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?

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?

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?

Which one of the following names is Malbec known as in its historical home of ‘south-west’ France?

In which year did Michel A. Pouget, (a French Agronomist) take Malbec to Argentina?

Argentina has the most planted area of Malbec in the world, followed by France. Approximately how many hectares of Malbec are planted in Argentina?

From all the Malbec grown in Argentina, what percentage is planted in the wine region of Mendoza?

Which grape did Malbec overtake to become the most planted wine grape varietal in Argentina?

Which of these tasting notes is typical of an Argentinian Malbec wine?

Which of the following is not a ‘typical’ flavour found in a Malbec wine from Argentina?

Malbec used to be a key component in a famous French red wine blend, but the vines were devastated by the severe frost in 1956. Which region was this complex red wine blend made?

Which of the following is the ‘best known’ wine region for Malbec outside Argentina?

The world’s highest altitude winery is located in Argentina and grows Malbec at over 3000 metres above sea level, what is its name?

What does the word Malbec translate to / mean in French?

On the 17th April - ‘Malbec World Day 2021’ is celebrating which 'edition' of this popular international wine event?

The exact lineage and origin of Viognier is still to be confirmed. But where in France is the agreed spiritual home of Viognier - the name of the appellation where only 100% Viognier can be used to make wine?

Like all quality wine grape varietals - Viognier as a vine starts to hit its peak, starts to produce its best quality fruit from what vine age?

In the 1950’s & ‘60’s Viognier as a varietal nearly became extinct in Condrieu, Rhône Valley - with only 10 hectares planted. Today wines of Condrieu are a benchmark style - approximately how many hectares are planted?

Even though Condrieu is located at the northern end of the Rhône Valley - the region is relatively warm and more ideal for ripening red grapes - what is the name of northly wind that cools things down to keep Viognier fresh and vibrant?

When grown in ideal conditions - Viognier can produce a quality wine on its own. But on a regular basis in the Rhône Valley it is blended with other white varietals - which of the following are the 2 usual suspects?

In the wine region of Côte-Rôtie up to 20% Viognier can be used in a red wine blend - but most winemakers don’t use more than 5%. Which of the following is the main reason for adding Viognier to the blend?

As a grape producing vine - Viognier is renowned for producing / yielding what level of crop?

Even with DNA analysis, the exact origin and parents of Viognier are still to be confirmed - as it is a complex process. But currently one family member and cousin have been identified - which of the following is correct?

Viognier can produce elegant, dry white wines - through to luscious sweet dessert wines. But when it comes to ripening - compared to other white varietals, typically when does Viognier tend to ripen?

Which of the following describes the typical range of aromas and flavours you can find in Viognier grapes and the resulting crafted wines?

Viognier can be a versatile grape varietal - depending upon the terroir and growing conditions. With the flavours described above, which of the following is the more ideal food pairing with Viognier?

Which of the following New Zealand Wineries has an acclaimed reputation for making a luscious sweet dessert wine Viognier called ‘Indulgence’ - (with the 2017 vintage having 275g/L residual sugar)?

Which of the following is the ‘technical term’ used to describe the process of winemaking…?

A person who makes (crafts by hand) oak wine barrels is known as a...?

Which of the following is a measurement of a grape's sugar content, indicating its ripeness level at harvest time?

The winemaking term ‘skin contact’ refers to which of the following?

What is the term for the layer of grape skins and stems that forms on the top of fermenting wine?

Which of the following is the French term, meaning ‘to bleed’ - referring to the technique when lightly coloured red grape juice is drawn off from a tank to make a Rosé wine?

Which of the following is the term used to describe the dead yeast cells and other sediment that a wine may be aged on inside a stainless tank or oak barrel?

What is the name of the process by which wine is transferred from one barrel into an empty-clean barrel, leaving the sediment behind?

Known as ‘Pigéage’ in French, what is the process of breaking up the cap (the layer of grape skins) on top of fermenting red wine?

Which of the following is the correct order in the vinification - winemaking process?

Called ‘Rémontage’ in French, what is the process of transferring red wine from the bottom of the tank and pouring it on to the cap?

When yeast stops converting grape sugars to alcohol before the fermentation process been fully completed, this is called what...?

Which of the following is regarded as Sauvignon Blanc's most important wine region in France?

