22

Approximate number of inches more of rain that Oakville, Napa, experienced so far this year than Seattle has, according to the University of California. Seattle has had about 10 inches of rain since January 1—while Oakville received over 31 inches. For months, numerous rainstorms have buffeted northern California wine country.

The name “Burgundy” comes from:

A. The medieval French word for a small village, similar to the Old English “burg”

B. A nomadic German tribe which once settled in the area

C. The Latin word Burgarius which was the name for a Roman province that once extended over most of central France

D. The early French rural governing bodies which were made up of noble councilmen known as Burrs

The name Burgundy dates back to the 6^th century when a barbaric, wandering Germanic tribe known as Burgondes established a settlement in central France after the fall of the Roman Empire. They called the region Burgundia. However, even before the region was named, grapes grew in Burgundy. The area’s first documented vineyard was planted in the village of Meursault in the first century A.D.

Mercaptans

Offensive-smelling compounds that result from poor winemaking when hydrogen sulfide combines with components in the wine. The aromas can include putrid food, skunk, and burnt rubber.

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