The following questions have been extracted from the WSET Level 2 book, “Wine: Looking Behind the

Label,”
Issue 1: 2019

FINE VINTAGE LEVEL 2 PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS

Section 1: Wine and the Consumer

Chapter 1 – Tasting and Evaluating Wine

1) Which of the following conditions allows for the best impression of a wine?
a) A room that has been cleaned with bleach;
b) A room that allows natural light;
c) A palate that has been freshly brushed with toothpaste;
d) A palate after a cup of coffee.

2) Which of the following is the most common colour for red wines?
a) Purple
b) Ruby
c) Garnet
d) Tawny

3) Which of the following is the most common colour for white wines?
a) Lemon
b) Gold
c) Amber
d) Brown

4) Which of the following colours best describes a red wine with some age?
a) Ruby
b) Garnet
c) Purple
d) Gold

5) If the pigmentation of a wine reaches from the core to the rim, it should be described as:
a) Pale
b) Medium
c) Deep
d) Pronounced

6) Oak and malolactic conversion aromas are considered:

a) Primary Aromas
b) Secondary Aromas
c) Tertiary Aromas
d) Faulted Aromas
www.finevintageltd.com
7) A fortified wine such as Fino Sherry with 15% alcohol is described as having:
a) Low alcohol
b) Medium alcohol
c) High alcohol

8) Which structural component is the main factor that contributes to body in a wine?
a) Sugar
b) Acidity
c) Tannins
d) Alcohol

9) Which factor is important for balance in wine with sugar?

a) Acidity
b) Alcohol
c) Flavour characteristics
d) Tannins

10) A wine should meet how many positive criteria to qualify as acceptable?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) None – there are problems on all criteria

Chapter 2 – Pairing Wine with Food

11) Which of the following is true about Sweetness in food when pairing with wine?
a) It makes a wine seem more acidic
b) It makes a wine seem more bitter
c) It makes seem less fruity
d) All of the above

12) Which of the following is true about Umami in food when pairing with wine?
a) It makes a wine seem more bitter
b) It makes a wine seem less acidic
c) It makes a wine seem sweeter
d) None of the above

13) Salt can enhance the flavour in wine.

a) True
b) False

www.finevintageltd.com
14) Acidity in food can make a wine seem:
a) Drier
b) Less acidic
c) Less fruity
d) More bitter

15) Which statement is true about flavour intensity in food and wine pairing?
a) The flavour intensity of the food should be higher that the flavour intensity of the wine
b) The flavour intensity of the wine should be higher than the flavour intensity of the food
c) The food and wine should have equal flavour intensities
d) None of the above

16) Which of the following pairings is correct?

a) Salt in food decreases Acidity in wine
b) Umami in food decreases Alcohol in wine
c) Chili Heat in food decreases Bitterness in wine
d) Sweetness in food decreases Acidity in wine

17) The effect of chili heat is greatest in which wine style?

a) Wines with higher alcohol
b) Wines with lower alcohol
c) Wines with residual sugar
d) Wines with intense fruity characters

18) A person’s sensitivities do not play an important role in matching food and wine.
a) True
b) False

19) Food has a greater impact on wine than wine has on food.
a) True
b) False

20) Acidity in wine makes the palate seem cloying and unrefreshing when paired with fatty/oily foods.
a) True
b) False

www.finevintageltd.com
 Chapter 3 – Storage and Service of Wine

21) Which statement is most appropriate for storing wine?

a) Poor storage can create faulted wines
b) Wines mature well in extremes of temperature
c) Wines sealed with a screwcap should be stored on its side
d) Bright light helps a wine retain its freshness

22) Which degree is generally accepted as “room temperature?”

a) 6°C / 46°F
b) 12°C / 50°F
c) 18°C / 64°F
d) 24°C / 75°F

23) Which type of wine is best served in a flute?

a) Sparkling wine
b) Dry red wine
c) Dry white wine
d) Fortified sweet wine

24) Which style of wine could be served at the warmest temperature range?
a) Still red wine
b) Rosé wine
c) Sparkling wine
d) Sweet wine

25) Which of the following wines should be served at the coolest temperature range?
a) Beaujolais
b) Champagne
c) Pinot Grigio
d) Shiraz

26) An ice-bucket will efficiently chill a wine if:

a) The bucket is filled with ice only
b) The bucket is filled with ice and a little water
c) The bucket is filled with both parts ice and cold water
d) The bucket is filled of mostly water and a little ice

www.finevintageltd.com
27) When opening a bottle of sparkling wine, one should always:
a) Hold the cork secure while loosening the cage
b) Hold the bottle at an angle
c) Turn the bottle, not the cork
d) All of the above

28) When decanting an aged red wine, why should it be held near a light source?
a) It helps prevent the sediments from being agitated
b) It helps bring the wine up to room temperature
c) It helps with seeing when sediments collect in the neck
d) None of the above

29) Aromas of damp cardboard and muted fruit flavours is indicative of:
a) A wine that has been in contact with a cork contaminated with TCA
b) A wine that has been unintentionally exposed to oxygen by a failed closure
c) A wine that has been damaged by exposure to heat or sunlight
d) A wine that has thrown sediment from prolonged aging in bottle

30) A blanket system:

a) Chills a wine to proper serving temperature
b) Adds a layer of gas to protect remaining wine from oxidation
c) Is a decanting method that efficiently allows a wine to breathe
d) None of the above

Section 2 – Factors Affecting Wine Style and Quality

Chapter 4 – Grape Growing & Labeling Terms

31) Which of the following pairs are found in the pulp of a grape?
a) Carbon dioxide and alcohol
b) Colour and tannin
c) Seeds and stems
d) Sugar and acid

32) Most wine grapes belong to which species of vine?

a) African
b) Asian
c) European
d) North American

www.finevintageltd.com
33) Which environmental factor generates energy in the vine to produce sugars to grow and ripen grapes?
a) Carbon dioxide
b) Nutrients
c) Sunlight
d) Water

34) Which is the correct order for grape formation and ripening?
a) Flowering, Fruit Set, Véraison, Ripening
b) Ripening, Véraison, Fruit Set, Flowering
c) Fruit Set, Flowering, Ripening, Véraison
d) Véraison, Ripening, Flowering, Fruit Set

35) Which of the following occurs during Véraison?

a) Flowers are pollinated and turn into newly formed grapes
b) Grapes change colour from dark green to golden or reddish-purple
c) Grapes swell with water and sugars
d) Grapes develop tannins and flavours

36) An example of a grape that performs better in a warm climate but not in a cool climate is:
a) Chardonnay
b) Grenache
c) Pinot Noir
d) Sauvignon Blanc

37) Warm ocean currents play a significant climatic role in:

a) California
b) Chile
c) Northern Europe
d) South Africa

38) A wine region with an average growing season temperature of 17°C / 63°F is considered to have a:
a) Cold Climate
b) Cool Climate
c) Moderate Climate
d) Warm Climate

39) In climates further from the equator, vineyards can maximise sunlight exposure by:
a) Planting grapes on flat, easily accessible land
b) Planting grapes on slopes that receive ample shade
c) Planting grapes on slopes facing rivers
d) Planting grapes on cool soils with no stones

www.finevintageltd.com
40) Which environmental factor best creates sunny summers and dry autumns that can extend the growing
season?
a) Bodies of water
b) Cloud cover
c) Mountains
d) Soils

41) Most of the world’s vineyards are found between which degrees of latitude?
a) 10 to 30
b) 20 to 40
c) 30 to 50
d) 40 to 60