DNA testing has identified that Sauvignon Blanc and which other grape varietal are the genetic parents of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its herbaceous characters like cut grass, capsicum, dried herbs and gooseberries. Which of the following flavours compounds is responsible?

Sauvignon Blanc is good at expressing mineral flavours imparted by the soils in which it is grown. Which of the following soil types are ideal for the grapes flavour profile?

In which of the following wine regions is Sauvignon Blanc known to excel and produce aromatic wines with vibrant, lively crisp fruit flavours?

Fumé Blanc is a unique 'smoky' style of Sauvignon Blanc revitalised and made famous by which of the following American winemakers?

Pouilly-Fumé in one of the two wine regions in the Loire Valley known for quality Sauvignon Blanc wines - which is the other wine appellation?

Which of the following Bordeaux ‘First-Growths’ is the only estate to make a 'dry' Sauvignon Blanc wine blend renowned for its quality?

Which of the following white wine styles is the odd one out?

The Bordeaux wine region crafts dynamic white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, which is the other grape varietal sometimes blended with it?

Which of the following Chilean wine regions is regarded as the best for producing quality Sauvignon Blanc wines?

In New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc plays an important part in the wine industry. In 2020 there was a total of 39,935ha of vines planted across the country. What percentage of the total planted area do Sauvignon Blanc vines cover?

In the 1990's DNA testing confirmed Cabernet Sauvignon was a cross between which 'two' grape varietals back in the 17th century?

In Bordeaux during vintages when Cabernet Sauvignon struggles to fully ripen, which of the following earlier ripening varietals is used as a blending component?

Cabernet Sauvignon as a grape varietal can grow well in many different soil types. Which of the following is not ideal soil conditions?

Because of Cabernet Sauvignon’s rich character, structure and tannins, it is often vinified using many different winemaking techniques - 'except' which of the following?

Which of the following countries has more planted area of Cabernet Sauvignon than any other varietal - and with most of its premium quality wines being crafted from it?

Cabernet Sauvignon is the base varietal and backbone to all but 'one' of the following top Bordeaux wines?

Which of the following characteristics is often associated with Cabernet Sauvignon predominant red wines?

In which way can quality, well-made Cabernet Sauvignon wines benefit from time in the cellar?

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the key varietals of Bordeaux, thriving on the Left Bank. Which of the following wine appellations is not planted with Cabernet?

Cabernet Sauvignon is an important grape varietal and wine in which of the following regions?

Cabernet Sauvignon crafted as a full-bodied red wine pairs ‘best’ with which of the following dishes?

Which of the following owner / winemakers is well known for consistently crafting well balanced Cabernet Sauvignon predominant red wines...?

The most favoured way to make rosé wine is to let red grape skins stay in contact with the juice for a short period of time. Which of the following techniques, results in a rosé wine produced as a by-product - where juice is ‘bled off’ from a red wine fermentation tank to improve the primary red wine, making it more intense?

Some rosé wines are not fermented completely dry - resulting in a 'sweet' style pink wine. What is this style commonly called in the United States?

Which of the following winemaking techniques is commonly used to make quality Rosé Champagne?

Most wine enthusiasts around the world know and call these pink wines as rosé. But what other term is used to label particular rosé wines around the world?

In the Rhône Valley this appellation is famous for its rosé wine - in fact it is the only style of wine allowed to carry its name - what is it called?

Provence is considered the birthplace of French rosé wine, dating back 2600 years. Annually over 135 million bottles of rosé wine are consumed, this makes up what percentage of all Provençal wine?

The traditional curvy, bowling-pin shaped wine bottle used for rosé wine in Provence (southern France) is sometimes called, referred to as what?

France consumes more rosé than white wine, and is the world's largest producer of rosé. They produce approximately how much of the world's total rosé production?

Which of the following is the best conditions to serve and enjoy a glass of rosé wine?

Which of the following 2018 Rosé wines - won 'Best of Show & Best Value' - at the annual 'Best Rosé Wine Competition 2019' run by James Suckling?

Which of the following is an ideal cuisine pairing suggestion with a chilled rosé wine?

Which of the following Champagne Houses only make a 'Vintage’ Rosé Champagne?

In which of the following countries is Riesling the most planted grape varietal, along with being its historic and spiritual home?

The Riesling grape varietal is well suited to cool climates - what is one of the varietals attributes…?

