Wine Tasting Club – Test Your Wine I.Q.

By / Wine + Drinks / May 14th, 2010 / Like

The classic line often heard at wine tasting parties or restaurants is: I don’t know much about wine, but I know what I like. We’ve all said something to that effect at one time or another. It’s true enough for most of us, I suppose. But, the line has an air of dismissal that borders on denial. Are we so afraid of being labelled wine snobs that we’ll discount what wine knowledge we do have? Or is it simply that we don’t realize we actually know what we’re talking about? Knowing what you like is at least half the battle. If you can say that you like fruity over peppery or red over white, you’ve got a place to start. The fact that your understanding of wine may be different from the person sitting next to you only adds to the pleasure. You really can’t go wrong here.

A number of years ago (13 to be exact), Peter Adams wrote a book called The Wine Lover’s Quiz Book. In it, he challenges readers to answer a series of sometimes baffling questions. Admittedly, I didn’t do so well. Guess it’s time to hit the books (or the bottles perhaps). Give them a try for yourself, and see how you do. But, don’t be too hard on yourself. Discovering that you don’t know as much about wine as you thought will only pique your interest.

Questions

1. Vinho Verde, Dão and Garrafeira are associated with what country? 1point

2. Like that old Sesame Street game, which one of these doesn’t fit: Lambrusco, Vinifera or Labrusca? 3 points

3. Which of these does the solera system refer to: 3 points

a) the sun’s rays effect on pasteurization

b) warming outside thermal vats in North Rioja

c) the method for maturing Spanish sherry

4. Ireland has no snakes. What isn’t found in Chile? 3 points

5. Which drink is also known as “the widow.” 2 points


Answers

1. Portugal

2. Lambrusco

3. c) the method for maturing Spanish sherry

4. Phylloxera – those tiny insects that infest and, ultimately, destroy vines

5. Veuve Clicquot – the widow who ran the eponymous Champagne house


How did you do?

0 to 3 points? Like a fine wine, you’re just beginning to open up!

4 to 8 points? You’re well-rounded with a good finish!

9 to 12 points? Congratulations, you’re Grand Cru!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosemary Mantini has always loved words. When she isn't working as the Associate Editor at Tidings Magazine, she's helping others achieve their writing dreams, and sometimes she even relaxes with a good book and a glass of wine.

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