42) Which weather-related issue can result in wines that are too high in acidity?
a) Cooler than usual vintages
b) Frost
c) Hail
d) High levels of rain

43) Which of the following is a challenge in the spring that can reduce the crop for the year?
a) Drought
b) Frost
c) Hail
d) Hotter than usual temperatures

44) Which of the following would be used in high levels of moisture?

a) Fungicides
b) Herbicides
c) Pesticides
d) All of the above

45) The challenge of lower yields is:

a) Commercial viability
b) Diluted flavours
c) Lower sugar levels
d) Shriveled grapes that develop raisin-like flavours

46) An example of a pest or disease that is beneficial to grapes is:

a) Birds
b) Pierce’s Disease
c) Mildew
d) Botrytis Cinerea

www.finevintageltd.com
47) Grapes harvested later in the ripening process will have:
a) Higher acidity, lower sugars
b) Higher sugars, lower acidity
c) Higher sugars and acidity
d) Lower acidity and sugars

48) Vendanges tardives indicates a wine made from:

a) Grapes that have been picked later in the harvest season
b) Grapes that have been affected by botrytis
c) Grapes that have been left to freeze on the vine
d) Grapes that have been harvested from old vines

49) An example of a PDO-level wine in Europe is:

a) Indicazione Geografica Tipica
b) Qualitätswein
c) Vin de Pays
d) Vino de la Tierra

50) The acronym AOC refers to a PDO-wine from which country?

a) France
b) Germany
c) Italy
d) Spain

Chapter 5 – Winemaking

51) Which process maximizes extraction of liquid from grapes?

a) Crushing
b) Pressing
c) Fermentation
d) Maceration

52) Which combination of factors would most likely increase the cost of a wine?
a) Steep vineyard, new French oak barrels, natural cork
b) Machine-harvest, used American barrels, screwcap
c) Hand-harvest, stainless steel, synthetic cork
d) High-yield, oak staves, cardboard box

www.finevintageltd.com
53) Which is the correct typical order for red winemaking?
a) Pressing, Draining, Fermentation, Maturation
b) Fermentation, Draining, Pressing, Maturation
c) Draining, Maturation, Pressing, Fermentation
d) Maturation, Fermentation, Draining, Pressing

54) Which process uses a plunger to extract colour and tannin for red winemaking?
a) Blending
b) Short maceration
c) Pumping over
d) Punching down

55) Which is the correct order for dry white winemaking?

a) Crushing, Pressing, Fermentation, Maturation
b) Fermentation, Maturation, Crushing, Pressing
c) Maturation, Crushing, Pressing, Fermentation
d) Pressing, Fermentation, Crushing, Maturation

56) Short maceration followed by fermentation temperatures of 12°C – 22°C (54°F - 72°F) best describes:
a) White winemaking
b) Rosé winemaking
c) Red winemaking
d) Sweet winemaking

57) In cool vintages:

a) Acid may be added to the grape juice before fermentation
b) Acid may be added to the finished wine after fermentation
c) Sugar may be added to the grape juice before fermentation
d) Sugar may be added to the finished wine after fermentation

58) Which of the following would result in the least cost when adding oak flavours to a wine?
a) Oak staves
b) New French oak
c) Previously used barrels
d) Barrel fermentation

59) Which vessel would lead to maturation with oxygen?

a) OId oak vats
b) Bottles
c) Cement tanks
d) Stainless steel tanks

www.finevintageltd.com
60) After which step of the winemaking process is the wine unlikely to improve?
a) Pressing
b) Fermentation
c) Maturation
d) Packaging

Section 3 – Grape Varieties & Still Wines

Chapter 6 – Pinot Noir

61) Which of the following statements about Pinot Noir is true?

a) Pinot Noir is widely planted as it adapts easily to a variety of climatic conditions
b) Pinot Noir can be enjoyed when it is young
c) Pinot Noir produces full-body wines with strong tannins
d) Pinot Noir can withstand intense flavours from new oak

62) If a climate or vintage is too warm, the flavours of Pinot Noir will:
a) Be well-suited for several years aging in bottle
b) Show unattractive flavours of cooked fruit
c) Show subtle flavours of clove and smoke
d) Struggle to ripen

63) Which labelling term would be the highest-quality from the best vineyards in Burgundy?
a) Cru
b) Grand Cru
c) Premier Cru
d) Villages

64) Which of the following is not a village AOC in Burgundy?

a) Beaune
b) Gevrey-Chambertin
c) Nuits-Saint-Georges
d) Pomerol

65) Good examples of Pinot Noir in California are generally not found in:
a) Carneros
b) Santa Barbara
c) Sonoma
d) Napa

www.finevintageltd.com
66) A cool region of Australia that produces quality Pinot Noir is:
a) Barossa Valley
b) Hunter Valley
c) Clare Valley
d) Yarra Valley

67) Which region of New Zealand is not famous for its Pinot Noir?
a) Central Otago
b) Hawke’s Bay
c) Marlborough
d) Martinborough

68) Which Chilean region produces very good Pinot Noir?

a) Casablanca Valley
b) Central Valley
c) Colchagua
d) Maipo

69) Which region is well known for producing high quality Pinot Noir in South Africa?
a) Mornington Peninsula
b) Oregon
c) Stellenbosch
d) Walker Bay

70) Blending Pinot Noir with other grapes is common practice in:
a) Burgundy
b) Beaujolais
c) Champagne
d) Hermitage

Chapter 7 – Zinfandel/Primitivo

71) What type of climate is best suited for Zinfandel/Primitivo?

a) Cool Climate
b) Moderate Climate
c) Warm Climate
d) All of the above

www.finevintageltd.com
72) Which statements about White Zinfandel are true?
1) It is a white wine
2) It is medium-sweet
3) It is high alcohol
4) It is typically aged in oak

a) 2 only
b) 2&4
c) 1, 2, & 4
d) All of the above

73) Zinfandel grapes can ofted raisin on the vine.

a) True
b) False

74) Which best describes a red Zinfandel?

Primary Flavour Alcohol Body
a) Blackberry High Full
b) Pineapple Medium Medium
c) Raspberry Low Light
d) Red Plum High Medium

75) Which Italian region is the source of wines made from Primitivo?
a) Piemonte
b) Puglia
c) Tuscany
d) Veneto

Chapter 8 – Riesling

76) Just-ripe Riesling produces flavours of:

a) Apple, lime, and lemon
b) Apricot, mango, and raisins
c) Asparagus, green bell pepper, and gooseberry
d) Vanilla, coconut, and hazelnut

77) Naturally high acidity in Riesling means:

a) It is suitable for late-harvesting when conditions are right
b) It should be consumed young and does not have potential to develop further
c) Oak aging is often used to contribute to balance and complexity
d) None of the above

www.finevintageltd.com
78) Which of the following terms describes a sterile grape juice that can be added to sweeten some Rieslings?
a) Prädikatswein
b) Qualitätswein
c) Süssreserve
d) Spätlese

79) What is the determining factor for each of the German Prädikatswein levels?
a) Vineyard site
b) Vintage
c) Sugar levels
d) Price

80) In order of least ripe to most ripe, which of the following is correct?
a) Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese
b) Beerenauslese, Auslese, Spätlese, Kabinett
c) Auslese, Beerenauslese, Spätlese, Kabinett
d) Spätlese, Kabinett, Auslese, Beerenauslese

81) Which Prädikatswein translates to English as “late harvest?”

a) Auslese
b) Eiswein
c) Halbtrocken
d) Spätlese

82) Which region typically has lighter-bodied Rieslings that have medium-sweetness?
a) Mosel
b) Rheingau
c) Pfalz
d) Eden Valley

