Castello

The word for castle. Several famous Italian wine estates are housed in what were once castles—Castello dei Rampolla in Tuscany, for example.

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).

Qvevri

A large earthenware vessel originating in Georgia around 6,000 B.C. Lined with beeswax and sunk into the ground to control temperature, it was traditionally used to ferment and store wine.

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