Introductory Sommelier Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which latitudinal range best describes where most quality wines are produced?
• Which statement is true about the Appellation d'Origine Protegee (AOP)?
• The Uco Valley is located in which Argentine wine region?
• What varietal makes up at least 90% of a Chinon blend?
• Tartrates in wine are typically?
• What is the minimum aging requirement for Amontillado (Solera and cask)?
• Tokaji is a renowned botrytis dessert wine produced for centuries in which country?
• Gruner Veltliner is the most famous white varietal of which country?
• The Willamette Valley is located in which US state?
• Which South African region is regarded as producing the country's highest quality wine?
• What is grosslage?
• Why should Madeira and Sherry be stored upright?
• Which Northern Rhône region is always 100% Syrah?
• What grapes are used to produce dry styles of Madeira?
• The Uco Valley is located in which region?
• Which of the following is an international red grape that performs well in Priorat?
• Which red grape dominates most blends in the Southern Rhone?
• Which Bordeaux sub-region contains the greatest number of First Growths?
• What is Argentina's most northerly wine region?
• Which note is NOT typically associated with American Oak aging?
• What cooling factor keeps Carneros the coolest Napa AVA?
• Which statement best describes QbA wines?
• Coonawarra is notable for which soil type?
• Auslese is best described as which QmP level?
• What is sulfur dioxide used for in winemaking?
• What are the major red and white grapes of Burgundy?
• Which grape varieties are traditionally used in Valpolicella and Amarone?
• The five large Wine of Origin Geographical Units are located in which country?
• In Alsace, Bas Rhin and Haut Rhin are the two departments. Which pairing correctly describes their locations?
• Which description best defines Multiple Parallel Fermentation in sake?
• What is the minimum cask aging for Colheita?
• Which two Northern Rhône regions are white wine appellations?
• In Bordeaux, Malbec is also known as what?
• Frizzante refers to which type of wine?
• Which of the following is an indigenous red grape that performs well in Priorat?
• Name one of the major indigenous white varietals of Sicily.
• Steen is a synonym for which grape in South Africa?
• Which mountain range stretches through both New Zealand islands?
• Pinotage is a cross between which two varietals?
• What is the minimum percentage that must be claimed on the label for vintage, variety, and region of origin?
• In what years was Prohibition in effect in the United States?
• Which type of still is preferred when distillers aim to retain more of the base character in the spirit?
• Which sequence lists Champagne residual sugar terms from driest to sweetest?
• Pinot Noir is known in German as which name?
• What does QmP stand for in German wine classification?
• Which fortified wine employs the solera system?
• Chile grows more white or red varietals overall?
• Muscadet Sevre et Maine is produced in which region?
• Aging on the lees can impart which sensory characteristic?
• Which country has over 1,300 registered grape varieties?
• Botrytis cinerea is used in the production of the finest dessert wines in the world, notably from Sauternes. Which type of wines is this mold associated with?
• Which of the following is a correct serving temperature for Vintage Port?
• Which Australian region is famous for Vin du Naturel 'Stickies'?
• Which of the following is a primary grape variety for Vinho Verde?
• What are en primeur sales?
• In Burgundy, wine classification often references location with terms Grand Cru and Premier Cru. Which statement best describes this system?
• Spatburgunder is the German name for which grape?
• Which grape is used in Franciacorta that is different from those used in Champagne?
• Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine from which region?
• Torrontes is an aromatic white varietal indigenous to which country?
• What does "Entre deux Mers" mean?
• What is the aging requirement for a red wine from Rioja to be labeled Crianza?
• What is the term for pomace-derived spirits in Italy?
• From which side should customers be served?
• Ripasso is a technique associated with which Italian region?
• Single Quinta Port often requires decanting due to sediment. Which option describes this correctly?
• Which chateau was promoted from a second growth to a first growth in 1973?
• What type of still is used for flavorful spirits that maintain the flavor of their base, such as Scotch?
• Which set includes the four fundamental ingredients of beer?
• In Chile, which region is known for Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay due to its cooler climate?
• American Oak aging typically adds which notes to wine?
• What is a Single Quinta Port?
