Test your wine knowledge with quiz questions from our expert.
In a tasting note, what does "developing" usually suggest?
The wine shows some signs of age but still has primary fruit
A developing wine shows a mix of youthful fruit and more mature notes, such as dried fruit, earth, nuts, honey, leather, mushroom, or toast, depending on the wine style.
What is the main reason sparkling wines made by the traditional method can show biscuit, bread, or toast notes?
Extended lees aging
Traditional-method sparkling wines undergo a second fermentation in bottle and may spend time aging on lees, which can add bready, biscuit, pastry, or toast-like aromas.
What is malolactic conversion most associated with in white wine?
Softening acidity and adding buttery notes
Malolactic conversion turns sharper malic acid into softer lactic acid. In some wines, especially certain Chardonnays, it can contribute buttery or creamy notes.
Why do grapes grown in cooler climates often produce wines with lower alcohol?
Grapes usually accumulate less sugar
Alcohol potential comes from grape sugar. In cooler climates, grapes may accumulate less sugar than in warm or hot climates, leading to lower potential alcohol.
