February 8, 2019

What Makes Wine Sexy?

In honor of Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day, Karen MacNeil is asking the big question: What makes wine sexy? Watch as Karen interviews some of the top women in the wine industry about what they think makes wine so irresistibly, deliciously, undeniably sexy. And tell us your thoughts at [email protected].

Of the following white grape varieties, which is not used to make the famous sparkling wine Blanquette de Limoux from France’s Languedoc region?

A. Viognier

B. Chenin Blanc

C. Chardonnay

D. Mauzac

Viognier is a major grape of the Languedoc region, but cannot be used to make Limoux’s famous sparkling. By law, Blanquette de Limoux is made with at least 90% mauzac, with chenin blanc and chardonnay added if desired. It is made by the traditional (Champagne) method and aged sur lie for a minimum of nine months. Interestingly, blanquette is the Occitan word for the mauzac grape and also refers to the dusty, white, powdery appearance of the leaves on mauzac vines. (Occitan is the historic language of southern France).

5

The number of years Rioja Gran Reserva must be aged for, two of which must in oak barrels and the remaining three of which must be in bottles.

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