• What are the three major white Rhône grapes?
• What is the reason for fining a wine?
• The major red grapes of Anjou include which two varietals?
• What is autolysis?
• What is the minimum barrel aging requirement for vintage Madeiras?
• Phylloxera primarily attacks which part of the grapevine?
• Which Italian varietal is genetically identical to Zinfandel?
• Cremant description?
• Which sequence correctly lists Champagne residual sugar terms from driest to sweetest?
• The latitudinal range for most quality wine production worldwide falls within which interval?
• Chaptalization is typically employed in which situation?
• Free run juice is produced by draining without pressing and has what tannin characteristic compared with pressed wine?
• Ugni Blanc is primarily used in the production of which spirit?
• Trockenbeerenauslese is typically which style of wine?
• Pouilly Fuisse is located in Burgundy's Maconnais and is known for producing which grape variety?
• Which is the most northerly wine region in Argentina?
• Savennieres is a sub-region of Anjou known for dry wines from which grape?
• Austria's most famous white varietal?
• What is Colheita?
• What happens after the host's tasting sample is declared acceptable?
• Which white grape from La Mancha region was formerly the world's most widely planted varietal?
• In New Zealand, which region is driest and warmest?
• In the Northern Rhône, which region allows up to 20% Viognier to be blended into Syrah?
• The Niagara Escarpment is an AVA in which state?
• What is the red grape of Beaujolais?
• What is the most renowned red grape of Australia?
• Amontillado is best described as what?
• Riddling device used today?
• What is the highest quality category on the Italian wine quality scale?
• The mountain range that creates a rain shadow in Washington is the Cascade Mountains.
• What best describes the main difference between fino and oloroso sherry?
• Which of the following is NOT a grape variety used in sherry production?
• Which combination lists two indigenous and two international red grapes that perform well in Priorat?
• Jerez region is located in which country?
• What are the two major styles of beer?
• Which region is known for producing high-quality rosé?
• What must occur before filling the other guests' glasses?
• Edelzwicker is best described as what?
• Degorgement purpose?
• The Central Otago region is famed for Pinot Noir; what color wine is most typical from this grape?
• Champagne temperature options.
• Champagne is best served at which temperature range?
• Prugnolo Gentile is a clone of which grape variety?
• What is botrytis cinerea?
• Which ocean current cools Chile's coastal vineyards?
• Which statement best describes Selection de Grains Nobles?
• Which region is associated with Chenin Blanc-based wines such as Vouvray?
• What is the classification basis for the German wine quality scale?
• Which of the following is NOT one of Burgundy's five large sub-regions?
• Terra Rossa soil is a hallmark of which Australian wine region?
• Which AVA is the coolest in Napa?
• Xynomavro is the dominant varietal in which Greek region?
• Which of the following is a large Wine of Origin Geographical Unit?
• What does Nigori mean?
• Term for methode traditionnelle wines produced outside Champagne?
• What are lees?
• Which of the following is an AVA in New York state?
• Which large AVA includes Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa?
• Which French region is known for being divided into small parcels through inheritance laws, with parcels designated on a quality scale based on location?
• What happens to white wines as they age?
• Belle Epoque is the Tete de Cuvee of which Champagne house?
• Which grape variety is used in Champagne production?
• In the Northern Rhône, which region is defined by wines that are always red due to being 100% Syrah?
• Which statement best describes en primeur sales?
• How is Vin de Liqueur produced?
• What red grape dominates the blends in Left Bank Bordeaux wines?
• Which grapevine species is used in quality wine production (excluding rootstocks)?
• Where is the famous producer Petrus located?
• In sherry production, what is flor?
• What are the five red grapes of Bordeaux?
• A negociant is best described as which of the following?
• Which sensory effect can aging wine on the lees have?
• In Spanish wine terms, what does joven mean?
• How many QbA regions are there in Germany?
• The white grape used in Sancerre is which?
• Which country has the longest winemaking tenure in the New World?
• Which Scotch region is known for the most strongly flavored whiskies with sea air brine and peat?
• Monastrell is the Jumilla name for which grape?
