The WSET / ISG Challenge Number 10: Fortified Wines

Prized by the British as an aperitif, Sherry and Madeira are the topic for this week’s

challenge. According to Emile Peynaud (shown right) in his definitive book, The Taste of Wine, fortification is:

a method of preserving wine and protecting it from attack by bacteria. As alcohol of 16 to 18 degrees will kill most bacteria it is no longer necessary to take so much care to keep the wine from oxygen contact and it can be exposed to air in partially full barrels. This method of storage promotes what is known as oxidative ageing. The wine develops an oxidative bouquet, characterized by aldehydic compounds smelling of quince, apple, dried nuts butter, rancio and Madeira. It is this type of ageing that led Pasteur to say “oxygen makes the wine.”

Which grape variety is most commonly used in the production of Fino Sherry?

1. Pedro Ximénez

2. Parellada

3. Pais

4. Palomino

Which one of the following Madeira grape varieties would be made into the driest style of wine?

1. Sercial

2. Verdelho

3. Baul

4. Malmsey

If you're finding these quizes useful, be sure to vote Blanc de Noir up from Number Four blog at Local Wine Events.

FYI: As always, these are actual practice questions from Frank’s WSET and ISGstudies. Let us know how you’re enjoying them and using them. Salude!

The WSET / ISG Challenge Number Nine: Fall in Love with Burgundy

Burgundy is one of those wine regions many people think they know, but often don’t. I remember a lengthy debate several years ago with a friend who was convinced Burgundy was a grape variety. Many casual wine drinkers still aren’t aware Beaujolais is part of this region.

But one thing’s for sure, getting to know Burgundy is worth the effort. Here come Frank’s two insights for this week.

Which village is in the Côte de Beaune?

1. Pommard

2. Gevrey Chambertin

3. Vosne Romanee

4. Vougeot

Answer: #1

The Côte de Or is divided into two parts: the Côte de Nuits in the north and Côte de Beaune in the south. Geverey Chambertin (which has nine Grand Crus), Vosne Romanee (with eight of the most prestigious Grand Crus), and Vougeot (home of one Grand Cru) are all in the Côte de Nuits. Pommard is in the Côte de Beaune and has no Grand Cru vineyards.

Which Burgundy appellation produces the most wine?

1. Beaujolais

2. Chablis

3. Mâcon Villages

4. Musigny

Answer: #1 (again)

With a total vineyard area of 20,500 hectares, Beaujolais produces by far the most wine of these four - besides the image was just too much fun not to include. Chablis is a distant second with 2,860 hectares. Mâcon Villages, comprised of 26 Villages in the Mâconnais, has only 1,336 hectares. Musigny is a small Grand Cru vineyard in Chambolle-Musigny.

More great information about Burgundy.

FYI: These are actual practice questions from Frank’s WSET and ISG studies. Let us know how you’re enjoying them and using them.

The WSET / ISG Challenge Number Nine: Fall in Love with Burgundy

Burgundy has a long and venerable history. In fact, according to Jancis Robinson’s Oxford Companion to Wine, “when the Romans conquered Gaul in 51 BC, they probably found the
Celts in habiting what is now Burgundy already growing wine, although the earliest literary evidence dates from 312 AD.”

Here are two test questions to challenge your knowledge of this perennial favourite.

Which village is in the Côte de Beaune?

1. Pommard

2. Gevrey Chambertin

3. Vosne Romanee

4. Vougeot

Which Burgundy appellation produces the most wine?

1. Beaujolais

2. Chablis

3. Macon Villages

4. Musigny

FYI: These are actual practice questions from Frank’s WSET and ISG studies. Let us know how you’re enjoying them and using them.

Both images shown are originally published on Wikipedia.

The WSET / ISG Challenge Number Eight: Where in the World is That?

It’s attempting to snow here in Vancouver. But thinking about the Loire is a great way to warm up, and the Loire is what this week’s quiz was all about. Plus, here's a piece of trivia for you.

The Loire also is reputed to have more chateaux than any other single region in the world - which is why both images in this post feature one. Now here goes for the answers.

Menetou Salon is located in:

1. Nanatais
2. Anjou Saumar
3. Touraine
4. Central Vineyards

Answer: 4.

Located in the Loire’s Central Vineyards, Menetou-Salon is located near Bourges and just west of the more famous Sancerre. Jancis Robinson describes the range of wines from this region as similar to Sancerre and often offering better value.

Bonnezeaux is made from:

1. Chenin Blanc

2. Sauvignon Blanc

3. Chardonnay

4. Merlot

Answer: 1

Chenin Blanc is the only authorized variety in the Bonnezeaux appellation. For a truly enthusiastic description, check out the Wines of France website that says “although it has only 90 hectares of vineyards, Bonnezeaux is nevertheless the shining star of the Loire’s Chenin Blanc producers. Bonnezeaux wines develop intense aromas of flowers, white fruit and tropical fruit which evolve over time to notes of precious woods, fruit preserves and honey that are balanced by Chenin Blanc’s elegant liveliness.”

FYI: These are actual practice questions from Frank’s WSET and ISG studies. Let us know how you’re enjoying them and using them.

The WSET / ISG Challenge Number Eight: Where in the World is That?

Happy New Year and welcome to the first edition of the WSET / ISG Challenge for 2011. This year is going to be a great one for tastings and exciting events in the wine industry. Here’s a teaser for one that you should mark on your calendar.

The first Tales of the Cocktail on Tour and mini-festival will be held in Vancouver from March 13-15, 2011. Tickets are priced from $155 and go on sale Saturday, January 15 at TalesoftheCocktail.com.

And now, here comes this week’s quiz.

Menetou Salon is located in:

1. Nantais
2. Anjou Saumur
3. Touraine
4. Central Vineyards

Bonnezeaux is made from:

1. Chenin Blanc

2. Sauvignon Blanc

3. Chardonnay

4. Merlot

FYI: These are actual practice questions from Frank’s WSET and ISG studies. Let us know how you’re enjoying them and using them.