83) Which term refers to a Riesling that is made from selected dried berries?
a) Halbtrocken
b) Kabinett
c) Landwein
d) Trockenbeerenauslese

84) Which pair of regions produces Australia’s signature Rieslings?

a) Clare Valley and Eden Valley
b) Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale
c) Yarra Valley and Hunter Valley
d) Mornington Peninsula and Margaret River

www.finevintageltd.com
85) The Vosges Mountains allow Riesling to ripen slowly and gradually in which French region?
a) Alsace
b) Burgundy
c) Loire Valley
d) Rhône Valley

Chapter 9 – Chenin Blanc, Sémillon/Semillon, & Furmint

86) Chenin Blanc, Sémillon, and Furmint are often used to produce high-quality:
a) Sparkling wines made using the traditional method
b) Red wines that are often matured in oak
c) Sweet wines made from noble rot
d) Wines that are fortified after fermentation

87) The grape variety used to make a Vouvray is:

a) Chenin Blanc
b) Furmint
c) Sémillon
d) All of the above

88) The style of wine from Vouvray AOC is:

a) Dry to off-dry
b) Medium to Sweet
c) Sparkling
d) All of the above

89) Sauvignon Blanc is typically blended with:

a) Chenin Blanc
b) Sémillon/Semillon
c) Furmint
d) None of the above

90) Which term is an indication of sweetness in a wine from Tokaj?

a) Beerenauslese
b) Classico
c) Puttonyos
d) Reserva

www.finevintageltd.com
91) South Africa’s most widely planted white grape variety is:
a) Chenin Blanc
b) Furmint
c) Semillon
d) None of the above

92) Which region is not known for its botrytis-affected sweet wines?
a) Hunter Valley
b) Sauternes AOC
c) Tokaj
d) Vouvray AOC

93) A Tokaji wine made from Furmint can be dry.

a) True
b) False

94) Sauternes wines are based on which variety?

a) Chenin Blanc
b) Furmint
c) Riesling
d) Sémillon

95) Which best describes a Semillon from the Hunter Valley?

Sweetness Body Oak Use
a) Dry Full Oak-matured
b) Dry Light Unoaked
c) Sweet Full Oak-matured
d) Sweet Medium Unoaked

Chapter 10 - Chardonnay

96) Which of the following statements about Chardonnay is false?

a) Chardonnay is always oaked
b) Chardonnay is the grape of Chablis
c) Chardonnay is grown in a range of climates
d) Chardonnay can show a range of primary fruit characters

www.finevintageltd.com
97) Which best describes a typical of a warm-climate Chardonnay?
Acidity Body Primary Characters
a) High Light to medium Apple and lemon
b) Medium Full Pineapple and banana
c) Low Medium Raspberry and Plum
d) Medium to High Medium to full Peach and Melon

98) Which winemaking practice contributes flavours of butter and cream to a Chardonnay?
a) Malolactic conversion
b) Lees stirring
c) Oak barrel maturation
d) Bottle aging

99) Winemakers can use oak chips to give Chardonnay oak flavours.
a) True
b) False

100) Which of the following is not an AOC for Chardonnay?

a) Bordeaux AOC
b) Bourgogne AOC
c) Mâcon AOC
d) Meursault AOC

101) Which of the following regions would Chardonnay most likely be unoaked?
a) Chablis AOC
b) Puligny-Montrachet AOC
c) Meursault AOC
d) Pouilly-Fuissé AOC

102) Which region is considered the heart of Burgundian Chardonnay?

a) Côte de Nuits
b) Côte de Beaune
c) Côte-Rôtie
d) Côtes du Rhône

103) Which region on a label would unlikely be a source of high-volume Chardonnay?

a) Central Valley
b) Hawke’s Bay
c) Southeastern Australia
d) Western Cape

www.finevintageltd.com
104) Which Californian region would have a warmer climate for Chardonnay?
a) Carneros
b) Napa Valley
c) Santa Barbara
d) Sonoma

105) Which of the following is not an Australian region known for its Chardonnay?
a) Adelaide Hills
b) Margaret River
c) Walker Bay
d) Yarra Valley

Chapter 11 – Sauvignon Blanc

106) Which of the following statements about Sauvignon Blanc is false?

a) It is an aromatic varietal
b) It is usually high in acidity and light to medium bodied
c) It needs a warm climate to show its herbaceous character
d) It does not typically benefit from bottle aging

107) Which of the following is not an AOC for Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley?
a) Sancerre AOC
b) Pouilly-Fuissé AOC
c) Touraine AOC
d) Pouilly-Fumé AOC

108) Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc are blended in Bordeaux because:

a) Sauvignon Blanc lacks acidity, adding Semillon increases aging potential
b) Sémillon is an aromatic grape that can help bring flavour to Sauvignon Blanc
c) Sauvignon Blanc benefits from additional body brought to the blend by Sémillon
d) All of the above

109) Which Bordeaux AOC is home to top quality Sauvignon Blanc?

a) Haut-Médoc AOC
b) Margaux AOC
c) Pessac-Léognan AOC
d) St.-Émilion AOC

www.finevintageltd.com
110) The classic home for Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand is found in:
a) Hawke’s Bay
b) Marlborough
c) Central Otago
d) Walker Bay

111) New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can best be described as:

a) Dry, high acidity, neutral aromas
b) Off-dry, high acidity, pungent aromas
c) Dry, high acidity, pungent aromas
d) Off-dry, low acidity, neutral aromas

112) Which pair of regions are known for Sauvignon Blanc in Australia?
a) Adelaide Hills and Margaret River
b) Hunter Valley and Barossa Valley
c) Eden Valley and Clare Valley
d) Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula

113) Most of California is not suited to growing fresh, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc because:
a) Fogs keep temperatures cool
b) Soils are too fertile
c) The climate is too warm
d) The weather is too dry

114) What pair of regions in South Africa are famous for Sauvignon Blanc?
a) Casablanca Valley and Central Valley
b) Constantia and Elgin
c) Napa Valley and Sonoma
d) Walker Bay and Western Cape

115) Argentina is emerging as a significant producer of high-quality Sauvignon Blanc.

a) True
b) False

Chapter 12 – Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

116) Pinot Gris is the same grape variety as Pinot Noir.

a) True
b) False

www.finevintageltd.com
117) Which most contributes to the stylistic differences between a Pinot Grigio and a Pinot Gris?
a) Grape-growing choices
b) Fermentation choices
c) Maturation choices
d) Packaging choices

118) Compared to Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris is typically:

Acidity Body Flavour Complexity
a) Higher Lighter More complex
b) Higher Fuller Less complex
c) Lower Lighter Less complex
d) Lower Fuller More complex

119) Pinot Gris is known as Pinot Grigio in:

a) Germany
b) Italy
c) Portugal
d) Spain

120) Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris is often fermented and matured in a portion of new oak.
a) True
b) False

121) Which pair of regions are known for producing Pinot Grigio in Italy?
a) Campania and Venezie
b) Friuli and Veneto
c) Piemonte and Puglia
d) Tuscany and Marche

122) Typical aromas and flavours for Pinot Gris in Alsace are:
a) Lemon, apple, and honey
b) Peach, mango, and honey
c) Rose, clove and banana
d) Strawberry, clove and mushroom

123) Pinot Gris can come from a Premier Cru vineyard in Alsace.
c) True
d) False

www.finevintageltd.com
124) Identify the grape varieties that can be classified as vendanges tardives in Alsace.
1) Gewurztraminer
2) Pinot Gris
3) Riesling
4) Sémillon

a) 2 only
b) 2&4
c) 1, 2, & 3
d) All of the above

Chapter 13 – Gewurztraminer, Viognier, & Albariño

125) Gewurztraminer and Viognier are often blended together.