• Which region is associated with carbonic maceration, and what does it involve?
• What grapes are used to produce sweet styles of Madeira?
• How many times should a sommelier wipe the top of a bottle?
• Greco di Tufo DOCG is located in which region?
• Airen is a white grape associated with which region?
• Which white grape dominates Spain's Rias Baixas region?
• Which Wachau classification corresponds to 11-12.5% ABV?
• Edelzwicker originates from which language?
• Casablanca region in Chile is known for which cooler-climate varietals?
• What is the sequence of QmP levels from driest to sweetest?
• Vendange Tardive refers to which style of wine?
• In New York state, which pair of varietals is most successful?
• Which three grapes are used in white Bordeaux?
• Santa Barbara's climate is well-suited to which varietals?
• In Wine of Origin classification, which is larger: a district or a ward?
• What best defines a macroclimate?
• What is the minimum percentage of corn in Bourbon's grain base?
• What system is replacing the AOC?
• Which guest's glass is always the last to be filled during wine service?
• In Italian classifications, Supertuscan wines are classified as which category?
• Which grape is used to produce Barbaresco DOCG?
• What is the red grape of the Northern Rhone?
• What effect does malolactic fermentation have on acidity and mouthfeel?
• In South Africa's Wine of Origin system, what percentage of grapes must come from the named appellation?
• What is the solera system in fortified wine production?
• What is the youngest style of Port?
• Which South African region is considered the second-highest in quality after Stellenbosch?
• What is the dominant botanical in gin?
• The Wachau classifications Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd pertain to which wine region?
• Which grape is considered a noble variety in Alsace?
• Which grape is credited with putting Oregon quality wine on the map?
• What is chaptalization?
• What are the classification levels of Saint-Emilion?
• Which mountain range separates Alsace from the rest of France?
• What are the two dominant grapes in the Right Bank of Bordeaux?
• What is liqueur de tirage?
• What is the white grape used in the production of Vouvray?
• AVA stands for what in wine terms?
• Barossa is located in which Australian state?
• A Primat bottle holds the contents of how many standard 750 ml bottles?
• Agiorgitiko is the only grape grown in which AOC?
• What is the term for pomace-derived spirits in France?
• NOT a grape used in Cava?
• Brunello di Montalcino is made from which clone of Sangiovese?
• What type of fermentation vessel is most common in modern wineries?
• In general, high alcohol and ripe, tropical fruit indicate a wine from where?
• Which Italian region's name means "foot of the mountain"?
• Which description best fits a beer style fermented at warmer temperatures with top-fermenting yeast?
• Which statement best describes Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles?
• What type of fortified wine is almost indestructible, immune from oxidation or maderization?
• Which term describes the two primary maderization techniques used in Madeira production?
• Which active volcano is located in Sicily?
• Which of the following is not listed as a First Growth in the Medoc according to the material?
• In a variant question, which option correctly gives Vintage Port serving temperature?
• What soil type is characteristic of Spain's Jerez region and favorable for Palomino grapes?
• What is the unit of measuring sweetness for Tokaji?
• What is the primary grape of the Mosel Valley?
• Liqueur d'expedition commonly known as?
• What is the main red grape variety in Rioja?
• What are the five large sub-regions of Burgundy?
• What is the white grape used in the production of Sancerre?
• Which grape is used in Barolo?
• In the Douro region, Tempranillo is commonly known by which name?
• Which two red grapes are used in the production of Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG?
• Port wine is produced in which region?
• Passito is the Italian term for which type of wine?
• Which of the following is a Burgundy sub-region?
• What is the climate of the Loire Valley?
• Which method is the same as Methode Traditionelle up to disgorgement?
• Within the Italian appellation system, Supertuscan wines belong to which category?
• In winemaking, extraction refers to the amount of phenolics extracted at which stages?
• What is the proper serving temperature for Vintage Port?
• Entre deux Mers is a region located between which two rivers?
• Which Oregon region is most renowned for Pinot Noir?
• What does the DO Pagos category refer to in Spain's wine classifications?
• Assyrtiko is highly acidic and often shows notes of which pair?
• What is Bereich?
