In Recioto Valpolicella the grape that provides the backbone of the blend is Corvina. Its high acidity and bright red-fruit character give the wine structure and freshness that balance the rich sweetness from drying the grapes (appassimento). Rondinella often accompanies Corvina, adding aroma and depth, while Molinara is less central in modern blends. Sangiovese isn’t a traditional main variety in Valpolicella, so it isn’t the principal grape here. Therefore, Corvina is the principal variety used.

The question tests knowledge of Champagne geography and where Grand Cru villages are located. The Côte des Blancs is the Chardonnay-focused stretch that includes Grand Cru villages like Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oiry, and Chouilly. Ambonnay, on the other hand, sits in the Montagne de Reims, a different subregion, and is known for Pinot Noir rather than Chardonnay. So Ambonnay is not located in the Côte des Blancs, making it the correct choice.

The area most linked with sparkling wine in Australia has the cool climate that keeps acidity high, which is essential for the traditional method sparkling style. The Yarra Valley, near Melbourne, is renowned for producing high-quality sparkling wines using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the classic grapes for this method, and its cool conditions help create the crisp, bright bubbles and fine structure that define good Australian sparkling. The other regions are better known for different styles: Barossa Valley for warm-climate red wines like Shiraz, Margaret River for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and Hunter Valley for Semillon. So the Yarra Valley stands out as the region most associated with sparkling wine.

In Alsace, Vendange Tardive and Selection des Grains Nobles are designated for wines made from specific noble grape varieties that are capable of concentrating flavors through late harvest or botrytization. Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris are among the varieties commonly permitted for these labels because they maintain acidity and develop their characteristic aromatics even in concentrated, sweet styles. Pinot Blanc, on the other hand, is not part of the permitted set for VT and SGN; it’s typically used for other styles and doesn’t contribute the same aromatic profile or structure that these late-harvest and botrytized wines rely on. So Pinot Blanc is not allowed for Vendange Tardive or Selection des Grains Nobles.