White or Red? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Red

Syrah is a dark-skinned grape variety that is widely grown throughout the world and is especially prominent in the Rhône Valley of France, where it produces powerful and full-bodied red wines. In Australia, this variety of grape is also known as Shiraz. It is a cross between the Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche grapes, according to a 1999 scientific study. It is one of the world's top-ten grapes for winemaking.

Syrah wines typically exhibit flavours of dark fruits such as blackberry, plum, and blueberry, along with notes of black pepper, smoke, and sometimes floral or herbal undertones. The grape tends to thrive in warmer climates and is adaptable to various soil types. Syrah is often used as a varietal wine but is also blended with other grapes, such as Grenache and Mourvèdre, in classic Rhône blends. Its bold flavour profile and aging potential make it a favorite among wine enthusiasts seeking robust and complex wines.

Answer: Red

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely recognized and planted grape varieties globally, renowned for its rich, full-bodied red wines. It originated in the Bordeaux region of France and is now grown in many wine-producing regions around the world, including California, Australia, Chile, and Italy.

Cabernet Sauvignon wines typically exhibit flavours of dark fruits such as blackcurrant, plum, and black cherry, along with notes of cedar, tobacco, and sometimes mint or eucalyptus. They often have firm tannins and a long finish, making them excellent candidates for aging.

The grape is known for its thick skin, which contributes to its deep colour and tannic structure, as well as its ability to thrive in various soil types and climates. In the Bordeaux region of France, Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with Merlot and other grape varieties to create classic Bordeaux blends. On the other hand, in regions like California, it's often made as a varietal wine. Regardless, it is always showcasing its bold and distinctive character.

Answer: Red

Merlot is a blue-black grape variety known for producing soft, approachable red wines with ripe fruit flavours and smooth textures. It originated in the Bordeaux region of France and is now grown in many wine-producing regions around the world. Its name is derived from the French word for 'blackbird', probably due to its dark colouring. It can be found historically at least since 1784.

Merlot wines typically exhibit flavours of plum, cherry, and blackberry, along with notes of chocolate, mocha, and sometimes herbs or spices. They are often medium to full-bodied with moderate tannins and a plush mouthfeel, making them very easy to drink and enjoy.

Merlot is often used as a blending grape in Bordeaux wines, where it adds roundness and softness to blends dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. However, it's also made as a varietal wine, particularly in regions like California, Washington State, and Chile, where it's known for its fruity and approachable style. Merlot grapes thrive in a variety of climates and soil types, but they particularly excel in warmer regions with well-draining soils. In cooler climates, Merlot wines may exhibit more herbal and earthy characteristics, while in warmer climates, they tend to be riper and fruitier.

Answer: Red

Zinfandel is a red grape variety primarily associated with the US state of California. It has become an iconic and widely-planted grape. While its exact origins were long debated, DNA analysis has revealed that Zinfandel is genetically identical to the Croatian grape varieties Tribidrag, Crljenak Kastelanski, and the Italian grape Primitivo. Interestingly, it had very nearly been wiped out at some points in history, only to re-emerge stronger and bolder. It arrived in the United States in the early 19th century and took off in popularity.

Zinfandel wines are known for their bold and fruity character, with hints of blackberry, raspberry, cherry, and sometimes even the essence of spice, pepper, and licorice. They can range from medium to full-bodied, with moderate to high alcohol levels, and often exhibit soft tannins.

Zinfandel is incredibly versatile and can be crafted into various styles of wine, including dry red wines, off-dry rosés, and even sweet dessert wines. Some of the most acclaimed Zinfandel wines come from old-vine vineyards. These rich soils produce wines with greater depth, complexity, and concentration of flavours.

Answer: Red

Pinot Noir is a red grape variety renowned for producing elegant and nuanced wines with complex aromas and flavours. It is considered one of the most challenging and revered grape varieties to cultivate and vinify due to its thin skins, susceptibility to disease, and sensitivity to regional weather and soil conditions. It is, however, one of the most ancient strains of grape and may be one of the closest relatives to Vitis sylvestris, the original wild grape.

Originating in the Burgundy region of France, Pinot Noir is now grown in many wine-producing regions around the world, including California, Oregon, New Zealand, and parts of Australia. It is the primary grape variety used in the production of red Burgundy wines, which are celebrated for their purity of fruit, earthy undertones, and ability to express terroir. Pinot Noir wines typically exhibit flavours of red berries such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, along with floral notes like violet and rose petal. They often have a silky texture, gentle tannins, and vibrant acidity, which contribute to their exceptional balance and age-worthiness.

The style of the Pinot Noir grape can vary, heavily depending on factors such as climate, soil, and winemaking techniques. In cooler climates like Burgundy and Oregon, Pinot Noir tends to be lighter-bodied with higher acidity and more delicate fruit flavours. In warmer regions like California's Sonoma Coast and New Zealand's Central Otago, Pinot Noir may be fuller-bodied with riper fruit character and softer tannins.

