Certified Sommelier Practice Exam
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026
1. Multiple Choice
Which of the following grape varieties is the primary red grape in Barolo wines?
A) Nebbiolo
B) Sangiovese
C) Montepulciano
D) Barbera
Answer: A) Nebbiolo
Rationale: Barolo is made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, known for their high
tannins, acidity, and potential for aging.
,2. Short Answer
Name the two main white grape varieties allowed in the production of
Champagne.
Answer: Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc (also Pinot Meunier is used widely).
Rationale: The principal grapes in Champagne are Chardonnay (a white grape)
and Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (both red grapes). Pinot Blanc is permitted but
less common.
3. Multiple Choice
Which region is known for producing the wine style "Tokaji Aszú"?
A) Hungary
B) Austria
C) Germany
D) France
Answer: A) Hungary
Rationale: Tokaji Aszú is a famous sweet wine from the Tokaj region in Hungary
made from botrytized Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes.
4. True or False
, The term “Grand Cru” in Burgundy refers to the highest quality vineyard
designation.
Answer: True
Rationale: In Burgundy, “Grand Cru” denotes the top tier of vineyard
classification, signifying the highest quality terroir.
5. Multiple Choice
Which wine fault is caused by excessive exposure to oxygen?
A) Cork taint
B) Brettanomyces
C) Oxidation
D) Reduction
Answer: C) Oxidation
Rationale: Oxidation occurs when wine is exposed to air too long, leading to
browning color and flat, dull flavors.
6. Short Answer
What is the main grape used in Rioja wines from Spain?
Answer: Tempranillo
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026
1. Multiple Choice
Which of the following grape varieties is the primary red grape in Barolo wines?
A) Nebbiolo
B) Sangiovese
C) Montepulciano
D) Barbera
Answer: A) Nebbiolo
Rationale: Barolo is made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, known for their high
tannins, acidity, and potential for aging.
,2. Short Answer
Name the two main white grape varieties allowed in the production of
Champagne.
Answer: Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc (also Pinot Meunier is used widely).
Rationale: The principal grapes in Champagne are Chardonnay (a white grape)
and Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (both red grapes). Pinot Blanc is permitted but
less common.
3. Multiple Choice
Which region is known for producing the wine style "Tokaji Aszú"?
A) Hungary
B) Austria
C) Germany
D) France
Answer: A) Hungary
Rationale: Tokaji Aszú is a famous sweet wine from the Tokaj region in Hungary
made from botrytized Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes.
4. True or False
, The term “Grand Cru” in Burgundy refers to the highest quality vineyard
designation.
Answer: True
Rationale: In Burgundy, “Grand Cru” denotes the top tier of vineyard
classification, signifying the highest quality terroir.
5. Multiple Choice
Which wine fault is caused by excessive exposure to oxygen?
A) Cork taint
B) Brettanomyces
C) Oxidation
D) Reduction
Answer: C) Oxidation
Rationale: Oxidation occurs when wine is exposed to air too long, leading to
browning color and flat, dull flavors.
6. Short Answer
What is the main grape used in Rioja wines from Spain?
Answer: Tempranillo
