Type of sparkling wine:
Méthode Champenoise
Prosecco
Cava
Sekt
Crémant
Mousseaux

Countries:
France
Spain
Italy
Germany
Russia
(You can use some countries more than once)

ANSWER:
Méthode Champenoise > France
Prosecco > Italy
Cava > Spain
Sekt > Germany
Crémant > France
Mousseaux > France

With the price of Champagnes going up and up, I’ve been selecting quite a few alternatives for WU members. Yes, I still love a nice Champagne, but it’s also nice for your pocketbook when you have MANY other alternatives. The closest alternative is a Crémant from France. It’s made in the méthode Champenoise style (two fermentations and disgorgement), but it’s not from the Champagne region and may use different varietals other than Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. By French governmental decree, the areas that produce crémants are Alsace, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Die, Jura, Limoux, and Loire. In these areas, they use the méthode champenoise with the varietals that are grown in the region.

Yes, this holiday season I will miss rich minerality and biscuit notes a nice Champagne offers. However, my pocketbook will be happier with the many alternatives that are out there.

Check out the sparkling section in the wine store.

A) Bordeaux Blanc
B) Côtes du Rhône Blanc
C) Australian Semillon
D) California Pinot Gris
E) All of the above

ANSWER:
E) All of the above

Chardonnay can be the fullest and biggest white wine there is. I love to drink them more in the winter since I find the weight during the summer months too heavy and cumbersome for my palate. But how much Chardonnay can one gal drink?

Bordeaux Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The Semillon rounds out the body and creates a fabulous synergy with the Sauvignon Blanc.

Some Côtes du Rhone Blancs are made from Roussane, Marsanne, Clairette and Grenache Blanc. Remember there are 26 varietals grown in the Rhône so you have to know each appellation to know what exactly is in each bottle. This month we feature a Rhône white in Everyday Libations and Company’s Coming and both have Roussane, Clairette and Grenache Blanc.

Can you put these varietals in the correct order from dry to sweet:
a) Chardonnay from California
b) Gewürztraminer from Alsace
c) Riesling Auslese
d) Sauterne
e) Sauvignon Blanc from France?

A) b, a, e, d, c
B) a, e, c, d, b
C) e, a, b, c, d
D) a, b, e, c, d

What is true of Rueda? It is

A) a region in France, known for the varietal Vermentino
B) a region in Spain, known for the varietal Verdejo
C) a region in France, known for the varietal Verdejo
D) a region in Spain, known for the varietal Vermentino

What is not true of Carmènere?

A) Historically comes from the Burgundy region in France
B) Is closely related to Merlot
C) When picked at its full ripeness can be jammy and when picked earlier can have bell pepper notes
D) Typically used as a blending grape but is sometimes bottled on its own