a) True
b) False

126) Gewurztraminer is best described as:

a) Medium-bodied with medium alcohol
b) Full-bodied with high alcohol
c) Light-bodied with light alcohol
d) Any of the above; it depends on the sweetness

127) Albariño is the white grape of which region?

a) Priorat DOCa
b) Rías Baixas DO
c) Ribera del Duero DO
d) Rioja DOCa

128) Which AOC is home to the finest examples of Viognier?

a) Condrieu AOC
b) Côte-Rôtie AOC
c) Graves AOC
d) Touraine AOC

129) Dry, full-body, pronounced aromas of peach, apricot, and blossom best describe:
a) Albariño
b) Gewurztraminer
c) Pinot Gris
d) Viognier

www.finevintageltd.com
130) The Albariño grape is known for producing which of the following:
a) Sweet, high-acid, oaked white wines with tropical fruit character
b) Light to medium bodied red wines with red fruit character
c) Unoaked dry white wines with citrus and stone fruit character
d) Simple, medium-sweet unoaked rosé wines with red fruit character

Chapter 14 – Merlot

131) Merlot is originally from:

a) Bordeaux
b) Burgundy
c) Loire Valley
d) Rhône Valley

132) Riper Merlot from a warmer climate will show primary flavours of:
a) Blackcurrant and green bell pepper
b) Blackberry and black plum
c) Green apple and lemon
d) Strawberry and black pepper

133) When blended together, Merlot brings to Cabernet Sauvignon:

a) Lower tannin and red-fruit flavours
b) Higher tannin and red-fruit flavours
c) Lower tannin and dark-fruit flavours
d) Higher tannin and dark-fruit flavours

134) Merlot typically needs more time to mature in oak and age in bottle than Cabernet Sauvignon.
a) True
b) False

135) Which river divides Bordeaux into a Left and Right Bank?
a) Gironde
b) Loire
c) Rhine
d) Rhône

136) Which of the following communes is not on the Left Bank?

a) Margaux
b) Pomerol
c) Pessac-Léognan
d) Pauillac

www.finevintageltd.com
137) Which of the following AOCs would be mostly Merlot?
a) Haut-Médoc AOC
b) Graves AOC
c) St.-Émilion Grand Cru AOC
d) Pessac-Léognan AOC

138) Premium California Merlot typically shows light, subtle flavours of vanilla and coconut.
a) True
b) False

139) Which Chilean region typically produces medium-bodied Merlots from high yields?
a) Casablanca Valley
b) Central Valley
c) Colchagua
d) Maipo

140) In which Australian region does Merlot play an important role in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon?
a) Barossa Valley
b) Coonawarra
c) Margaret River
d) Mornington Peninsula

Chapter 15 – Cabernet Sauvignon

141) The climate of Bordeaux is best described as:

a) Cool continental
b) Moderate maritime
c) Warm Mediterranean
d) Hot tropical

142) Which of the following statements best describes a Cabernet Sauvignon?

a) High tannin, pronounced aromatics, high acidity
b) Medium tannin, medium aromatics, full body
c) Soft tannin, medium aromatics, light body
d) High tannins, high aromatics, medium acidity

143) Which flavour profile best describes a Cabernet Sauvignon?

a) Strawberry, mushroom, and barnyard
b) Black currants, bell pepper, and mint
c) Plum, dark cherry, and coffee
d) Blackberry, black pepper, and liquorice

www.finevintageltd.com
144) Which of the following statements about Cabernet Sauvignon is true?
a) It ripens easily so can be grown in either a cool or warm climate
b) It has its classic home on the Right Bank of Bordeaux
c) Its high acidity and high tannins enable it to age for a long time
d) All of the above

145) Which AOC includes the sub region of Pessac-Léognan?

a) Médoc AOC
b) Haut-Médoc AOC
c) Graves AOC
d) St. Émilion AOC

146) Which region has established itself as a source of distinctively minty Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia?
a) Coonawarra
b) Barossa Valley
c) Hawke’s Bay
d) Oakville

147) Which of the following statements about Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is false:
a) It is a powerful wine with high, ripe tannins
b) It has pronounced flavours of black fruits and oak
c) It is sometimes blended with small amounts of other grape varieties
d) It is difficult to ripen in the California climate

148) Which Chilean region is not a major source of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot?
a) Casablanca
b) Central Valley
c) Colchagua
d) Maipo

149) In which region would Carmenère be blended with Cabernet Sauvignon?

a) Calistoga
b) Colchagua
c) Margaret River
d) Stellenbosch

150) Which term in Bordeaux indicates a high ranking for the best wines of the region?
a) Château
b) Cru Bourgeois
c) Cru Classé
d) Supérieur

www.finevintageltd.com
 Chapter 16 – Syrah/Shiraz

151) Which flavour profile best describes a Syrah?

a) Strawberry, mushroom, and barnyard
b) Black currants, green bell pepper, and cedar
c) Red Plum, dark cherry, and coffee
d) Blackberry, black pepper, and herbal

152) Which of the following would be a good description of a Syrah grape?

a) Large berries, thin skins, and low acidity
b) Small berries, thin skins, and medium acidity
c) Small berries, thick skins, and medium acidity
d) Large berries, thick skins, and high acidity

153) Syrah is used to blend with Grenache to bring:

a) More colour and softer tannins
b) Lighter colour and higher tannins
c) More colour and higher tannins
d) Light colour and lower tannins

154) The classic region for Syrah is:

a) The Northern Rhône
b) The Southern Rhône
c) The Left Bank
d) The Right Bank

155) Among the best appellations for Syrah are:

a) Chambertin and Montrachet
b) Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage
c) Margaux and Pauillac
d) St.-Émilion and Pomerol

156) Why are Syrah grapes hand-harvested in the Rhône Valley?

a) Grapes are harvested from old vines
b) Noble rot only affects some of the grapes
c) Vines are planted in gravel soils
d) Vineyards are planted on steep slopes

157) Which Australian region has a cloudy climate that results in medium-bodied Shiraz?
a) Barossa Valley
b) Clare Valley
c) Hunter Valley
d) Yarra Valley
www.finevintageltd.com
158) Shiraz is used to produce sparkling wines in Australia.
a) True
b) False

Chapter 17 – Gamay

159) Which best describes a wine made from Gamay?

Acidity Tannins Flavours
a) Low High Strawberry and Mint
b) Medium Medium Dark Plum and Blackberry
c) Medium to High Low Apple and Lemon
d) High Low to Medium Red Cherry and Raspberry

160) Which region is famous for producing wines made from Gamay?
a) Beaujolais
b) Burgundy
c) Rhône Valley
d) Rioja

161) Which of these is a cru that produces wines made from Gamay?
a) Beaune
b) Fleurie
c) Hermitage
d) Minervois

Chapter 18 – Grenache/Garnacha

162) Which of the following would be a good description of a Grenache grape?

a) High sugars, thin skins, and low acidity
b) Low sugars, thin skins, and medium acidity
c) Low sugars, thick skins, and medium acidity
d) High sugars, thick skins, and high acidity

163) Which flavour profile best describes a Grenache?

a) Strawberry, raspberry, and white pepper
b) Black currants, bell pepper, and cedar
c) Plum, dark cherry, and coffee
d) Blackberry, black pepper, and liquorice

www.finevintageltd.com
164) Which pair of grape varieties are commonly blended with Grenache?
a) Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
b) Gamay and Pinot Noir
c) Sangiovese and Primitivo
d) Syrah and Tempranillo

165) Grenache is often used to produce rosé wines.

a) True
b) False

166) Which region would see red wines made mostly from Grenache?
a) Côtes du Rhône
b) Côte de Beaune
c) Côte-Rôtie
d) Côte de Nuits

167) Which of the below is a Grenache-based cru in the Southern Rhône?

a) Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
b) Condrieu AOC
c) Hermitage AOC
d) Minervois AOC

168) The most powerful expression of Garnacha in Spain is from:

a) Catalunya DO
b) Navarra DO
c) Priorat DOCa
d) Rioja DOCa

169) Which of the following pairs of regions is home to many old vine Grenache?
a) Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale
b) Casablanca Valley and Colchagua
c) Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay
d) Stellenbosch and Walker Bay

Chapter 19 – Tempranillo

170) Which best describes a wine made from Tempranillo?

