as these particular Chianti bottles are actually round, and require the basket to allow it to stand upright. There are called what?

Many traditional wine bottle sizes are named after Biblical Kings and historical figures. The ‘Standard’ wine bottle is 750ml in volume. What is the name given to the 30 Litre bottle - (40 x standard bottles) used by Drappier to make their largest bottle of Champagne?

The ‘Speyer’ wine bottle found in 1867, in the Rhineland region of Germany near the town of Speyer. Is regarded as the world's oldest existing ‘unopened’ glass bottle of wine - and has been dated when?

Up until around 1945 - wines from Burgundy and Champagne often came in 800ml bottles, with various sizes used for other wine regions and countries. Beaujolais was known for its ‘pot’ bottle - and still used to this day for Tokaji, Sauternes and Jerez is the ‘Jennie’ bottle. What was and still is the volume of this bottle?

The Bordeaux bottle shape has become the most used amongst winemakers the world over. A key feature which sets the Bordeaux bottle apart from the Burgundy bottle is the its distinctive shoulders. Many believe these shoulders were created in order to do what?

Wines from the Rhine region in Germany use a bottle similar in shape to the Alsace bottle in France. But the main distinguishing feature is the glass, which was traditionally coloured?

Which of the following Champagne Houses recently released their NV Brut Réserve in a ‘bespoke’ shaped bottle, with the design influenced by the shape of the Roman caves in which it ages?

Which UK Branch of a French Champagne House is bringing back ‘pint-sized’ bottles, which were banned when Britain joined the EEC in 1973. These ‘pint’ sized bottles were a favourite of ‘Sir Winston Churchill’ who stated that a pint was - "enough for two at lunch and one at dinner”?

Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the genetic parents of Cabernet Sauvignon. Which of the following best describes the aromas and flavours of Cabernet Franc?

The history of Cabernet Franc is linked with the Basque country and Libournais area in Bordeaux. France is the largest producer of Cabernet Franc - commonly used as a blending grape in the famous ‘Right Bank’ Bordeaux blends. The finest ‘Right Bank’ red wines are usually a blend of?

In which of the following Bordeaux wine areas, is Cabernet Franc planted more than any other wine producing region?

There is a French wine region which specialises in Cabernet Franc as a single varietal wine - the Loire Valley. There are 2 very important appellations within the Loire Valley to remember for Cabernet Franc and they are?

The grape varietal Cabernet Franc is related to and is very similar too Cabernet Sauvignon, but it buds and ripens when?

Compared with Cabernet Sauvignon, the parent grape Cabernet Franc has natural traits that allow it to thrive much better in which on the following conditions?

DNA testing has also confirmed that Cabernet Franc to be a parent of which of the following red wine grape varietals?

Which of the following is a typical trait and characteristic for Cabernet Franc?

In New World wine regions, a special red wine blend made from the traditional red varietals of Bordeaux has been given a nick-name. This blend must be made from at least two of the following varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carménère - with no varietal comprising more than 90% of the blend. The name is?

Because Cabernet Franc can thrive in cooler-climate regions, it is more often than most other red grape varietals, made into what style of wine?

One of the most sought after red wines of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux comes from a vineyard planted and made with a high percentage of Cabernet Franc. Which of the following is that wine?

The much sought after 2015 Stonyridge ‘Larose’ made on Waiheke Island in New Zealand is a blend of the classic Bordeaux red varietals - with this vintage a blend of 6 varietals. What percentage does Cabernet Franc play in the 2015 blend?

What is it about oak that no other wood type possesses - which has proven time and again to be the most compatibility with wine?

Why originally and still to this day are oak wine barrels made in a double arched (curved) shape?

What are the long individual pieces of wood that make up the sides of an oak wine barrel called?

Naturally and with minimal toasting of the wood, oak can give which of the following additional notes to wine?

When making oak wine barrels in France - typically the wood is sourced from 5 main government owned and regulated forests. 2 of these include ‘Alliers’ and ‘Limousin’, which of the following forests is the 'odd' one out?

The slow evaporation and 'lost wine' during aging in oak barrels, which helps to intensify the flavour compounds in wine - is called what?

The most commonly used oak wine barrels are the ‘Bordeaux’ style, which hold a volume of 225 litres. This is equivalent to which of the following?

Barrels contribute the most aroma, colour and texture to wine in their first year of use. And these characters diminish to virtually nothing on ‘average’ in how many years of use?

What is the name given to someone who specialises in making oak wine barrels?

Winemakers can order oak barrels to have a certain degree of toasting (by flame) on the inside surface. The main levels of toasting are: Light, Medium, Medium Plus and Heavy. If you see a barrel in a winery and notice the letters MT - what does this mean?

The traditional method of making oak wine barrels in France, they hand-split the oak staves and make every piece by hand - how many barrels can an experienced cooper make in one day?

