INTRODUCTORY SOMMELIER COURSE CMSA EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS VERIFIED.
Viticulture
The art and science of vine growing
Name some of the factors of production:
Location/ geography, climate, topography, soil, harvest, terroir, wine region laws, etc.
What latitude are the majority of vines grown in?
30 - 50 - most grapes thrive in temperate climates
Describe the three climate sizes
Macroclimate - largest, example: entire wine region
Mesoclate - medium, example: sub-region
Microclimate - smallest, example: single vineyard, row of vines, specific vine
continental climate
Strong annual variation in temperature due to lack of proximity to bodies of water. Hotter summers than
maritime, often with cold winter temps that can be extreme
maritime climate
, Influences by a large body of water - sea or ocean. Mild temperatures but with fluctuation causing
vintage variation
Mediterranean climate
Summers are hot and dry, aside from the immediate coastal areas. Along the coasts, summers are mild
due to proximity to cold water currents, but storms can also result as a consequence.
High desert climate
Summers are generally hot and dry. Daytime temperatures are high, but dramatic drops are often
experienced overnight.
Diurnal Shifts
the difference between average daytime high and nighttime low temperatures. *important for grape
ripening and balancing of acid/sugar.
Sunshine hours
The number of sunshine hours a vineyard or wine region receives in a given vintage year or growing
season.
What forces of nature can be a threat to the vineyard?
Frost or freeze, hail, strong winds
What are some climate moderators?
Bodies of water, mountains, rain shadows, altitude/elevation and wind.
What is a rain shadow?
A dry area on one side of a mountain opposite the wind, rain, and generally poor weather.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS VERIFIED.
Viticulture
The art and science of vine growing
Name some of the factors of production:
Location/ geography, climate, topography, soil, harvest, terroir, wine region laws, etc.
What latitude are the majority of vines grown in?
30 - 50 - most grapes thrive in temperate climates
Describe the three climate sizes
Macroclimate - largest, example: entire wine region
Mesoclate - medium, example: sub-region
Microclimate - smallest, example: single vineyard, row of vines, specific vine
continental climate
Strong annual variation in temperature due to lack of proximity to bodies of water. Hotter summers than
maritime, often with cold winter temps that can be extreme
maritime climate
, Influences by a large body of water - sea or ocean. Mild temperatures but with fluctuation causing
vintage variation
Mediterranean climate
Summers are hot and dry, aside from the immediate coastal areas. Along the coasts, summers are mild
due to proximity to cold water currents, but storms can also result as a consequence.
High desert climate
Summers are generally hot and dry. Daytime temperatures are high, but dramatic drops are often
experienced overnight.
Diurnal Shifts
the difference between average daytime high and nighttime low temperatures. *important for grape
ripening and balancing of acid/sugar.
Sunshine hours
The number of sunshine hours a vineyard or wine region receives in a given vintage year or growing
season.
What forces of nature can be a threat to the vineyard?
Frost or freeze, hail, strong winds
What are some climate moderators?
Bodies of water, mountains, rain shadows, altitude/elevation and wind.
What is a rain shadow?
A dry area on one side of a mountain opposite the wind, rain, and generally poor weather.
