Certified Sommelier Examination (Certified Level)
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which grape is the primary variety used in Champagne?
A. Chardonnay
B. Riesling
C. Sauvignon Blanc
D. Gewürztraminer
Correct: A
Chardonnay is one of the three main grapes in Champagne production,
contributing elegance and acidity.
2. What is the main role of tannins in red wine?
A. Sweetness
B. Color intensity
C. Structure and aging potential
D. Alcohol level
Correct: C
Tannins provide structure, bitterness, and aging capability in red wines.
,3. Which country is the birthplace of Malbec as a grape variety?
A. Argentina
B. France
C. Italy
D. Spain
Correct: B
Malbec originated in France, particularly in Cahors, before thriving in
Argentina.
4. What does “terroir” refer to?
A. Wine aging barrels
B. Climate, soil, and geography influencing wine
C. Fermentation process
D. Grape pruning method
Correct: B
Terroir describes environmental factors affecting grape growing and
wine character.
5. Which wine region is famous for Barolo?
,A. Tuscany
B. Piedmont
C. Veneto
D. Lombardy
Correct: B
Barolo is a prestigious wine from Piedmont in northern Italy.
6. What is the primary grape in Chianti?
A. Nebbiolo
B. Sangiovese
C. Merlot
D. Pinot Noir
Correct: B
Sangiovese is the dominant grape in Chianti wines.
7. Which method is used to produce Champagne?
A. Carbonic maceration
B. Charmat method
C. Traditional method (Méthode Champenoise)
D. Flash détente
, Correct: C
Champagne is made using secondary fermentation in the bottle.
8. What temperature is ideal for serving sparkling wine?
A. 5–7°C
B. 12–14°C
C. 18–20°C
D. 22–24°C
Correct: A
Sparkling wines are best served well chilled to preserve freshness.
9. Which grape is associated with Burgundy red wines?
A. Cabernet Sauvignon
B. Merlot
C. Pinot Noir
D. Syrah
Correct: C
Pinot Noir is the signature red grape of Burgundy.
10. What does DOCG stand for in Italian wine classification?
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which grape is the primary variety used in Champagne?
A. Chardonnay
B. Riesling
C. Sauvignon Blanc
D. Gewürztraminer
Correct: A
Chardonnay is one of the three main grapes in Champagne production,
contributing elegance and acidity.
2. What is the main role of tannins in red wine?
A. Sweetness
B. Color intensity
C. Structure and aging potential
D. Alcohol level
Correct: C
Tannins provide structure, bitterness, and aging capability in red wines.
,3. Which country is the birthplace of Malbec as a grape variety?
A. Argentina
B. France
C. Italy
D. Spain
Correct: B
Malbec originated in France, particularly in Cahors, before thriving in
Argentina.
4. What does “terroir” refer to?
A. Wine aging barrels
B. Climate, soil, and geography influencing wine
C. Fermentation process
D. Grape pruning method
Correct: B
Terroir describes environmental factors affecting grape growing and
wine character.
5. Which wine region is famous for Barolo?
,A. Tuscany
B. Piedmont
C. Veneto
D. Lombardy
Correct: B
Barolo is a prestigious wine from Piedmont in northern Italy.
6. What is the primary grape in Chianti?
A. Nebbiolo
B. Sangiovese
C. Merlot
D. Pinot Noir
Correct: B
Sangiovese is the dominant grape in Chianti wines.
7. Which method is used to produce Champagne?
A. Carbonic maceration
B. Charmat method
C. Traditional method (Méthode Champenoise)
D. Flash détente
, Correct: C
Champagne is made using secondary fermentation in the bottle.
8. What temperature is ideal for serving sparkling wine?
A. 5–7°C
B. 12–14°C
C. 18–20°C
D. 22–24°C
Correct: A
Sparkling wines are best served well chilled to preserve freshness.
9. Which grape is associated with Burgundy red wines?
A. Cabernet Sauvignon
B. Merlot
C. Pinot Noir
D. Syrah
Correct: C
Pinot Noir is the signature red grape of Burgundy.
10. What does DOCG stand for in Italian wine classification?
