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
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