Acidity Tannins Flavours
a) Low High Blackcurrant and Green Bell Pepper
b) Medium Medium Red Cherry and Blackberry
c) Medium to High Low Peach and Pineapple
d) High Medium to High Dark Plum and Black pepper
www.finevintageltd.com
171) Which term does not appear on a Spanish label?
a) Classico
b) Gran Reserva
c) Reserva
d) None of the above

172) Which region is the most famous for Tempranillo-based wines in Spain?
a) Catalunya DO
b) Priorat DOCa
c) Rías Baixas DO
d) Rioja DOCa

173) In Spain, the term Crianza indicates a wine that will show the most prounced tertiary aromas.
a) True
b) False

174) In which region is Tempranillo very full-bodied and have dark fruit character?
a) Rías Baixas DO
b) Ribera del Duero DO
c) Rioja DOCa
d) All of the above

175) Which is the correct order for aging minimums in Spain from shortest to longest?
a) Crianza, Joven, Gran Reserva, Reserva
b) Gran Reserva, Reserva, Crianza, Joven
c) Joven, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva
d) Reserva, Gran Reserva, Joven, Crianza

Chapter 20 – Carmenère, Malbec, & Pinotage

176) A black grape unique in South Africa is:

a) Barbera
b) Carmenère
c) Malbec
d) Pinotage

177) Which variety native to southwest France is the most important black grape variety in Argentina?
a) Carmenère
b) Grenache
c) Malbec
d) Pinotage
www.finevintageltd.com
178) Which variety native to Bordeaux is widely grown in Chile?
a) Carmenère
b) Malbec
c) Pinotage
d) Sémillon

179) Deeply coloured, high tannins, full body, and flavours of blackberry and eucalyptus best describes a:
a) Carmenère
b) Malbec
c) Nebbiolo
d) Pinotage

180) Pinotage is sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to create:
a) Amarone della Valpolicella
b) Cape Blends
c) Côtes du Rhône-Villages
d) Méthode Cap Classique

181) Malbec is commonly blended with Garnacha in Mendoza.

a) True
b) False

Chapter 21 – Cortese, Garganega, Verdicchio, & Fiano

182) The grape of Soave is:

a) Cortese
b) Fiano
c) Garganega
d) Verdicchio

183) Gavi DOCG is located in which part of Italy?

a) Campania
b) Marche
c) Piemonte
d) Veneto

184) The main grape of Gavi DOCG is:

a) Cortese
b) Fiano
c) Garganega
d) Verdicchio
www.finevintageltd.com
185) Typical aromas and flavours of Fiano include:
a) Blossom, pear, and vanilla
b) Lemon, fennel, and apple
c) Peach, melon, and mango
d) Strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry

186) An important DOC in the Marche region is ___________ dei Castello di Jesi.
a) Cortese
b) Garganega
c) Fiano
d) Verdicchio

187) Soave wines are always white and can be either dry or sweet.
a) True
b) False

188) Which Italian white variety typically has the fuller body and lower acidity?
a) Cortese
b) Garganega
c) Fiano
d) Verdicchio

Chapter 22 – Nebbiolo, Barbera, & Corvina

189) Which of the below is not a red wine from Piemonte?

a) Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
b) Barolo DOCG
c) Barbera d’Asti DOCG
d) Barbaresco DOCG

190) Which grape is used to make Barolo DOCG?

a) Barbera
b) Corvina
c) Nebbiolo
d) Sangiovese

191) High acidity, high tannins, with red-fruit, dried herbs, and floral aromas best describes a:
a) Barbera
b) Corvina
c) Nebbiolo
d) Montepulciano
www.finevintageltd.com
192) A wine from Barbera d’Asti DOCG makes similarly powerful wines as a Barolo DOCG.
a) True
b) False

193) Which is the main grape of a Valpolicella blend?

a) Barbera
b) Corvina
c) Garganega
d) Nebbiolo

194) Which pair of wines are made using the appassimento method?
a) Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG & Valpolicella Classico DOC
b) Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG & Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
c) Valpolicella DOC & Valpolicella Classico DOC
d) Valpolicella Classico DOC & Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG

195) In which region is Corvina most important?

a) Abruzzo
b) Piemonte
c) Tuscany
d) Veneto

196) The appassimento method creates sweet wines by:

a) Botrytis fungus developing on the skins
b) Harvesting grapes later in the season
c) Freezing the grapes on the vines
d) Drying the grapes after the harvest

197) Wines made from Barbera are typically more enjoyable at a younger stage than Nebbiolo.
a) True
b) False

198) Which best describes an Amarone della Valpolicella?

Sweetness Body Alcohol Tannins
a) Dry Full High High
b) Off-dry Medium Medium Medium
c) Medium Light Low Low
d) Sweet Full Medium Medium

www.finevintageltd.com
 Chapter 23 – Sangiovese & Montepulciano

199) The term Classico on an Italian label indicates:

a) The wine is made from Sangiovese
b) The wine comes from a historic centre of a wine region
c) The wine has been aged for a minimum set number of months
d) Both the grape variety and the wine region

200) The term riserva on an Italian wine label indicates:

a) The wine has been aged for a set number of months
b) The wine is of a lower minimum alcohol
c) The wine is from the best vineyards
d) None of the above; it has no legal implications

201) Chianti is dominated by which grape variety?

a) Corvina
b) Montepulciano
c) Nebbiolo
d) Sangiovese

202) Which of these wines is not made with Sangiovese?

a) Chianti Classico
b) Brunello di Montalcino
c) Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
d) None of the above

203) Which of the following best describes a wine made from Sangiovese?
Acidity Tannins Aromas
a) Low Low Red Cherry, Red Plum
b) Medium Medium Black Cherry, Black Plum
c) Medium to High Medium Peach, Pineapple
d) High High Red Cherry, Dried Herbs

204) Which of the following is not a wine made from Sangiovese?

a) Chianti DOCG
b) Chianti Classico DOCG
c) Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG
d) Recioto di Chianti DOCG

205) Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a simple, fruity white wine from Abruzzo.

a) True
b) False

www.finevintageltd.com
 Section 4: Other Styles of Wine
Chapter 24 – Sparkling Wines

206) Broadly speaking, two categories of sparkling wine are:

a) Barrel-fermented and Tank-fermented
b) Barrel-fermented and Bottle-fermented
c) Bottle-fermented and Tank-fermented
d) Bottle-fermented and Malolactic-fermented

207) Generally speaking, how much will the alcohol of a base wine increase during second fermentation?
a) 1 – 2%
b) 4 - 6%
c) 10 - 12%
d) 15 – 20%

