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The number of genes, out of the one million in the human genome, solely dedicated to encoding smells. These genes are the largest group in the body. Many wine drinkers may not realize that there are actually two centers of olfaction: the nose and the back of the mouth.

What is the cépage?

A. the building where red wines are stored in barrel, usually for two years or more

B. the variety or varieties of grapes used to make a wine

C. the time after settling when wine is moved wine from barrel to barrel

D. the process by which nutrients in soil are absorbed by the vine

The French word cépage refers to the variety or varieties of grapes used to make a wine. For example, the cépage of most wines from the Left Bank of Bordeaux is cabernet sauvignon and merlot, possibly with cabernet franc and petit

“On more than one occasion in recent years, I’ve opened a wine list in a trendy restaurant and been a bit stumped. A lot of choices, but on the entire list, I may recognize about half the wines. I cannot imagine how a customer with less knowledge about wine than I, if such a person exists, feels reading an obscure wine list like that. Except intimidated. Which is not normally why a human goes to a restaurant. That’s why you go to church.”

—Ron Washam, The HoseMaster of Wine

30,000

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