Feinherb

An unofficial term used in Germany as a synonym for halbtrocken or half-dry wines—defined as less than 1.8% residual sugar. Wines called feinherb usually still taste extremely DRY because of the high corresponding ACIDITY in German wines.

Which of the following is a key red grape variety grown in Sicily?

A. Lambrusco di Sorbara

B. Nero d’Avola

C. Negrara

D. Canaiolo

Also called Calabrese, nero d’Avola is an important red grape variety grown in Sicily. A high-quality variety that can produce intensely black-colored wines, nero d’Avola often possesses red fruit aromas, like strawberries or sour cherries, with notes of licorice, cocoa, rose, and spices. Often, the vines are grown in the traditional albarello (or “little tree” or “bush”) manner—which is to say, without expensive trellising that would be difficult and expensive to construct in Sicily’s high-elevation mountains.

“Dare to experiment, to ask questions and to embrace wine as a process of lifelong learning. Expect each bottle to be both a pleasure and a lesson (even when that lesson is “Never, ever order Latvian Verktvine again”). Then you can stop fearing wine and get on with the business of loving it.”

—Jennifer Rosen
Author, Waiter There’s a Horse in my Wine

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