Clos

A term used especially in Burgundy to indicate a vineyard enclosed by a wall. One of Burgundy’s largest and most famous walled vineyards is Clos Vougeot.

Which one of the following wine regions is not exposed to a rain shadow effect?

A. Bordeaux, France

B. Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

C. Mendoza, Argentina

D. Central Otago, New Zealand

Bordeaux, France. Bordeaux, about an hour’s drive inland from the Atlantic Ocean, is made up of relatively flat land. A rain shadow effect is the term used to describe the situation whereby a dry, often desert-like, side of a mountain rarely receives wind and rain. This occurs when the mountain range is high enough to block a rain-producing weather system from passing over to the other side of the mountain. Because of Bordeaux’s topography, a rain shadow effect is nonexistent. The other regions—Columbia Valley, Mendoza, and Central Otago—all experience rain shadow effect because they are all located on the side of the mountain that does not receive rain. They are in the “rain shadow.”

Spain’s Great Cover-Up

The word tapas is derived from the Spanish verb tapar, “to cover,”or “to top.” Originally,tapas were small slices of bread, jamon or chorizo which Sherry drinkers in Andalusian taverns used to cover their glasses between sips. If nothing else,… Continue reading

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