A) The name of the town
B) The name of the wine
C) The name of the grape
D) All of the above
E) A and B

______________________

Answer: D

This troublesome word had me confused for the longest time. So, here's the best way I can explain it...

THE TOWN
Located in Tuscany in the province of Sienna. There is a wine from this area, BUT it's NOT made from the grape Montepulciano.

THE WINE
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a wine from the area in Tuscany and is made mostly from Sangiovese. It is also blended with Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo and aged in oak barrels for 2 or 3 years (depends on if it is a riserva). When I see the word "Nobile," I think “not of." It's not what the word means, but that's the device I use to remind myself. However, it can also be labeled as Rosso di Montepulciano.

THE GRAPE
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is wine made from the Montepulciano grape from the region of Abruzzo (central Italy). It can have some Sangiovese blended in with it. It is light, dry and fruity wine that is typically drunk young.

Now if I could only be consistent in pronunciation!! (mawn-the-pool-CHA-noh).

A) Sauvignon Blanc
B) Malvasia
C) Grenache Blanc
D) Viura

____________________________________________________

Answer:
D) Viura

Viura is the prominent white wine grape in Rioja. It is typically blended with Malvasia and Grenache Blanc. Another name for Viura is Macabeo. This grape is mildly fruity and has a mild acid level. It is also used in blends to create cava.

A) Viognier
B) Arneis
C) Sauvignon Blanc
D) Torrontés

________________________________

The answer is:
D) Torrontés

Torrontés is slowly gaining in popularity. Think of it as an aromatic Pinot Grigio from Argentina. While it is mostly grown in Argentina, some is also grown in Chile and is used in making Pisco. So the next time you are poolside or having some spicy Indian food and want something refreshing, reach for a bottle of Torrontés.

A) A white wine varietal
B) a red wine varietal
C) the name of a famous winemaker
D) the name of a region in Italy
__________________________________

Answer B) A red wine varietal

Lagrein is a red varietal from Italy (more specifically, Alto Adige) that really struts its stuff. An earthy wine that can show spice, as well as herbaceous character and is a phenomenal food wine. I haven’t carried them much since the American palate might not like the herbaceous character as much as I do, but these are truly a treat to experience.

A) White wine
B) Red wine

___________________________

Answer
B) Red wine

Xynomavro (pronounced Ksee-NO-ma-vro) is one of the dominant red grapes from Greece. Literally translated, it means “acid black." Some winemakers have compared it to Pinot Noir, but that's just close, not a fair comparison. It's typically vinified without oak, since this preserves the wine's natural character of high acid, great fruit and terroir.

Greece, being a young wine producing country in terms of the commercial wine world, set the requirements in 1985 for reserve and grand reserve. The requirements also state that the wine is to be aged in oak, which runs contrary to the walnut casks (which imparts no flavor but helps prevent oxidation) previously used. Oak cask usage fits into Western ways and have changed the way that this grape is grown. Today, some winemakers who plan on using oak barrels will produce a wine with high extraction and alcohol to preserve the varietal character instead of going back to walnut casks.

Make sure to order some of this month’s red in the Everyday Libations. It's a blend of Xynomavro and Syrah from an estate with a grand reputation.