• What term is used for sparkling wine in Germany?
• A musty cardboard or basement aroma in wine most commonly indicates which flaw?
• Which Côte d'Or sub-region has Pinot Noir as the dominant grape?
• What is Ausbruch?
• Which of the following is a large Wine of Origin Geographical Unit in South Africa?
• Which wine (appellation) has the highest minimum alcohol level?
• Which grape is used in the production of Soave?
• Which major white grape is commonly associated with Burgundy?
• Cornas is always 100% of which grape?
• Which region is known as 'The Garden of France'?
• What does TCA smell like?
• Which château in Graves is recognized as a First Growth?
• What is the aging requirement for a red Rioja to be labeled Reserva?
• How many major AVAs are recognized in New York state?
• Which is the largest appellation region in France?
• What is the total minimum aging for a Rioja Crianza red wine?
• How is Vin Doux Naturel produced?
• Why do Botrytis affected grapes need to be harvested by hand?
• Assyrtiko, originally from Santorini, is now grown throughout which country?
• Which brandy-producing region is located north of Bordeaux?
• Which Italian region has a name that translates to 'foot of the mountain'?
• Which appellation has the highest minimum alcohol levels in France?
• What is the driest and warmest region in New Zealand?
• What is the term for a single sake brewery?
• Which geographic features protect Chile from phylloxera?
• What is the consequence of not storing Madeira and Sherry upright?
• At what percentage of the rice has been polished at the Daiginjo level?
• If a wine smells like nail polish, what is the flaw?
• How many crus are within Beaujolais?
• Which region hosts the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation?
• Which Wachau classification is 12.5% ABV or more?
• Tartrates are often found in white wines from which regions?
• What is Garnacha called in Sardinia?
• What are common fining agents for wine?
• What is the aging requirement for a red Rioja to be labeled Gran Reserva?
• What color indicates a youthful red wine?
• What are the three sub-regions of Rioja?
• Entre deux Mers separates which Bordeaux banks?
• Margaret River is in which Australian state?
• What is Mourvedre called in Spain?
• Which set of grape varieties is used to make Vinho Verde?
• Assyrtiko is the white grape of which Greek island?
• New Zealand's Auckland region is located on which island?
• Which is the largest Australian appellation described as a 'Super Zone' or geographic designation?
• Which grape is Portugal's finest red variety, described as thick-skinned, low yielding, rich in color and tannin with aging potential, and known for intense flavors of ripe blackcurrants and raspberries with herbs and licorice?
• Smell accounts for what % of taste?
• In wine terminology, what does GI stand for?
• Grappa is the pomace-derived brandy of which country?
• Which chateaux are listed as the First Growths of the Medoc?
• At what temperature does alcohol boil?
• Which grape is used in Muscadet Sevre et Maine?
• What is the name of the Sangiovese clone used in the production of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG?
• Which Wachau classification corresponds to 11% ABV or less?
• Which statement about Madeira and Sherry storage is true?
• What is Koji?
• What mountain ranges frame Napa Valley?
• What is the dominant soil type of the Mosel Valley?
• Madeira and Sherry should be stored upright.
• Which climate designation lies between microclimate and macroclimate in scale?
• Which sub-region of Anjou is known for dry wines from Chenin Blanc?
• What are the two sub-regions of the Côte d'Or?
• Which AVA overlaps Napa and Sonoma?
• Which grape variety is commonly used to sweeten sherry?
• Which region is known for Vin du Naturel 'Stickies' made from Muscat and Muscadelle?
• Which aromatic white varietal is indigenous to Argentina?
• In what year was France's appellation system established?
• Which grape is used to produce Prosecco?
• Which grape is used to produce Brunello di Montalcino?
• What is a Tete de Cuvee in Champagne?
• What are tartrates?
• What is the significance of Vila Nova de Gaia?
• California accounts for what percentage of all US wine production?
• Which statement about Madeira production is true?
• Argentina's signature red grape?
• Which country made the strongest push to popularize the screwcap enclosure, now used in 70% of their wines?
• If an AVA is listed on a bottle, what percentage of the wine must come from that AVA?
