Wine lovers, on your marks. It’s time to put your knowledge to the test with this pop (imagine the sound of a cork popping here) quiz. So grab a glass of your favorite varietal, and join us for this Wine IQ Test.
1. You’re smelling an aromatic white wine with notes of tropical fruit and a distinct component of lychee. Which wine are you most likely about to enjoy?
A. Pinot Gris
B. Chardonnay
C. Gewürztraminer
D. Rosé
Answer:
C. Gewürztraminer is correct! If you feel inclined to celebrate your genius with a bottle, our newly released 2020 vintage is available in our online store.
2. Which of the following vessels are used for aging wine (choose all that apply):
A. Wooden barrels
B. Amphora clay
C. Steel tanks
D. Buried silicone balloons
Answer:
A, B, and C. We use all of these at M Cellars. We made D up—please don’t try it at home.
3. The oldest grape variety that is still cultivated today is:
A. Pinot Noir
B. Rkatsiteli
C. Pinot Gris
D. Petite Verdot
Answer:
B. Rkatsiteli. It originated in ancient Georgia in 3000 b.c., and is available today in our store (at the time of this posting).
4. Which of the following wines originated outside of France?
A. Cabernet Sauvignon
B. Chardonnay
C. Pinot Noir
D. Riesling
Answer:
D. Riesling. This crisp, refreshing varietal hails from Germany. Danke.
5. Why do we swirl wine before tasting?
A. To release aromas
B. To tell how much alcohol is in the wine
C. To test our coordination
D. To get an idea of wine texture or body
Answer:
A and D. B is unreliable, C is just silly.
6. If you’re in the mood for a rich, full-bodied white wine, which of the following is your best bet?
A. Pinot Grigio
B. Chardonnay
C. Reisling
D. Gewürztraminer
Answer:
B. Chardonnay is one of the few full-bodied whites. We recommend our 2019 Chardonnay Reserve.
7. How does Rosé get its color?
A. Red wine grapes and white grapes are mixed together
B. Fresh strawberry is crushed along with the grapes
C. The skin of the red grape only touches the wine for a short time before being removed
D. Pink grapes are used
Answer:
C. The red grapes skins are removed as soon as the color is perfect.
8. Which of the following is not a Bordeaux varietal?
A. Cabernet France
B. Merlot
C. Malbec
D, Noiret
Answer:
D. Noiret is a cold-climate hybrid grape bred at Cornell University (and currently available in our store).
9. Which of the following would you taste on the tip of your tongue?
A. Sweetness
B. Sourness
C. Bitterness
D. Happiness
Answer:
A. Sweetness is sensed at the tip of the tongue, sour on the sides, and bitterness in the back. If you went with D, we’ll give it to you.
10. What is the best indicator for choosing a good wine?
A. Vintage year
B. Price
C. How fancy the name is
D. Your own taste
Answer:
D. We hope everyone gets this one right – drink what you like! If you don’t have a favorite, we invite you to find it in our tasting room.
