SOMM Wine Laws and Appellations

Question 1

In France, the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) system regulates which aspects of wine production?

Accepted Answer

Geographic origin, permitted grape varieties, yields, and winemaking practices

Answer

Only grape variety

Answer

Only geographic origin

Answer

Only minimum alcohol levels

Question 2

The 1855 Bordeaux Classification ranked châteaux based primarily on which factor?

Accepted Answer

Market prices at the time of classification

Answer

Wine quality as assessed by a panel of experts

Answer

Vineyard soil analysis

Answer

Geographic proximity to the Gironde

Question 3

In Italy, what does the designation 'DOCG' (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) indicate compared to DOC?

Accepted Answer

It is the highest classification, with stricter production rules and mandatory tasting approval

Answer

It is a lower-quality classification

Answer

It is the same level but with government price controls

Answer

It only applies to sparkling wines

Question 4

What is a 'Grand Cru' designation in Burgundy's classification hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

The highest tier, designating specific top vineyard sites

Answer

The lowest tier, applied to basic regional wines

Answer

The second tier, applied to village-level wines

Answer

A term for wines aged over 10 years

Question 5

The German Prädikat system classifies wines based on what factor?

Accepted Answer

The ripeness/sugar level of grapes at harvest

Answer

Vineyard location (Einzellage, Grosslage)

Answer

Oak aging duration

Answer

Blend composition

Question 6

In the US, what minimum percentage of a wine's grapes must come from a named AVA (American Viticultural Area) to use that AVA name on the label?

Accepted Answer

85%

Answer

51%

Answer

75%

Answer

100%