208) Stopping fermentation by filtering out the yeast results in a sparkling wine that is:
a) Sweet with low alcohol
b) Sweet with high alcohol
c) Dry with low alcohol
d) Dry with high alcohol

209) Which style of sparkling wine is not a tank-method sparkling wine?

a) Asti
b) Cava
c) Prosecco
d) None of the above

210) Glera forms the base to which sparkling wine?

a) Asti
b) Cava
c) Méthode Cap Classique
d) Prosecco

211) Sweet, fruity, and light-bodied best describes which sparkling wine?
a) Asti
b) Brut Champagne
c) Cava
d) All of the above

www.finevintageltd.com
212) Which factor adds bready complexity to a bottle-fermented sparkling wine?
a) Aging wines in oak barrels
b) Extended contact with dead yeast cells
c) Adding a mixture of sugar and yeasts
d) Adding a mixture of sugar and wine

213) What is the correct order for the production of a bottle-fermented sparkling wine?
a) Second-fermentation, yeast autolysis, disgorgement, dosage
b) Dosage, second-fermentation, yeast autolysis, disgorgement
c) Second-fermentation, disgorgement, dosage, yeast autolysis
d) Yeast autolysis, disgorgement, second-fermentation, dosage

214) What is added to a base wine to inaugurate a second-fermentation in a bottle-fermented sparkling wine?
1) Alcohol
2) Sugar
3) Wine
4) Yeast

a) 3 only
b) 2&4
c) 1, 2, & 4
d) All of the above

215) Biscuity, bready flavours in a bottle-fermented sparkling wine are described as:
a) Frizzante
b) Autolytic
c) Dosage
d) Remuage

216) “Riddling” refers to which part of the traditional method of making sparkling wine?
a) Adding sugar and yeast to start a second-fermentation
b) Aging sparkling wines on their lees
c) Turning the bottles to collect yeast cells at the neck
d) Removing dead yeast cells and topping up with a sugar and wine mixture

217) The purpose for disgorging a bottle-fermented wine is to:

a) Add carbon-dioxide to the wine
b) Add extra levels of alcohol to the wine
c) Remove dead yeast cells
d) Remove surplus wine

www.finevintageltd.com
218) Which term refers to an automated system for riddling?
a) Dosage
b) Gyropalette
c) Liqueuer d’expédition
d) Méthode traditionelle

219) Base wines for sparkling wine are usually a blend from different:
a) Grape varieties
b) Villages
c) Vineyards
d) All of the above

220) The term ‘brut’ refers to a sparkling wine that is:

a) A blend of different vintages
b) Lightly-sparkling
c) Dry
d) Medium-sweet

221) Which of the following is not a traditional method sparkling wine?

a) Cava
b) Champagne
c) Méthode Cap Classique
d) Prosecco

222) Which of the following is not a grape of Champagne?

a) Chardonnay
b) Pinot Gris
c) Pinot Meunier
d) Pinot Noir

223) Due to the very cool climate, most base wines in Champagne are:
a) Low alcohol and high acidity
b) Low acidity and high alcohol
c) Low alcohol and low acidity
d) High alcohol and high acidity

224) What is the minimum legal period for aging Champagne on its lees?
a) 6 months
b) 12 months
c) 24 months
d) 36 months

www.finevintageltd.com
225) A Vintage Champagne is a blend of grapes harvested in different years.
a) True
b) False

226) A sparkling wine labelled as Demi-sec is dryer than one labelled as Brut.
a) True
b) False

227) Cava refers to:

a) A tank-fermented sparkling wine from Italy
b) A tank-fermented sparkling wine from Spain
c) A bottle-fermented sparkling wine from Italy
d) A bottle-fermented sparkling wine from Spain

228) Which pair of French grapes are occasionally used in the production of Cava?
a) Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
b) Chenin Blanc and Sémillon
c) Gewurztraminer and Viognier
d) Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

229) Which grape variety is often used with Champagne varieties in South Africa?
a) Chenin Blanc
b) Pinot Gris
c) Sauvignon Blanc
d) Semillon

230) Which grape variety is popular in tank-fermented sparkling wines in such regions as California and Australia?
a) Chardonnay
b) Chenin Blanc
c) Muscat
d) Pinot Noir

www.finevintageltd.com
 Chapter 25 – Sherry & Port

231) Identify the factors that Sherry and Port share in common.
1) They are both fortified
2) They are both from Spain
3) They are both always sweet
4) They are both always red

a) 1 only
b) 1&3
c) 1, 2, & 4
d) All of the above

232) What is the name of the Spanish region that produces Sherry?
a) Catalunya
b) Douro Valley
c) Jerez de la Frontera
d) Rioja

233) Which of the following best describes the sweetness level of Sherry?
a) Dry
b) Medium
c) Sweet
d) All of the above

234) The local white grape responsible for Sherry production is:
a) Albariño
b) Flor
c) Palomino
d) Tempranillo

235) What is the name of the aging technique responsible for producing Sherry?
a) Gran Reserva
b) Malolactic Conversion
c) Solera System
d) Traditional Method

236) Which style of sherry is does not show oxidative characters of walnuts and caramel?
a) Amontillado
b) Cream
c) Fino
d) Oloroso

www.finevintageltd.com
237) What role does flor play in Sherry?
a) It is a type of white, chalky soil unique to the region
b) It is a type of grape that is neutral in flavour
c) It is an aging process that allows for blending from many different vintages
d) It is a type of yeast that forms a protective layer on the wine

238) Which of the following styles of Sherry is dry?

a) Pale Cream
b) Medium
c) PX
d) None of the above

239) Which style of Sherry is refortified to 17% partway through the aging process?
a) Amontillado
b) Fino
c) Pale Cream
d) Pedro Ximénez

240) Which style of Sherry is both the name of a grape and a sweet, sun-dried wine?
a) Amontillado
b) Oloroso
c) Palomino
d) Pedro Ximénez

241) How does Port become a sweet wine?

a) Fermentation is halted with the addition of alcohol
b) Noble rot affects ripe grapes on the vines
c) Red grapes are dried on straw mats to concentrate sugars
d) Unfermented grape juice is added to the final wine

242) Which style of Port is the most basic red?

a) LBV
b) Tawny
c) Ruby
d) Vintage

243) Which style of Port will have oxidative characters of walnut and caramel?
a) Reserve Ruby
b) Vintage
c) LBV
d) Tawny

www.finevintageltd.com
244) Which style of Port is from a single year?
a) 20-Year Tawny
b) LBV
c) Ruby
d) Reserve Ruby

245) Vintage Port is only produced in exceptional years.

a) True
b) False

246) A 20-Year Tawny indicates a wine that:

a) Has matured in a Solera for an average of 20 years
b) Has matured in barrels for an average of 20 years
c) Is made from grapes harvested at least 20 years ago
d) Has the potential to age for 20 years

247) Port is a sweet fortified wine from:

a) Jerez de la Frontera in Spain
b) Northeastern Italy
c) The Southern Rhône in France
d) The Upper Douro in Portugal

248) Which style of Port must be decanted?

a) Reserve Ruby
b) Vintage
c) LBV
d) 40-year Tawny

249) Which of the following is not typical of Tawny Ports?

a) The wine is aged in small barrels
b) The wine has oxidative characters
c) The wine comes from a single declared vintage
d) The wine is tawny in colour

250) Port is sweetend with the addition of sweet wines made by sun-drying.
a) True
b) False

www.finevintageltd.com
 FINE VINTAGE LEVEL 2 PRACTICE EXAM ANSWERS

Section 1: Wine and the Consumer

Chapter 1 – Tasting and Evaluating Wine

1) Which of the following conditions allows for the best impression of a wine?
b) A room that allows natural light

