SOMM Grape Varieties and Viticulture 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which grape variety is the primary component of red Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie wines in the Northern Rhône?
- Grenache
- Mourvèdre
- Syrah (Correct answer)
- Carignan
Correct answer: Syrah
Syrah is the only red grape permitted in Northern Rhône appellations like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, producing deeply colored, peppery wines.
Question 2: Albariño (also known as Alvarinho in Portugal) is the signature white grape of which Spanish region?
- Rioja
- Galicia (Rías Baixas) (Correct answer)
- Rueda
- Penedès
Correct answer: Galicia (Rías Baixas)
Albariño thrives in the cool, wet Atlantic climate of Galicia's Rías Baixas appellation, producing aromatic, high-acid white wines.
Question 3: What is the process called when a grapevine's roots penetrate deep into subsoil to access water and minerals?
- Canopy management
- Green harvesting
- Deep vine rootedness (Correct answer)
- Terroir expression
Correct answer: Deep vine rootedness
Deep vine rootedness refers to mature vine roots penetrating bedrock or subsoil, accessing water and minerals that contribute to wine complexity.
Question 4: Grüner Veltliner is the flagship white grape of which wine-producing country?
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Hungary
- Austria (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Austria
Grüner Veltliner is Austria's most widely planted and internationally recognized grape, known for its peppery, crisp, food-friendly style.
Question 5: Which viticultural term describes the practice of removing grape clusters before harvest to concentrate flavor in the remaining fruit?
- Carbonic maceration
- Green harvesting (vendange verte) (Correct answer)
- Saignée
- Délestage
Correct answer: Green harvesting (vendange verte)
Green harvesting (vendange verte) involves dropping excess grape clusters in summer to reduce yield and concentrate flavor in the remaining bunches.
Question 6: Sangiovese is the primary grape in which classic Italian red wine?
- Barolo
- Amarone
- Chianti Classico (Correct answer)
- Brunello di Montalcino
Correct answer: Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico DOCG is based on Sangiovese, requiring a minimum of 80% of this variety in the blend.
SOMM Grape Varieties and Viticulture 2
Which grape variety is the primary component of red Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie wines in the Northern Rhône?