Riesling rarely achieves the sugar levels of other varietals, and are often only partially fermented. Resulting in Riesling wines which are generally low in…?

The renowned Mosel wine region of Germany, has some of the world's steepest vineyards. How do this conditions help Riesling grow…?

Because of Riesling’s affinity for cool conditions, Riesling has found its home in cooler-climate wine regions around the world. Which of the following is one…?

In Germany, Riesling concentrated by ‘noble rot’ make sweet wines, designated Beerenauslese & Trockenbeerenauslese. In which French wine region are Riesling botrytis wines labelled ‘Sélection de Grains Nobles…?

Even the hot continent of Australia has found a home for Riesling - in which region does the grape thrive…?

Riesling has become the hallmark wine of which of the following cool-climate American wine regions…?

Classic German Riesling wines, typically express which of the following characters…?

Which of the following is not an ideal food pairing with a Riesling wine from a cooler climate…?

Riesling is one of the most planted grape varietals in New Zealand - where *(as of 2020) does it currently rank…?

In the Alsace wine region of France, what is a ‘Late Harvest’ Riesling wine called…?

Which of the following wine regions in France makes some of the world’s best Pinot Noir?

A Champagne which is made from 100% Pinot Noir is typically named and labelled what?

In 1395 the Duke of Burgundy decreed that Pinot Noir would be the region’s primary red varietal. Which of the following grapes was ordered to be pulled out and banned from being planted?

Which of the following is the southern-most appellation in the Côte de Beaune which makes Pinot Noir?

Which of the following is not an alternative name for Pinot Noir?

Which of the following best describes the Pinot Noir grape varietal?

Which of the following wine regions are not recognised for crafting premium quality Pinot Noir?

New Zealand is highly regarded for its styles of Pinot Noir. In which part of the country does it thrive?

Pinot Noir is agreed to be a difficult grape to grow and ripen. Which of the following characteristics contribute to this reputation?

The South African grape varietal Pinotage is a cross between which two other red grapes?

Which of the following are the official grape varietals now allowed to make wine in Burgundy?

Pinot Noir is in the top 10 most planted grape varietals in the world, where does it currently rank..?

Which of the following are the genetic Vitis Vinifera parents of Chardonnay?

Which of the following factors contribute to making Chardonnay such a popular varietal?

Which of the following wine regions in France is renown for producing high quality Chardonnay wine?

Which of the following wine regions in Australia have a reputation for making some of the best Chardonnays in the world?

Chardonnay is the key grape varietal for white Burgundy wines, but which other grape can be used?

Which of the following winemaking processes does Chardonnay often go through before bottling?

The world’s best crafted Chardonnay wines can age comfortably for…?

Which of the following is a 'classic' food pairing with a Chablis?

Which of the following is an ideal food pairing with a barrel-fermented, full-bodied Chardonnay?

Which of the following is not an appellation in Burgundy where Chardonnay is successfully grown?

When did the Burgundy wine region in France (the home of Chardonnay); became a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Chardonnay is in the top 10 most planted grape varietals in the world, where does it currently rank..?

Sangiovese is an Italian red wine grape varietal that derives its name from the Latin ‘Sanguis Jovis’ - which of the following is the literal translation of the name?

DNA research & testing on the parentage of Sangiovese found that which of the following two wine grapes are its parents?

Over time & from centuries of both natural & controlled clone selection - today there are how many officially recorded ‘dominant clones’ of Sangiovese planted to produce high quality red wines?

In Italy, Sangiovese accounts for approximately 9% of all planted wine vines - this would make Sangiovese ranked at which position in the top planted wine grapes in Italy?

Sangiovese is the main component of red wines from: Chianti Classico DOCG, Carmignano DOCG, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Morellino di Scansano DOCG and Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. But by law which of the following must occur to be classified as Brunello di Montalcino DOCG?

Sangiovese is quite particular about where it grows, so as to be able to best express itself in quality red wines. Which of the following is true when growing Sangiovese?

When crafting Chianti Classico blended red wines - winemakers are allowed to add, traditional & local varietals such as Mammolo, Canaiolo, Colorino, Cabernet & even Merlot. But since 2006 what has been outlawed from Chianti Classico red wines?

Which of the following is not a certified clone / name of Sangiovese planted and grown in Tuscany - Italy, and used to produce quality red wines?

