Dosage

The degree of sweetness of the LIQUEUR D’EXPÉDITION, which is used to top up Champagne before its final corking. The dosage is what determines whether a Champagne will be BRUT, EXTRA DRY, DEMI-SEC, and so on.

What entity is rumored to be planting a vineyard on site?

A. The Louvre Museum in Paris

B. The Vatican in Rome

C. The Governor’s Mansion in California

D. The Sydney Opera House in Australia

According to a recent post published by the Italian wine industry news portal WineNews.it, the Vatican is rumored to be planting 5 acres (2 hectares) of grapevines this spring on its Castel Gandolfo estate, the Pope’s official summer residence outside Rome. Although there is no word on the specific grape varieties, the project has been linked to Riccardo Catella, president of the Association of Italian Enologists and of the Union International des Oenologues. This will be the first time that the Vatican will grow grapes on one of its estates for the production of its own wine. Not intended as a commercial endeavor, the wine isn’t expected to be for sale, rather it will be used for sacramental purposes and given as gifts from the Pontiff.

“There are several people of color at the advanced level who are sitting for the Masters [Sommelier Exam]. Without the pin [earned upon passing the exam], people are not going to believe the Black sommelier when she comes to the table. That pin shows you know your stuff. It’s like the medical degree hanging in your doctor’s office.”

—Carlton McCoy, CEO of Heitz Cellars and 1 of only 3 African American Master Sommeliers, who serves on the Court of Master Sommeliers’ diversity committee, commenting on the importance of the MS pin to minority professionals.

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