• What is the purpose of swirling a glass of wine?
• Barossa is located in which state?
• What does the Appellation d'Origine Protegee (AOP) govern?
• What does the term 'Classico' refer to in Chianti Classico?
• Which term describes the traditional French method includes secondary fermentation in the bottle?
• Blanc de Blancs wines are made from which grape?
• Which larger appellation contains the sub-regions of Corbières and St-Chinian?
• Which region in Scotland is famous for peat-smoked whiskies with sea air brine?
• Which beer style is produced quickly using a top-fermenting yeast?
• What is the Ripasso process and which region is it associated with?
• Phylloxera is best described as what?
• Retsina is traditionally produced with flavoring from what substance?
• Which sparkling production method is used to produce most Prosecco?
• What does IBU stand for?
• Which French region's 1855 classification is widely known for Left Bank wines?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the five large Wine of Origin Geographical Units in South Africa?
• What is einzellage?
• What is the largest wine region in France by area?
• What is the primary red grape variety of Tuscany?
• Which Alsace grape is also known as Tokay d'Alsace?
• What is a microclimate?
• Why is there little high quality wine production in Northern Australia?
• What 3 AVAs overlap Washington & Oregon?
• Savennieres is known for dry wines made from which grape?
• Free run juice is defined as what?
• Which of the following is not a major white Rhône grape?
• Tinto del País is another name for which varietal?
• Which method performs secondary fermentation in large tanks?
• Cortese is the grape used to produce white wine in which DOCG?
• Grapes used in Cava production?
• Which region was classified in 1855?
• What volume is the host tasting sample?
• The Russian River Valley sub-appellation is located in which region?
• What are the 2 maderation techniques for Madeira production?
• Brunello di Montalcino is produced from which clone of Sangiovese?
• Which grape variety constitutes over 90% of the production of sherry?
• How many grape varieties are permitted in the production of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
• What mountain range stretches through both islands in New Zealand?
• What best defines a mesoclimate?
• Which statement accurately describes Vinho Verde?
• Which option correctly gives a proper serving temperature for Champagne in this variant?
• What is extraction in winemaking?
• Franciacorta region?
• Selection de Grains Nobles refers to which type of wine?
• What is the grain base for Bourbon?
• Which grape is used to produce white wine in Gavi DOCG (Piedmont)?
• Greco di Tufo DOCG is in which Italian region?
• What is the climate of Bordeaux?
• Pierce's Disease is carried by which pest?
• Pouilly Fume is located in the Loire Valley and predominantly produces which grape variety?
• Which AVA is cooled by breezes from the San Pablo Bay, making it Napa's coolest?
• Which grape is used for the vast majority of Cognac production?
• Which beverage category commonly uses Koji in its production?
• Central Otago is best known for which grape variety?
• Calvados is produced from which base fruit?
• Lambrusco is best described as what?
• Which red grape is not among the five red Bordeaux grapes?
• Spatlese indicates which harvest characteristic?
• Which white Bordeaux grape is not among the three standard varieties?
• Is a Pilsner categorized as a lager or an ale?
• What is riddling?
• In wine service, what is the correct sequence after the host's tasting sample is deemed acceptable?
• Phylloxera cannot survive in which soil type?
• Which Champagne region is known for growing Chardonnay?
• Which AVA overlaps Napa and Sonoma?
• What is malolactic fermentation?
• What is the only First Growth in Graves?
• Noble rot is produced by which mold?
• Which Rioja aging category typically requires the longest total aging?
• Which large AVA includes Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa?
• What is a cultured yeast?
• Which varietals are best suited to the climate of Tasmania?
• Which climate description applies to Bordeaux?
• The phrase "Premier je suis, Second je fus, Mouton ne change" is associated with which chateau?
• Which New Zealand region is best known for Sauvignon Blanc?
• What sensory outcome can occur when certain fish are paired with a heavily tannic wine?
• Why is Vila Nova de Gaia's climate considered ideal for aging in cask?
• Which statement about Daiginjo rice polishing is accurate?
• Which state accounts for about 90% of US wine production?
• Which DOCG is produced from Nero d'Avola and Frappato?