While wine is ageing in oak barrels in the cellar, the winemaker will regularly take samples to taste its development. What is the name of the ‘tool’ used to take wine samples from an oak barrel?

The Bordeaux wine appellation allows for 5 key red grape varietals to be labelled as Bordeaux. Which of the following is 'not' one of them?

Châteaux on the ‘Left Bank’ in Bordeaux were classified in a ranked grading on the order of Napoleon III. In which year was this ranking collated?

Out of the key Bordeaux red grapes, which varietal is vulnerable to early frost, prefers clay soils and thrives best on the ‘Right Bank’ in Bordeaux?

Which two 'sub-regions' of Bordeaux are famous for their 'sweet' white wines, made from grapes affected by botrytis also known as noble rot?

Before release, approximately how long do most fine Bordeaux red wines typically age in oak barrels at the Château?

A wide estuary which opens onto the Atlantic Ocean, separates the Bordeaux ‘Left Bank’ from the ‘Right Bank’. What is its name?

With around 120,000 hectares of planted grape vines in Bordeaux, *approximately how many Châteaux are there in the Bordeaux wine region?

In the 1855 Bordeaux wine classification, there were originally only 4 first-growth Châteaux. Which of the following is 'not' one of them?

The wine appellation of ‘Entre-Deux-Mers’ is situated between which two rivers in Bordeaux?

In which year did the Bordeaux wine region become a UNESCO World Heritage site?

A Bordelaise sauce contains which two key ingredients?

Which Bordeaux red wine was served to James Bond (Sean Connery) in the movie ‘Diamonds are forever’?

Originally to distinguish Amarone from another wine which is produced in the same region, which is made in a ‘sweeter’ style. In Italian, the name ‘Amarone’ literally means?

To make Amarone wine - ripe grapes are harvested in the first two weeks of October, carefully choosing bunches with fruit not too close together, to aid in air flow. Grapes are allowed to dry, traditionally on straw mats. This process (to dry and shrivel the grapes) is called what in Italian?

When making a quality Amarone wine, which of the following is the ‘typically’ length of time for the grape drying process before fermentation?

During the drying process - the traditional red grapes used to make Amarone; Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara - on average loose approximately what volume in weight / juice?

Amarone wine was originally assigned ‘Denominazione di Origine Controllata’ (DOC) status in December 1990. When was Amarone promoted to DOCG status?

If fermentation is stopped early, the resulting wine will contain residual sugar (more than 4 grams of sugar per litre) and produce a sweeter wine known as?

The level of alcohol in an Amarone wine can easily surpass 15% - (with this style not released until five years after the vintage - though this is not a legal requirement). What is the 'minimum' level of alcohol required when producing an Amarone wine?

Before being released onto the market, wines labelled ‘Amarone della Valpolicella’ must undergo what 'minimum' period of ageing from January 1st - the year following the harvest?

When making an Amarone style wine - in order to ensure that the selection of the best grapes can withstand the long drying process. Which of the following must happen ‘by law’ to ensure quality?

Traditionally, the ageing of Valpolicella and Amarone wines was done inside large wooden casks. The typical size used was a barrel of 600 litre capacity - what is this traditional barrel called?

Another DOC wine produced in this region - a technique where the leftover grape skins from the Amarone fermentation process are added to normal Valpolicella wine. And allowed to macerate for an extended period of time, resulting in a fuller-bodied style Valpolicella, with a higher alcohol. Today several Amarone producers produce this style of wine which is called what?

Amarone della Valpolicella wines to be labelled 'Riserva' - from the 1st November of the harvest year are required to age for a ‘minimum’ of what period of time?

Lemon Meringue Pie served slightly chilled with fresh raspberries - which of the following wines will complement and bring out the best in each other?

A creamy strawberry cheesecake - with freshly slice strawberries on top and with a sweet berry glaze and mixed berries on the side. Which of the following wines will 'not' complement and overpower the dessert?

Butterscotch Crème Brûlée served chilled with a decent crust coating that is glazed-torched just before serving. Which of the following wines is 'not' the most ideal combination and will overpower the flavours?

Apple Tart with vanilla ice-cream, served cool or preferably slightly warm with a thick pastry base. Which of the following wines is the 'ideal' pairing combination with the light flavours in the dessert?

Berry Tart with boysenberry ice-cream served cool or preferably slightly warm with a thick pastry base-crust. Which of the following wines will complement the desserts key flavours?

Crepes - served with fresh strawberries & cream - served cool with mixed red berries on the side. Which of the following wines is 'not' an ideal pairing and would overpower the fresh flavours?

Pecan Pie with a thick base-crust, served slightly warm with biscuit caramel ice-cream. Which of the following wines would 'clash' and overpower the flavours in this dessert?

Tiramisu with biscuits, fresh coffee & brandy cream, plus a cinnamon dusting - which of the following wines would 'not' quite pair with the flavours combination in this dessert?

