Test your wine knowledge with quiz questions from our expert.
Which aroma is typical of Sauvignon Blanc?
Green bell pepper
One major one is green bell pepper; Sauvignon Blanc is really famous for those punchy, herbaceous aromas. It’s like a mix of fresh-cut grass, zesty grapefruit, lime, and even a bit of gooseberry.
What's the purpose of the punt (the indentation at the bottom of a wine bottle)?
All of the above
All of the above.
The punt has several practical and aesthetic purposes! Historically, it added strength to hand-blown glass bottles and helped collect sediment in older wines. It also makes it easier to pour (especially for sommeliers) and many believe it gives the bottle a more elegant appearance—so yes, let's go with all of the above!
MORE: So, back in the day, when glassblowers made wine bottles, they'd push up the bottom seam to make sure the bottle stood straight and didn't have a sharp bit of glass poking out. But these days? They're mostly just for looks, not really serving any purpose.
Which of the following statements about Nebbiolo is correct?
It is late-ripening and produces wines with high tannin and acidity.
Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, ripens late and thrives on south-facing slopes in Piedmont. Its wines are pale in color but highly aromatic, with pronounced tannin and acidity, allowing them to age for decades.
What is the primary reason for carrying out malolactic conversion (MLF) in white wines such as Chardonnay?
To soften acidity and add complexity
Malolactic conversion transforms sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid, lowering perceived acidity and creating buttery or creamy notes (diacetyl) in wines like Chardonnay.
Which of the following regions is most strongly influenced by the Mistral wind?
Southern Rhône
The Mistral is a strong, cold, dry wind that blows down the Rhône Valley, particularly affecting the Southern Rhône. It reduces humidity, lowering the risk of fungal disease, but can also damage vines and necessitate the use of windbreaks or training systems. Rioja Alavesa has a continental climate moderated by the Cantabrian Mountains, Barossa Valley is hot Mediterranean in Australia, and Rías Baixas is strongly influenced by Atlantic rain and humidity.