2) Which of the following is the most common colour for red wines?
b) Ruby

3) Which of the following is the most common colour for white wines?
a) Lemon

4) Which of the following colours best describes a red wine with some age?
b) Garnet

5) If the pigmentation of a wine reaches from the core to the rim, it should be described as:
c) Deep

6) Oak and malolactic conversion aromas are considered:

b) Secondary Aromas

7) A fortified wine such as Fino Sherry with 15% alcohol is described as having:
a) Low alcohol

8) Which structural component is the main factor that contributes to body in a wine?
d) Alcohol

9) Which factor is important for balance in wine with sugar?

a) Acidity

10) A wine should meet how many positive criteria to qualify as acceptable?
a) One

Chapter 2 – Pairing Wine with Food

11) Which of the following is true about Sweetness in food when pairing with wine?
d) All of the above

12) Which of the following is true about Umami in food when pairing with wine?
a) It makes a wine seem more bitter

www.finevintageltd.com
13) Salt can enhance the flavour in wine.
a) True

14) Acidity in food can make a wine seem:

b) Less acidic

15) Which statement is true about flavour intensity in food and wine pairing?
c) The food and wine should have equal flavour intensities

16) Which of the following pairings is correct?

a) Salt in food decreases Acidity in wine

17) The effect of chili heat is greatest in which wine style?

a) Wines with higher alcohol

18) A person’s sensitivities do not play an important role in matching food and wine.
b) False

19) Food has a greater impact on wine than wine has on food.
a) True

20) Acidity in wine makes the palate seem cloying and unrefreshing when paired with fatty/oily foods.
b) False

Chapter 3 – Storage and Service of Wine

21) Which statement is most appropriate for storing wine?

a) Poor storage can create faulted wines

22) Which degree is generally accepted as “room temperature?”

c) 18°C / 64°F

23) Which type of wine is best served in a flute?

a) Sparkling wine

24) Which style of wine could be served at the warmest temperature range?
a) Still red wine

25) Which of the following red wines should be served at the coolest temperature range?
b) Champagne

www.finevintageltd.com
26) An ice-bucket will efficiently chill a wine if:
c) The bucket is filled with both parts ice and cold water

27) When opening a bottle of sparkling wine, one should always:

d) All of the above

28) When decanting an aged red wine, why should it be held near a light source?
c) It helps with seeing when sediments collect in the neck

29) Aromas of damp cardboard and muted fruit flavours is indicative of:
a) A wine that has been in contact with a cork contaminated with TCA

30) A blanket system:

b) Adds a layer of gas to protect remaining wine from oxidation

Section 2 – Factors Affecting Wine Style and Quality

Chapter 4 – Grape Growing & Labeling Terms

31) Which of the following pairs are found in the pulp of a grape?
d) Sugar and acid

32) Most wine grapes belong to which species of vine?

c) European

33) Which environmental factor generates energy in the vine to produce sugars to grow and ripen grapes?
c) Sunlight

34) Which is the correct order for grape formation and ripening?
a) Flowering, Fruit Set, Véraison, Ripening

35) Which of the following occurs during Véraison?

b) Grapes change colour from dark green to golden or reddish-purple

36) An example of a grape that performs better in a warm climate but not in a cool climate is:
b) Grenache

37) Warm ocean currents play a significant climatic role in:

c) Northern Europe

38) A wine region with an average growing season temperature of 17°C / 63°F is considered to have a:
c) Moderate Climate

www.finevintageltd.com
39) In climates further from the equator, vineyards can maximise sunlight exposure by:
c) Planting grapes on slopes facing rivers

40) Which environmental factor best creates sunny summers and dry autumns that can extend the growing
season?
c) Mountains

41) Most of the world’s vineyards are found between which degrees of latitude?
c) 30 to 50

42) Which weather-related issue can result in wines that are too high in acidity?
a) Cooler than usual vintages

43) Which of the following is a challenge in the spring that can reduce the crop for the year?
b) Frost

44) Which of the following would be used in high levels of moisture?

a) Fungicides

45) The challenge of lower yields is:

a) Commercial viability

46) An example of a pest or disease that is beneficial to grapes is:

d) Botrytis Cinerea

47) Grapes harvested later in the ripening process will have:

b) Higher sugars, lower acidity

48) Vendanges tardives indicates a wine made from:

a) Grapes that have been picked later in the harvest season

49) An example of a PDO-level wine in Europe is:

b) Qualitätswein

50) The acronym AOC refers to a PDO-wine from which country?

a) France

Chapter 5 – Winemaking

51) Which process maximizes extraction of liquid from grapes?

b) Pressing

www.finevintageltd.com
52) Which combination of factors would most likely increase the cost of a wine?
a) Steep vineyard, new French oak barrels, natural cork

53) Which is the correct typical order for red winemaking?

b) Fermentation, Draining, Pressing, Maturation

54) Which process uses a plunger to extract colour and tannin for red winemaking?
d) Punching down

55) Which is the correct order for dry white winemaking?

a) Crushing, Pressing, Fermentation, Maturation

56) Short maceration followed by fermentation temperatures of 12°C – 22°C (54°F - 72°F) best describes:
b) Rosé winemaking

57) In cool vintages:

c) Sugar may be added to the grape juice before fermentation

58) Which of the following would result in the least cost when adding oak flavours to a wine?
a) Oak staves

59) Which vessel would lead to maturation with oxygen?

a) OId oak vats

60) After which step of the winemaking process is the wine unlikely to improve?
d) Packaging

Section 3 – Grape Varieties & Still Wines

Chapter 6 – Pinot Noir

61) Which of the following statements about Pinot Noir is true?

b) Pinot Noir can be enjoyed when it is young

62) If a climate or vintage is too warm, the flavours of Pinot Noir will:
b) Show unattractive flavours of cooked fruit

63) Which labelling term would be the highest-quality from the best vineyards in Burgundy?
b) Grand Cru

64) Which of the following is not a village AOC in Burgundy?

d) Pomerol

www.finevintageltd.com
65) Good examples of Pinot Noir in California are generally not found in:
d) Napa

66) A cool region of Australia that produces quality Pinot Noir is:
d) Yarra Valley

67) Which region of New Zealand is not famous for its Pinot Noir?
b) Hawke’s Bay

68) Which Chilean region produces very good Pinot Noir?

a) Casablanca Valley

69) Which region is well known for producing high quality Pinot Noir in South Africa?
d) Walker Bay

70) Blending Pinot Noir with other grapes is common practice in:
c) Champagne

Chapter 7 – Zinfandel/Primitivo

71) What type of climate is best suited for Zinfandel/Primitivo?

c) Warm Climate

72) Which statements about White Zinfandel are true?

a) 2 only (It is medium-sweet)

73) Zinfandel grapes can ofted raisin on the vine.

a) True

74) Which best describes a red Zinfandel?

