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Food & CuisineEasy

French Wines & Grape Varieties

Merlot covers 66% of red plantings in Bordeaux, Sauternes pairs with foie gras, and the Champagne method dates back to the 17th century. Test your knowledge of French grape varieties and AOCs.

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The 10 quiz questions

Question 1 : Which wine region in northeastern France is famous for its eponymous sparkling wine?

Possible answers:

  • Champagne
  • Loire
  • Alsace
  • Burgundy

Explanation: The Champagne region, in northeast France, is the only one allowed to use this protected name. The sparkling wine is made there according to a traditional method codified since the 17th century (second fermentation in the bottle).

Question 2 : Which red grape variety is most planted in Bordeaux?

Possible answers:

  • Merlot
  • Syrah
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Pinot Noir

Explanation: Merlot represents about 66% of red grape plantings in Bordeaux. It produces supple, fruity wines, often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 3 : What do you call a wine that is neither red nor white?

Possible answers:

  • Orange
  • Clairet
  • Gray
  • Rosé

Explanation: Rosé is obtained through short maceration of red grapes. Provence is the leading rosé-producing region in France.

Question 4 : Which wine traditionally accompanies foie gras?

Possible answers:

  • Côtes-du-Rhône
  • Beaujolais
  • Sauternes
  • Muscadet

Explanation: Sauternes, a sweet white wine from Bordeaux, is the classic pairing with foie gras thanks to its sugar-acidity balance that counterbalances the richness.

Question 5 : What is the ideal serving temperature for red wine?

Possible answers:

  • 8-10°C
  • 12-14°C
  • 16-18°C
  • 22-24°C

Explanation: Red wine should be served between 16 and 18°C (61-64°F). Too cold, the tannins seem harsh; too warm, the alcohol dominates and the wine seems heavy.

Question 6 : What is the emblematic grape variety of red Burgundy?

Possible answers:

  • Grenache
  • Merlot
  • Gamay
  • Pinot Noir

Explanation: Pinot Noir is the only grape variety allowed for red Burgundy wines. It produces elegant wines with aromas of red fruits and spices.

Question 7 : What does AOC mean in the wine world?

Possible answers:

  • Official Marketing Approval
  • Controlled Designation of Origin
  • Association of Certified Oenologists
  • Classic Original Blend

Explanation: Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (Controlled Designation of Origin) guarantees the geographical origin and compliance with strict specifications for wine production.

Question 8 : Which wine is traditionally served with oysters?

Possible answers:

  • Pomerol
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  • Muscadet
  • Gewurztraminer

Explanation: Muscadet, a dry white wine from the Loire, is the perfect pairing with oysters thanks to its freshness, minerality, and iodine notes.

Question 9 : What is the traditional vessel for decanting wine called?

Possible answers:

  • The flask
  • The decanter
  • The demijohn
  • The pitcher

Explanation: The decanter allows wine to aerate and separates any sediment. It is mainly used for young red wines or old vintages.

Question 10 : Which French new wine is celebrated every third Thursday of November?

Possible answers:

  • Beaujolais Villages
  • Moulin-à-Vent
  • Brouilly
  • Beaujolais Nouveau

Explanation: Beaujolais Nouveau goes on sale the third Thursday of November, just a few weeks after harvest. It's a fruity wine to be drunk young.

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French Wines & Grape Varieties - Easy Quiz | QuizFury