Wine Tasting Techniques Flashcards

Which one of the following statements is FALSE?

Answer: We should wear suits and perfume when attending a wine tasting.

When attending a wine tasting, it is essential to avoid wearing strong perfumes, colognes, or scented lotions. These fragrances can interfere with the delicate aromas of the wines being evaluated, affecting both your own perception and that of other tasters. The goal is to create a neutral sensory environment to accurately assess the wine's bouquet.

Which one of the following appearance describes a young New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?

Answer: Pale lemon

Young New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines are renowned for their vibrant freshness and typically exhibit a pale lemon color, sometimes with a greenish tint. This light hue reflects their youth, lack of oak aging, and crisp, unoaked style. Deeper colors like ruby or gold would indicate a red wine or an aged white wine, respectively.

Which one of the following smells indicates the wine is faulty?

Answer: Damp cardboard

A smell resembling 'damp cardboard' or 'musty basement' is a classic indicator of cork taint, a common wine fault caused by the compound 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA). This fault masks the wine's natural aromas and flavors, making it unpleasant and dull. Other options like petrol, lemon/lime, and toffee/caramel can be desirable aromas in certain wines.

Which wine is this tasting note for: 'pronounced in intensity with aromas of blackberry, sweet spice and smoke'?

Answer: Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Australia

Barossa Valley Shiraz is famous for producing full-bodied, intensely flavored wines with concentrated dark fruit notes like blackberry, often complemented by sweet spice from oak aging and sometimes smoky or chocolatey characteristics. This description perfectly matches the typical profile of a premium Shiraz from this Australian region. The other options describe wines with very different aromatic and structural profiles.

What does 'dry' mean in the term 'dry red wine'?

Answer: The wine contains almost no sugar.

In wine terminology, 'dry' refers to a wine that contains almost no residual sugar because the yeast has converted nearly all the grape sugars into alcohol during fermentation. This results in a wine that does not taste sweet on the palate. It has no relation to dehydration, the climate of the region, or dried grapes.

Which one of the following statements is true?

Answer: Wines from cool climates generally have higher levels of acidity than those from hot climates.

Grapes grown in cooler climates ripen more slowly, allowing them to retain higher levels of acidity compared to grapes from hot climates where acidity can drop quickly. This higher acidity contributes to the freshness and crispness often found in cool-climate wines. Acidity makes wines refreshing, not rich or dense, and typically clashes with sweet foods.

Which one of the following could be a Cabernet Sauvignon wine?

Answer: Deep colour, high acidity, high tannin, full body

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red grape variety known for its deep color, high acidity, and prominent tannins, which contribute to its structure and age-worthiness. This combination of characteristics creates a powerful and complex wine profile. The other options describe wines with different structural components, such as lower acidity or tannin.

Which one of the following is the typically flavour of Pinot Noir?

Answer: Stawberry, cherry and gamey

Pinot Noir is celebrated for its delicate yet complex flavor profile, often featuring red fruit aromas like strawberry and cherry. Depending on its origin and age, it can also develop earthy, forest floor, or 'gamey' notes, which are highly prized by connoisseurs. The other options describe characteristics more typical of other grape varieties.

The correct way of opening a bottle of Champagne is 1. Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, but do not remove the wire cage completely. 2. Put the bottle straight up on a table, and pull the cork out of the bottle. 3. Shake the bottle and allow the cork to pop out. 4. Grip the cork with one hand, and grip the bottom of the bottle with the other hand, and then turn the bottle.

Answer: 1 and 4

The correct and safe method for opening Champagne involves removing the foil and loosening the wire cage while keeping it in place for control. Then, grip the cork firmly with one hand and the base of the bottle with the other, slowly twisting the bottle (not the cork) to gently release the cork with a controlled 'sigh,' preventing it from flying out dangerously.

Which one of the following statements about wine storage is FALSE?

Answer: Kitchen is the best place for long-term wine storage.

The kitchen is generally considered the worst place for long-term wine storage due to its frequent temperature fluctuations, high humidity, and exposure to light and vibrations from appliances. Ideal wine storage requires a cool, consistent temperature, moderate humidity, darkness, and stillness to preserve the wine's quality and prevent premature aging or spoilage.

How many ounces of wine is appropriate when tasting wine?

Answer: 2oz

When tasting wine, a pour of approximately 2 ounces (or 50-60ml) is considered appropriate. This amount allows for sufficient swirling to release aromas, visual assessment, and a proper taste without overfilling the glass or wasting wine, especially when evaluating multiple samples in a tasting session.