Test your wine knowledge with quiz questions from our expert.
True or False: Zinfandel is the leading grape by tonnage in California's Lodi region?
False
According to the California Department of Agriculture Grape Crush Report, Lodi crushes about 147,000 tons of Zinfandel, coming in at the number two slot just behind the roughly 166,000 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes crushed in the region.
Which Portuguese grape variety is known for its ability to grow in sandy soils?
Castelão
Castelão is a leading red grape in Portugal, and known among Portuguese winegrowers for its ability to thrive in sandy soils (particularly those in Península de Setúbal), creating wines with good acidity, prominent tannins, and the ability to age in bottle.
True or False: The Burn of Columbia Valley and White Bluffs are two of the oldest Washington State AVAs?
False
Both White Bluffs and The Burn of Columbia Valley were made official Washington State AVAs in June of 2021, making them among the very newest official wine producing areas in the state.
Which of the following is NOT a white grape used in Port production?
Fernao Pires/Maria Gomes
Fernao Pires (also known as Maria Gomes) is a widely planted grape throughout Portugal, and a diverse one (being made into dry, sparkling, and dessert wines). It is not, however, a grape used in Port production.
True or False: Piedmont's Grignolino grape variety is most likely a descendant of Nebbiolo?
True
According to genetics research recently presented by Vignale Monferrato winery Hic et Nunc, Piedmont's unique wine grape variety Grignolino is in fact a descendant (based on genetic evidence) of Nebbiolo, the noble grape used to create Barolo and Barbaresco.
According to regulation, what is the minimum second fermentation time for Prosecco DOC Rosé Brut?
60 days
Among several other production regulations, in order to be labeled Prosecco DOC Rosé Brut, second fermentation must occur via the Martinotti/Charmat (a.k.a. Tank) method for a minimum period of 60 days.
How many bottles are produced in Italy's Prosecco DOC each year?
500 million
Italy's Prosecco DOC produces a mind-boggling quantity of wine, weighing in at approximately 500 million bottles every year. It's estimated that the recent expansion to include Prosecco Rosé production could eventually increase that total by an additional 30 million bottles a year.
Which of the following Oregfon AVAs is furthest east in the state?
Snake River Valley
Established in 2007, the Snake River Valley AVA sits along Oregon's central east border. Its just over 1200 acres of wine grape plantings predominantly grow varieties such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Merlot, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay.
True or False: As of 2021, female premium wine drinkers are driving the growth in the US wine market?`
True
According to Wine Intelligence, 2021 my very well be remembered as the year of the female premium wine drinker. Despite the population of premium wine drinkers declining since 2014, wine volume growth in the US wine market in 2020 and 2021 has continued, largely driven by an increase in the volume of premium wine consumed. This has recently been thanks to female consumers, whose numbers have grown 13% since 2019 alone.
As of November 2021, which of the following Arizona AVAs is the newest?
Verde Valley
Located in the center of Arizona, the Verde Valley became an official AVA in November, 2021, making it Arizona's third (after the Sonoita and Willcox AVAs). Verde Valley consists of 219 square miles in northeastern Yavapai County, centered on the junction of Oak Creek and the Verde River. According to the Verde Valley Wine Trail, the newest AVA includes 19 commercial vineyards (farming 136+ acres of wine grapes) and 25 tasting rooms.