Chocolate & Berry Roulade - thick chocolate sponge with berry mixed cream & blackberries on the side, with a berry sauce. Which of the following wines would 'not' quite pair with the chocolate flavours?

Sticky Toffee Pudding served warm with dark treacle sauce - which of the following wines would be 'overpowered' by the flavours in this warm, rich sticky dessert?

Chocolate Mousse made with a high percentage of cacao and served with a rich chocolate sauce. Which of the following wines will be overpowered and 'not' ideally complement the key flavours?

Dark Chocolate Mud Cake with Chocolate Ganache Icing, 85% cacao chocolate sauce - served cool or warm. Which of the following wines would be 'overwhelmed' by all of this dark chocolate?

Carménère has a relatively recent history compared with many red grape varietals - which of the following regions in France is believed to be its place of origin?

Carménère is now planted like many French red grapes varietals around the world. But which of the following countries is agreed to be the ‘New Spiritual Home’ of Carménère?

Which of the following red grape varietals is agreed (proven by DNA tasting) to be one of the genetic parents of Carménère?

Thought to be a lost grape - in which year did French ampelographer Jean-Michel Boursiquot with the use of DNA testing, rediscover and correctly identify Carménère?

Before it was correctly identified by DNA testing - which of the following red grape varietals was Carménère mistaken to be in the vineyard?

Which of the following red grape varietals are classic partners when crafting a quality blended wine with Carménère?

France is the original home of Carménère, but in the 19th century it was thought to be lost, with virtually no vines planted. As of 2016 approximately how many hectares of Carménère were planted in France?

In Chile, Carménère has become an extremely important red grape varietal - as of 2019 approximately how many hectares or Carménère were planted in Chile?

Chile is known for producing bold styles of Carménère from the Cachapoal and Colchagua Valleys. Which of the following are concerns when growing Carménère?

Which of the following are the typical flavours & characters that you can find in a Carménère wine?

Carménère as a red wine pairs well with which of the following dishes?

Which of the following wine brands is internationally renowned for crafting quality red wines having a predominant percentage of Carménère?

What is the name of the Portuguese city where Port Wines are aged?

There are 5 main traditional grape varietals used to make 'red' Port wine in the Douro Valley. Which option below contains the correct 5 red grapes?

The Douro in Portugal was the 2nd wine region in the world to be officially classified (after Tokaji in Hungary). In which year did this happen?

What is the name of the traditional square, shallow foot treading tanks made typically from granite - typically a meter in depth, used to crush Port grapes?

Which of the following is 'not' an official style of Port wine?

With the exception of a special category of *(Light, Dry White & Rosé) Port. Typically Port wine is fortified to an alcohol strength of between which from the following?

Which of these red Port wines is not produced from a 'single' vintage?

What is the name of the traditional boats used to transport Port wine barrels down the Douro River?

Which of the following temperatures should 'White Port' wine ideally 'not' be served at?

Which of the following is the best, most ideal food pairing with Vintage Port?

Which year did the Douro Wine Region receive the UNESCO World Heritage Site classification?

After a bottle of Port is opened, its preservation will depend on the style of Port and its careful storage. What is the suggested period of time to keep a ‘Tawny' Port open?

Which of the following, are the names of three primary grapes used to make Sherry?

Sherry is produced between the 3 villages of: Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María. What is this area also known as?

To make Sherry which is a 'fortified' wine, grape spirit must be added..?

Flor is a thick protective layer of yeast that rests on top of the ageing Sherry. What is Flor’s primary food source which encourages it to grow?

Which of the following Sherry’s is made and ages until ready, under a complete thick layer of 'Flor'?

Why is a Pedro Ximénez Sherry (also known as P.X.) a sweet style wine?

Sanlúcar de Barrameda is the village where which of the following Sherry wines is renowned for?

Which of the following Sherries is not classified as a 'Fino' before aging in oak barrel?

Which of the following is the name given to the barrel houses in which Sherry ages and matures?

The process used in the production of all styles of Sherry (dry or sweet) is called a 'Solera' System. Which of the following best describes this process?

Which of the following is the ideal ‘temperature range’ to serve all styles of Sherry?

Typically a Pedro Ximénez 'P.X. Sherry' is best described by which of the following?

Nebbiolo is an Italian red grape varietal used to make Barolo DOCG wines. From which of the following wine regions is Nebbiolo predominantly associated?

By Italian winemaking law, which of the following 'two' DOCG wines must be produced from only 100% Nebbiolo grapes?

It is agreed by many that Nebbiolo takes its name from the Italian word ‘nebbia’ - which describes a typical appearance on the regions hills?

In the Piedmont wine region between 250-450m it is an ideal height to plant Nebbiolo grapes, and on selected slopes facing in which direction?

In Italy - how many DOCG red wines are made from the Nebbiolo grape?