CSW Wine Laws & Service Techniques 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Portugal's DOC Douro region is legally permitted to use which blending practice that many other PDO regions prohibit?
- Adding water to reduce alcohol
- Blending wines from multiple harvests without a vintage statement
- Blending wines from a wide range of permitted indigenous grape varieties (Correct answer)
- Adding concentrate to increase sugar levels
Correct answer: Blending wines from a wide range of permitted indigenous grape varieties
The Douro DOC permits blending from a large number of approved indigenous Portuguese grape varieties, which is a hallmark of Port and Douro red wines.
Question 2: What does 'en primeur' (or 'futures') buying mean in the wine trade?
- Purchasing wine that has already been fully aged and released
- Buying wine while it is still in barrel before official bottling and release (Correct answer)
- Importing wine directly from the producer without a distributor
- Selling wine at auction with guaranteed provenance
Correct answer: Buying wine while it is still in barrel before official bottling and release
En primeur refers to purchasing wines while they are still maturing in barrel, typically at lower prices before official market release.
Question 3: Under the three-tier distribution system in the US, which entity is legally prohibited from selling directly to consumers in most states?
- Wineries
- Importers
- Distributors/wholesalers (Correct answer)
- Retailers
Correct answer: Distributors/wholesalers
In the three-tier system, distributors/wholesalers sell only to retailers and restaurants, not directly to consumers.
Question 4: What is the correct way to handle a wine bottle when pouring tableside to avoid drips?
- Pour quickly to build momentum that prevents dripping
- Twist the bottle slightly while lifting to cut off the stream (Correct answer)
- Always use a wine cloth pressed against the bottle lip
- Tilt the glass toward the bottle rather than pouring into upright glass
Correct answer: Twist the bottle slightly while lifting to cut off the stream
A slight twist of the bottle at the end of each pour cuts the wine stream cleanly and prevents dripping.
Question 5: Austria's DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) system is modeled most closely on which other country's wine law system?
- Germany's Prädikat system
- France's AOC system (Correct answer)
- Italy's IGT system
- Spain's Vino de la Tierra system
Correct answer: France's AOC system
Austria's DAC system is modeled on France's AOC system, tying specific wine styles to specific geographic origins.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a legal requirement that can appear on a US wine label under TTB regulations?
- Brand name
- Appellation of origin
- Winemaker's personal tasting notes (Correct answer)
- Net contents
Correct answer: Winemaker's personal tasting notes
Personal tasting notes are not a legally required or regulated label element under TTB regulations; they are optional marketing copy.
Question 7: What is the appropriate service temperature for a bone-dry, light-bodied white wine such as Muscadet?
- 35–40°F (2–4°C)
- 45–50°F (7–10°C) (Correct answer)
- 55–60°F (13–16°C)
- 62–65°F (17–18°C)
Correct answer: 45–50°F (7–10°C)
Light, crisp white wines like Muscadet are best served between 45–50°F (7–10°C) to highlight their refreshing acidity.
CSW Wine Laws & Service Techniques 4
Portugal's DOC Douro region is legally permitted to use which blending practice that many other PDO regions prohibit?