The 20-question knowledge check
A knowledge check should reveal reasoning, not reward memorized performance. Work through twenty questions across process, styles, labels, grapes, regions, tasting, service, pairing, and flaws, including three trick questions designed to catch lazy assumptions before the real check begins. properly.
Use this as a sample run-through. Answer in plain language, then check whether your reasoning is sound.
What is fermentation? Why do red wines usually have more tannin than whites? Name the six wine shapes. What does dry mean? What is the difference between fruitiness and sweetness? What does acid feel like? What does tannin feel like? Why can serving temperature change a wine?
Read a label: what are producer, region, grape or appellation, vintage, and alcohol? What does Chablis usually imply? What grape is strongly linked to Chianti? Why does Sancerre matter as a Sauvignon Blanc reference? Name a light red grape. Name a full red grape. Name a white grape that can be dry or sweet.
Pairing: what wine shape helps fried food? What should you watch with spicy food? Why can tannic red work with steak? What is a safe move for a mixed table? What might damp cardboard smell suggest?
Now the trick questions. Is all Riesling sweet? No. Riesling can be dry, off-dry, or sweet, with acid as the constant clue. Is "reserve" always a legal quality guarantee? No. Meaning depends on country and producer context. Is a famous region automatically the right pairing? No. Fit matters more than reputation.
Score nothing. Sort answers into clear, weak, and missing. Clear means you can explain without help. Weak means you recognize the answer but stumble. Missing means you need review or tasting practice.
From lesson five, vocabulary should serve decisions. If your answers sound memorized but cannot guide a bottle choice, return to the relevant lesson and make the idea practical.
After this lesson
After this lesson you should be able to run a twenty-question practice check and identify which areas need review.