The Russian Federation

Question 1

In 1980, the former Soviet Union was the world’s fourth-largest producer of wine, trailing only who?

Answer 1

France, Italy, and Spain.

Question 2

The country’s viticulture was a model of commercial efficiency, but in the ensuing decade production declined by over 3 billion liters annually, due to what?

Answer 2

Gorbachev’s propagandistic anti-alcohol campaign

Question 3

Only the___ portion of the country, particularly the region between the _____, is suitable for viticulture.

Answer 3

southern, Black and Caspian Seas

Question 4

___, on the Black Sea Coast, is Russia’s most important region with over 50% of the federation’s vineyards.

Answer 4

Krasnodar

Question 5

What is Krasnodar’s climate?

Answer 5

one of Russia’s most moderate, evidenced by the number of wealthy coastal resorts

Question 6

Krasnodar’s neighbors, ___ and ___ are notable regions

Answer 6

Dagestan, Stavropol

Question 7

Describe the climate of Stavropol

Answer 7

extreme cold, requiring the vines to be buried in soil to survive the cold winter months

Question 8

What other regions produce smaller amounts of wine?

Answer 8

Rostov, Kabardino-Balkaria and the war-torn Chechnya

Question 9

What is Russia’s most cultivated varietal?

Answer 9

The white grape Rkatsiteli

Question 10

As a historical note, the Russian Czars were famous for what?

Answer 10

their conspicuous vinous consumption

Question 11

Czars from Peter the Great forward sipped what?

Answer 11

Tokaji Esszencia

Question 12

The Champagne house of Louis Roederer created their tête de cuvée “Cristal” for the exclusive enjoyment of whom?

Answer 12

Czar Alexander II—bottled in clear glass so as not to provoke the unpopular Czar’s suspicion of foul play