Grape Varieties - Wine Quiz

Cabernet Sauvignon

• Origin: Bordeaux, France.
• Best Regions: Napa Valley (USA), Bordeaux (France), Tuscany (Italy).
• Wine Type: Full-bodied red wines with high tannins.
• Flavor Profile: Black cherry, blackcurrant, and cedar.
• Aging Potential: Excellent aging capacity, often improving over decades.

Merlot

• Origin: Bordeaux, France.
• Best Regions: Bordeaux (France), Tuscany (Italy), Washington State (USA).
• Wine Type: Medium to full-bodied reds with softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Flavor Profile: Plums, black cherries, and herbal tones.
• Food Pairing: Versatile with meats and vegetarian dishes.

Chardonnay

• Origin: Burgundy, France.
• Best Regions: Burgundy (France), California (USA), Australia.
• Wine Type: Ranges from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied whites.
• Flavor Profile: Green apple, lemon, tropical fruit, and vanilla when oaked.
• Pairing: Fish, poultry, and creamy pasta dishes.

Pinot Noir

• Origin: Burgundy, France.
• Best Regions: Burgundy (France), Oregon (USA), New Zealand.
• Wine Type: Light to medium-bodied reds with high acidity.
• Flavor Profile: Red berries, cherries, and earthy undertones.
• Aging Potential: Can age well, developing complex flavors.

Sauvignon Blanc

• Origin: Loire Valley, France.
• Best Regions: Loire Valley (France), Marlborough (New Zealand), Chile.
• Wine Type: Dry, crisp, and aromatic white wines.
• Flavor Profile: Gooseberry, green apple, passion fruit, and bell pepper.
• Food Pairing: Seafood, salads, and tangy cheeses.

Syrah/Shiraz

• Origin: Rhône Valley, France.
• Best Regions: Rhône Valley (France), Barossa Valley (Australia).
• Wine Type: Full-bodied reds with bold flavors.
• Flavor Profile: Blackberry, plums, pepper, and smoky tones.
• Food Pairing: Hearty meats and spicy dishes.

Riesling

• Origin: Rhine region, Germany.
• Best Regions: Mosel (Germany), Alsace (France), Clare Valley (Australia).
• Wine Type: Ranges from dry to sweet whites.
• Flavor Profile: Lime, green apple, beeswax, and petrol notes in aged wines.
• Pairing: Spicy, salty, and sweet dishes.

Zinfandel

• Origin: Croatia, became famous in California.
• Best Regions: California (USA), Puglia (Italy).
• Wine Type: From medium to full-bodied reds and rosés.
• Flavor Profile: Jammy fruits, black pepper, and spice.
• Food Pairing: Barbecued meats, pizza, and rich pastas.

Sangiovese

• Origin: Tuscany, Italy.
• Best Regions: Tuscany (Italy), Umbria (Italy).
• Wine Type: Medium to full-bodied reds with high acidity.
• Flavor Profile: Tart cherry, red plum, and earthy herbs.
• Aging: Often benefits from aging, developing leather and tobacco notes.

Grenache

• Origin: Spain (known as Garnacha).
• Best Regions: Rhône Valley (France), Priorat (Spain), California (USA).
• Wine Type: Medium to full-bodied reds, often used in blends.
• Flavor Profile: Red fruit, cinnamon, and star anise.
• Pairing: Grilled meats, stews, and aged cheeses.