Grape Expectations
This noble grape is the primary component of most red Bordeaux blends and is known for its robust tannins and notes of blackcurrant.
What is Cabernet Sauvignon
This French term refers to the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including soil, topography, and climate
What is Terroir
The process of allowing wine to breathe, often by pouring it into a wide-bottomed vessel, is called this
What is decanting
The standard bottle size for wine, holding 750 milliliters
What is a standard bottle? (or 750ml bottle)
This country is home to the Barossa Valley and produces world-renowned Shiraz wines.
What is Australia
Often called the "King of Grapes," this varietal thrives in Burgundy and is renowned for its delicate aromas and often savory characteristics.
What is Pinot Noir
The chalky soils of this French region are often credited with producing the ideal conditions for its world-famous sparkling wines
What is Champagne
This term refers to the sensation of dryness or puckering in the mouth caused by compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems
What are tannins
This large format bottle holds 3 liters, equivalent to four standard bottles
What is a Double Magnum (or Jeroboam for still wine)
Pinotage is a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault and is the signature red grape of this African nation
What is South Africa
This aromatic white grape, originating from Germany, is famous for its high acidity and ability to produce wines ranging from bone dry to lusciously sweet
What is Riesling
The Mistral wind is a significant factor in the climate of this major French wine region, known for its Grenache-based reds
What is the Rhône Valley
When a wine is described as "oaky," it typically means it has spent time aging in barrels made from this type of wood
What is oak
The "punt" is the indent found at the bottom of many wine bottles, though its exact purpose is still debated, it is thought to provide strength and stability
What is the punt
Marlborough, famous for its pungent Sauvignon Blanc, is a key wine region in this island nation
What is New Zealand
A white grape from the Loire Valley, it's known for its versatility, producing sparkling wines, dry still wines, and sweet dessert wines like Vouvray
What is Chenin Blanc
Volcanic soils are a defining characteristic of this Italian region, home to Mount Etna and unique red wines from grapes like Nerello Mascalese
What is Sicily
This systematic tasting technique involves three stages: visual, olfactory, and gustatory, or look, smell, and taste
What is deductive tasting
This traditional closure for wine bottles is made from the bark of a specific type of oak tree
What is cork
The Priorat region, known for its powerful Garnacha and Cariñena blends, is located in this European country
What is Spain
The "mother" of Cabernet Sauvignon, this red grape is a key component of Bordeaux blends and is also widely planted in Chile
What is Cabernet Franc
The Aconcagua Valley, Maipo Valley, and Colchagua Valley are prominent wine regions in this South American country
What is Chile
The sweet wine Tokaji Aszú from Hungary gets its unique character from grapes affected by this beneficial fungus.
What is Botrytis cinerea (noble rot)
The Méthode Traditionnelle (or Méthode Champenoise) refers to the secondary fermentation in the bottle that creates the bubbles in this type of wine
What is sparkling wine (or Champagne)
The Douro Valley, famous for its Port wine, is a prominent wine region in this Iberian Peninsula country
What is Portugal