All right, I know that it is not Wednesday–on Wednesday I posted instead about my article on another website about the PLCB and their attempt at making wine. It was on the PA Vine Co. website so go and check it out if you haven’t already.

I also missed posting for Wine Trivia Wednesday last week, so I am sure that you all have completely forgotten been on pins and needles since then.  So first, the answers to last week’s quiz:

1. What is the average amount of time that a wine is aged in the United States?

While many answered ‘correctly’ in stating less than a year, many estimate it is even less than that–some stating it is as little as two hours. In other words, as long as it takes to get the wine from the store to the table.

2. What is the minimum amount of time a vintage champagne age on the lees before being disgorged?

Again, many were on target here.  The minimum legal number of years is three, although many houses exceed this minimum.

3. An older red wine often has sediment.  What is sediment? How does it get there?

Generally speaking, sediment is formed from the tannins in wine combining and precipitating out of the wine. This is why particularly harsh, tannic wines can become more drinkable with age.

4. My younger son was born in 2008, if I wanted to age some wine for him which of the following would be the best choice?

a. Napa Zinfandel

b. Barolo

c. Hermitage

d. Austrian Riesling

The rating of vintages is certainly subjective with critics sometimes disagreeing. Having said that, most agree that 2008 was not a particularly good year for Hermitage or Napa Zins. Austrian Riesling fared marginally better, by most accounts, but the Barolos were apparently off the charts.  For those of you keeping score at home, I actually bought some Oregon Pinot, but I will likely drink those before he comes of age…

On to today’s question:

One of the best aspect of wine is the people who are involved in the business. I guess it makes sense that people who are involved in the production of wine tend to be outgoing, gregarious types.  Sure, this is not always the case, but in order to make a living at it, you need to make a good product and you need to convince people to buy it.  Perhaps I have just been duped, but I don’t think so.  Anyway, a little different type of quiz today that will certainly take some Googling and even some imagination.  Below is a list of four people that I have met over the years visiting wineries, going to tastings, etc.  It is by no means an exhaustive list, but that is not the point.  The point? All four of these people have something in common. So for today’s quiz, first tell me who these people are (i.e., what do they do in the wine world–I know that what you do does not define who you are so don’t go all existentialist on me) and then tell me what they share in common.  No, it is not that they drink wine or that they are in the wine business. It is something else. If you frequent this blog, it might come to you.

1. Dan Goldfield
2. Ron Penner-Ash
3. Mike Drash
4. Mollie Lewis

Answer next week!