Sangiovese when ripe is natural high in tannins & fruit acidity, plus during winemaking is readily takes on oak notes & flavours when aged in barrel - which of the following are typical Sangiovese aromas & flavours?

Since 2005 quality Sangiovese based red wine from Chianti Classico wineries have used the registered trademark / icon ‘Gallo Nero’ for the ‘Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico’. Gallo Nero translates to which of the following?

Sangiovese's natural character & moderate alcohol make it a very food-friendly style when it comes to wine & food pairing. Which of the following is an ideal wine & food pairing with a Sangiovese-based red wine?

Which of the following Italian wineries is located at the heart of the Chianti Classico wine region - and is renowned for producing quality, highly regarded Sangiovese based red wines?

Chenin Blanc has a long history, thought to have originated in the Anjou wine region of the Loire Valley in France as long ago as the…?

How do you spell one of the worlds most renowned and respected wine regions within the greater Loire Valley in France - that crafts quality Chenin Blanc wines & starts with the letter ‘V’?

Which of the following Loire Valley landmarks is responsible for the name change in the 15th century of Chenin Blanc - from the name Chenere which it is thought to have been called?

Chenin Blanc as a wine varietal, is extremely versatile - able to make dry, bright white wines, lightly oak-aged and sweet styles, plus vibrant sparkling wines. Which of the following is its typical character in the vineyard?

Chenin Blanc has left France and travelled to many countries, with a key area being South Africa. Many believe Jan Van Riebeeck, took grape vines from France & first planted them at his home vineyard in South Africa when?

Chenin Blanc can produce many different styles of wine - depending upon where and how it is grown and when it is harvested, fermented & aged. Which of the following are the flavours found in Chenin Blanc wines?

Which of the following countries in currently the largest producer of Chenin Blanc wine?

Which of the following countries is trying to master the unique nature of Chenin Blanc - and produce both vibrant single varietal and blended white wines with Chenin Blanc?

The Loire Valley is one of 8 approved AOP regions in France to produce Crémant - a dry, sparkling wine made from a variety of grapes to make Crémant de Loire, with Chenin Blanc the main component. Which of the following is the technique, process used to make Crémant de Loire?

In South Africa - Chenin Blanc the wine grape is known locally by which of the following names?

When pairing cuisine with a classic off-dry, vibrant refreshing style Chenin Blanc, from anywhere in the world. Which of the following dishes, styles of cuisine would pair well?

Which of the following wineries is known for its quality expression of Chenin Blanc crafted in Gisborne - New Zealand?

It was once thought that Syrah originated around the Persian (now Iranian) city of Shiraz. But recent research has proved the grape is actually indigenous to where?

Syrah is a fairly resilient grape varietal, but thrives best in which of the following growing conditions?

It is common practice in the Northern Rhône appellation of Côte-Rôtie, as well as in parts of Australia, to co-ferment Syrah with small amounts of which white grape varietal?

What is the relationship of the Syrah grape varietal to Petite Sirah?

Which of the following wine appellations is known for growing world-class Syrah / Shiraz?

Which one of the following wine regions is not renowned for its quality Syrah / Shiraz production?

The spiritual home of Syrah is in the Rhône Valley - France, why is it so successful in other wine growing regions around the world?

Which of the following is the most likely explanation why the Australian's name Syrah - ‘Shiraz’?

In the California wine region of the States, Syrah grows well in which of the following appellations?

According to the Barossa Valley ‘Old Vine Charter’ in Australia. What age must a Shiraz vine achieve to be classified and given ‘Ancestor Vine’ status?

Syrah is one of the grapes allowed to be used in the production of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine. Which of the following grapes are also permitted?

Quality Syrah (and Syrah blended wines) are being made in California. What is the ‘nick-name’ of the famed group of winemakers which produce these wines?

In which of the following French wine regions is Merlot the most widely planted red grape varietal?

Merlot is one of the 5 classic Bordeaux red wine grape varietals. Which of the following grapes is not in this famous group?

Several wine appellations in France use Merlot as a key blending component. Which of the following wine regions does not depend on Merlot for its wines?

Merlot is blended with other Bordeaux red grape varietals to add what quality to the final wine?

The name Merlot is derived from the French word ‘merle’, which translates to which of the following?