Chapter 15: Regional Wines of the Rest of Europe:

Question 1

What are the main grape varieties of Germany?

Answer 1

Riesling, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), and Müller-Thurgau.

Question 2

What is the typical style of German Riesling?

Answer 2

High acidity, floral aromas, and a range of styles from dry (Trocken) to sweet (Trockenbeerenauslese).

Question 3

What are the six Prädikatswein levels in Germany, from least to most ripe?

Answer 3

Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese (BA), Eiswein, Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA).

Question 4

What are the key regions for Riesling in Germany?

Answer 4

Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz.

Question 5

What are the typical characteristics of Mosel Rieslings?

Answer 5

Light body, high acidity, low alcohol, with flavors of green apple and floral notes.

Question 6

What is the primary white grape variety of Austria?

Answer 6

Grüner Veltliner.

Question 7

What are the typical characteristics of Grüner Veltliner?

Answer 7

High acidity, citrus (lemon), green fruit (apple, pear), and white pepper.

Question 8

What are the key red grape varieties of Austria?

Answer 8

Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch.

Question 9

What are the main wine regions of Austria?

Answer 9

Wachau, Kamptal, and Kremstal.

Question 10

What are the main white grape varieties of Italy?

Answer 10

Pinot Grigio, Glera (for Prosecco), and Verdicchio.

Question 11

What are the main red grape varieties of Italy?

Answer 11

Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Barbera.

Question 12

What are the key regions for Sangiovese in Italy?

Answer 12

Tuscany, specifically Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.

Question 13

What are the key regions for Nebbiolo in Italy?

Answer 13

Barolo and Barbaresco in Piedmont.

Question 14

What sparkling wine is made in Veneto using the tank method?

Answer 14

Prosecco, made from Glera grapes.

Question 15

What is the main characteristic of Amarone della Valpolicella?

Answer 15

A full-bodied red wine made from partially dried grapes with high alcohol and dried fruit flavors.

Question 16

What are the main grape varieties of Rioja?

Answer 16

Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo.

Question 17

What are the aging classifications for Spanish wines?

Answer 17

Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva.

Question 18

What are the key characteristics of Albariño?

Answer 18

High acidity, light to medium body, with citrus and stone fruit flavors.

Question 19

What sparkling wine is produced in Spain using the traditional method?

Answer 19

Cava, made from Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada grapes.

Question 20

What is the main fortified wine produced in Spain?

Answer 20

Sherry, made in Jerez.

Question 21

What are the key fortified wines of Portugal?

Answer 21

Port and Madeira.

Question 22

What are the main grape varieties used in Port production?

Answer 22

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz.

Question 23

What are the key characteristics of Vinho Verde wines?

Answer 23

Light body, high acidity, slight spritz, with citrus and green fruit flavors.

Question 24

What are the key grape varieties of Greece?

Answer 24

Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, and Agiorgitiko.

Question 25

What are the typical characteristics of Assyrtiko?

Answer 25

High acidity, citrus, and mineral flavors, often from Santorini.

Question 26

What is the most famous wine from Hungary?

Answer 26

Tokaji Aszú, a sweet wine made from botrytized Furmint grapes.

Question 27

What are the key characteristics of Tokaji Aszú?

Answer 27

High acidity, intense sweetness, flavors of apricot, honey, and orange marmalade.