Answer: White

Chardonnay is a versatile white grape variety known for producing a wide range of wines, from crisp and unoaked to rich and buttery. It originated in the Burgundy region of France and is now grown in many wine-producing regions around the world. It is such a versatile grape that over thirty different clonal varieties of Chardonnay have been produced.

Chardonnay wines can vary significantly in style depending on factors such as terroir, climate, and winemaking techniques. Unoaked Chardonnays often exhibit vibrant acidity and flavours of green apple, citrus, and stone fruits, with a clean and refreshing finish. On the other hand, oaked Chardonnays are characterized by creamy textures, rich flavours of ripe tropical fruits, vanilla, butter, and sometimes toasted oak nuances.

Chardonnay's ability to embody the distinct qualities of its place of origin is evident in its different regional styles. In Burgundy, Chardonnay produces wines with minerality, elegance, and complexity, while in regions like California and Australia, it tends to be more fruit-forward and opulent. Chardonnay is often made as a varietal wine, allowing winemakers to showcase its diverse range of flavours and textures. It's also used in sparkling wines, particularly in Champagne, where it contributes richness and depth to blends.

Answer: White

Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape variety known for producing vibrant and aromatic wines with refreshing acidity. It originated in the Bordeaux region of France at least as early as 1534 and is now grown in many wine-producing regions around the world.

Sauvignon Blanc wines typically exhibit crisp acidity and lively citrus flavours, such as grapefruit, lime, and lemon, along with herbaceous notes like grass, green bell pepper, and sometimes a hint of tropical fruit, such as passion fruit or pineapple. The grape's name "Sauvignon" is derived from the French word "sauvage" which means "wild", which reflects its vigorous growth in the vineyard.

The style of Sauvignon Blanc can vary depending on the region and winemaking techniques employed. In cooler climates like the Loire Valley in France and New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc tends to be more herbaceous and zesty, while in warmer climates like California and Australia, it may exhibit riper fruit flavours and a fuller body. Sauvignon Blanc is often made as a varietal wine, showcasing its bright and expressive character, but it's also used in blends, such as in Bordeaux white blends where it's often blended with Sémillon. Additionally, Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes oak-aged to add complexity and texture to the wine, although unoaked styles are more common.

Answer: White

Riesling is a white grape variety that originated in the Rhine region of Germany and is known for producing aromatic and flavourful wines with a distinctive balance of sweetness and acidity. It is one of the most revered grape varieties in the world, celebrated for its ability to reflect terroir and age gracefully.

Riesling wines typically exhibit a wide range of aromas and flavours, including citrus fruits such as lime and lemon, stone fruits like peach and apricot, and floral notes such as honeysuckle and jasmine. They often have a pronounced minerality and can range in sweetness from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, depending on the ripeness of the grapes and the winemaking style. One of the well-known hallmarks of Riesling is its high acidity. This provides freshness and balance to the wine, even in sweeter styles. This acidity also contributes to Riesling's exceptional aging potential, with some of the finest examples developing complex flavours and nuances over years and decades.

Riesling grapes thrive in cooler climates with well-draining soils, where they can achieve optimal ripeness while retaining their natural acidity. The grape is grown in many wine regions around the world, with notable production areas including Germany, Alsace in France, Austria, the northern United States, and Australia.

Answer: White

Gewürztraminer is a aromatic white grape variety known for producing wines with intense floral aromas and exotic fruit flavours. It originated in the Alsace region of France and is also grown in Germany, Italy, Austria, and various New World wine regions.

Wines made from Gewürztraminer grapes typically have a distinct lychee aroma, along with notes of rose petals, honeysuckle, and spice, such as ginger or cinnamon. They often have a full-bodied texture with a slightly oily mouthfeel and can range from off-dry to sweet in terms of sweetness level. Gewürztraminer grapes have a pink to red skin colour, which gives the wine a slightly deeper hue compared to other white wines. They thrive in cooler climates and are often planted on steep slopes with well-draining soils. In addition to being made as varietal wines, this grape is also used in blends, particularly in Alsace, where it may be blended with other aromatic white grape varieties like Riesling and Muscat.

Answer: White

Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris or Grauburgunder, is a white grape variety that originated in the Burgundy region of France but is now grown in many wine-producing regions around the world. It is particularly associated with the Italian wine industry where it has been used wince at least 1375 when Cistercian monks brought it from the France-Switzerland area.

Pinot Grigio wines are typically light-bodied with crisp acidity and a clean, refreshing character. They often exhibit flavours of citrus fruits such as lemon and lime, along with notes of green apple, pear, and sometimes hints of minerality. The grape's skin can range in colour from grayish-blue to pinkish-gray, which can influence the wine's colour slightly, although most Pinot Grigio wines are pale straw to light gold in colour.

Pinot Grigio thrives in cool climate regions with well-draining soils, where it can develop its signature freshness and acidity. It is known for being easy-drinking and versatile, making it a popular choice for casual occasions and everyday enjoyment. In addition to Italy, Pinot Grigio is also grown in regions such as Alsace in France, Germany, Austria, and the United States, particularly in California and Oregon. The style of Pinot Grigio can vary depending on the region and winemaking techniques employed, with some wines being more aromatic and full-bodied than others.