Chapter 5: Wine Producing Regions of the World:

Question 1

What are the two main climate types found in Bordeaux?

Answer 1

Moderate maritime and river influence.

Question 2

What is the most important red grape variety grown on the Left Bank of Bordeaux?

Answer 2

Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 3

What are the main grape varieties used in red wines from the Right Bank of Bordeaux?

Answer 3

Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Question 4

Which French wine region is famous for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir?

Answer 4

Burgundy.

Question 5

What are the key grape varieties of the Northern Rhône?

Answer 5

Syrah (red) and Viognier (white).

Question 6

How does the climate of the Southern Rhône differ from the Northern Rhône?

Answer 6

The Southern Rhône is warmer with a Mediterranean climate, while the Northern Rhône has a cooler, more continental climate.

Question 7

What grape variety is dominant in Barolo and Barbaresco wines from Italy?

Answer 7

Nebbiolo.

Question 8

What are the key grape varieties in Rioja wines from Spain?

Answer 8

Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache).

Question 9

What is the primary grape variety used in German Riesling wines?

Answer 9

Riesling.

Question 10

What style of wine is Sauternes in Bordeaux known for?

Answer 10

Sweet wines made from botrytized (Noble Rot) grapes.

Question 11

What are the most prominent grape varieties grown in Napa Valley?

Answer 11

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot.

Question 12

Which country is known for producing wines from Malbec in the Mendoza region?

Answer 12

Argentina.

Question 13

What grape variety is New Zealand’s Marlborough region best known for?

Answer 13

Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 14

What are the two key wine regions of South Africa?

Answer 14

Stellenbosch and Paarl.

Question 15

What is the primary grape variety used in Argentina’s Torrontés wines?

Answer 15

Torrontés.

Question 16

What is the dominant grape variety in Champagne?

Answer 16

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier (blends of all three are common).

Question 17

How does the Mediterranean climate influence wines in regions like Southern France and Tuscany?

Answer 17

It provides warm, dry summers and mild winters, resulting in ripe, full-bodied wines with lower acidity.

Question 18

What makes the soils of Burgundy unique for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir?

Answer 18

Limestone-rich soils, which contribute to the structure and minerality of the wines.

Question 19

What are the main features of Australian Shiraz compared to Northern Rhône Syrah?

Answer 19

Australian Shiraz is typically fuller-bodied, with riper fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, and often has pronounced oak influence.

Question 20

What grape variety is most associated with Beaujolais wines?

Answer 20

Gamay.

Question 21

What is the difference between Cava and Prosecco?

Answer 21

Cava is made using the traditional method (like Champagne) and is from Spain, while Prosecco is made using the tank method and is from Italy.

Question 22

What does ‘Noble Rot’ mean, and how does it influence sweet wines?

Answer 22

Noble Rot is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, which concentrates sugars and acids, producing rich, sweet wines.

Question 23

Which sparkling wine production method is used in Champagne?

Answer 23

The traditional method (Méthode Champenoise).

Question 24

What is the importance of the Maipo Valley in Chilean wine production?

Answer 24

It is a key region for premium Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 25

What does the term ‘Reserva’ indicate on a Spanish wine label?

Answer 25

Wines that have been aged longer than standard wines, typically at least 3 years, including at least 1 year in oak barrels.