Primary Flavour Alcohol Body
a) Blackberry High Full

75) Which Italian region is the source of wines made from Primitivo?
b) Puglia

Chapter 8 – Riesling

76) Just-ripe Riesling produces flavours of:

a) Apple, lime, and lemon

www.finevintageltd.com
77) Naturally high acidity in Riesling means:
a) It is suitable for late-harvesting when conditions are right

78) Which of the following terms describes a sterile grape juice that can be added to sweeten some Rieslings?
c) Süssreserve

79) What is the determining factor for each of the German Prädikatswein levels?
c) Sugar levels

80) In order of least ripe to most ripe, which of the following is correct?
a) Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese

81) Which Prädikatswein translates to English as “late harvest?”

d) Spätlese

82) Which region typically has lighter-bodied Rieslings that have medium-sweetness?
a) Mosel

83) Which term refers to a Riesling that is made from selected dried berries?
d) Trockenbeerenauslese

84) Which pair of regions produces Australia’s signature Rieslings?

a) Clare Valley and Eden Valley

85) The Vosges Mountains allow Riesling to ripen slowly and gradually in which French region?
a) Alsace

Chapter 9 – Chenin Blanc, Sémillon/Semillon, & Furmint

86) Chenin Blanc, Sémillon, and Furmint are often used to produce high-quality:
c) Sweet wines made from noble rot

87) The grape variety used to make a Vouvray is:

a) Chenin Blanc

88) The style of wine from Vouvray AOC is:

d) All of the above

89) Sauvignon Blanc is typically blended with:

b) Sémillon/Semillon

90) Which term is an indication of sweetness in a wine from Tokaj?

c) Puttonyos
www.finevintageltd.com
91) South Africa’s most widely planted white grape variety is:
a) Chenin Blanc

92) Which region is not known for its botrytis-affected sweet wines?
a) Hunter Valley

93) A Tokaji wine made from Furmint can be dry.

a) True

94) Sauternes wines are based on which variety?

d) Sémillon

95) Which best describes a Semillon from the Hunter Valley?

Sweetness Body Oak Use
b) Dry Light Unoaked

Chapter 10 - Chardonnay

96) Which of the following statements about Chardonnay is false?

a) Chardonnay is always oaked

97) Which best describes a typical of a warm-climate Chardonnay?

Acidity Body Primary Characters
b) Medium Full Pineapple and banana

98) Which winemaking practice contributes flavours of butter and cream to a Chardonnay?
a) Malolactic conversion

99) Winemakers can use oak chips to give Chardonnay oak flavours.
a) True

100) Which of the following is not an AOC for Chardonnay?

a) Bordeaux AOC

101) Which of the following regions would Chardonnay most likely be unoaked?
a) Chablis AOC

102) Which region is considered the heart of Burgundian Chardonnay?

b) Côte de Beaune

103) Which region on a label would unlikely be a source of high-volume Chardonnay?

b) Hawke’s Bay
www.finevintageltd.com
104) Which Californian region would have a warmer climate for Chardonnay?
b) Napa Valley

105) Which of the following is not an Australian region known for its Chardonnay?
c) Walker Bay

Chapter 11 – Sauvignon Blanc

106) Which of the following statements about Sauvignon Blanc is false?

c) It needs a warm climate to show its herbaceous character

107) Which of the following is not an AOC for Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley?
b) Pouilly-Fuissé AOC

108) Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc are blended in Bordeaux because:

c) Sauvignon Blanc benefits from additional body brought to the blend by Sémillon

109) Which Bordeaux AOC is home to top quality Sauvignon Blanc?

c) Pessac-Léognan AOC

110) The classic home for Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand is found in:
b) Marlborough

111) New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc can best be described as:

c) Dry, high acidity, pungent aromas

112) Which pair of regions are known for Sauvignon Blanc in Australia?
a) Adelaide Hills and Margaret River

113) Most of California is not suited to growing fresh, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc because:
c) The climate is too warm

114) What pair of regions in South Africa are famous for Sauvignon Blanc?
b) Constantia and Elgin

115) Argentina is emerging as a significant producer of high-quality Sauvignon Blanc.

b) False

Chapter 12 – Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

116) Pinot Gris is the same grape variety as Pinot Noir.

b) False
www.finevintageltd.com
117) Which most contributes to the stylistic differences between a Pinot Grigio and a Pinot Gris?
a) Grape-growing choices

118) Compared to Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris is typically:

Acidity Body Flavour Complexity
d) Lower Fuller More complex

119) Pinot Gris is known as Pinot Grigio in:

b) Italy

120) Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris is often fermented and matured in a portion of new oak.
b) False

121) Which pair of regions are known for producing Pinot Grigio in Italy?
b) Friuli and Veneto

122) Typical aromas and flavours for Pinot Gris in Alsace are:
b) Peach, mango, and honey

123) Pinot Gris can come from a Premier Cru vineyard in Alsace.
b) False

124) Identify the grape varieties that can be classified as vendanges tardives in Alsace.
c) 1, 2, & 3 (Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, & Riesling)

Chapter 13 – Gewurztraminer, Viognier, & Albariño

125) Gewurztraminer and Viognier are often blended together.

b) False

126) Gewurztraminer is best described as:

b) Full-bodied with high alcohol

127) Albariño is the white grape of which region?

b) Rías Baixas DO

128) Which AOC is home to the finest examples of Viognier?

a) Condrieu AOC

129) Dry, full-body, pronounced aromas of peach, apricot, and blossom best describe:
d) Viognier

www.finevintageltd.com
130) The Albariño grape is known for producing which of the following:
c) Unoaked dry white wines with citrus and stone fruit character

Chapter 14 – Merlot

131) Merlot is originally from:

a) Bordeaux

132) Riper Merlot from a warmer climate will show primary flavours of:
b) Blackberry and black plum

133) When blended together, Merlot brings to Cabernet Sauvignon:

a) Lower tannin and red-fruit flavours

134) Merlot typically needs more time to mature in oak and age in bottle than Cabernet Sauvignon.
b) False

135) Which river divides Bordeaux into a Left and Right Bank?
a) Gironde

136) Which of the following communes is not on the Left Bank?

b) Pomerol

137) Which of the following AOCs would be mostly Merlot?

c) St.-Émilion Grand Cru AOC

138) Premium California Merlot typically shows light, subtle flavours of vanilla and coconut.
b) False

139) Which Chilean region typically produces medium-bodied Merlots from high yields?
b) Central Valley

140) In which Australian region does Merlot play an important role in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon?
c) Margaret River

Chapter 15 – Cabernet Sauvignon

141) The climate of Bordeaux is best described as:

b) Moderate maritime

142) Which of the following statements best describes a Cabernet Sauvignon?

a) High tannin, pronounced aromatics, high acidity
www.finevintageltd.com
143) Which flavour profile best describes a Cabernet Sauvignon?
b) Black currants, bell pepper, and mint

144) Which of the following statements about Cabernet Sauvignon is true?

c) Its high acidity and high tannins enable it to age for a long time

145) Which AOC includes the commune of Pessac-Léognan?

c) Graves AOC

146) Which region has established itself as a source of distinctively minty Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia?
a) Coonawarra

147) Which of the following statements about Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is false:
d) It is difficult to ripen in the California climate

148) Which Chilean region is not a major source of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot?
a) Casablanca

149) In which region would Carmenère be blended with Cabernet Sauvignon?

b) Colchagua

150) Which term in Bordeaux indicates a high ranking for the best wines of the region?
c) Cru Classé

Chapter 16 – Syrah/Shiraz

151) Which flavour profile best describes a Syrah?

d) Blackberry, black pepper, and herbal

152) Which of the following would be a good description of a Syrah grape?

c) Small berries, thick skins, and medium acidity

153) Syrah is used to blend with Grenache to bring:

c) More colour and higher tannins

154) The classic region for Syrah is:

a) The Northern Rhône

155) Among the best appellations for Syrah are:

b) Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage

www.finevintageltd.com
156) Why are Syrah grapes hand-harvested in the Rhône Valley?
d) Vineyards are planted on steep slopes

157) Which Australian region has a cloudy climate that results in medium-bodied Shiraz?
c) Hunter Valley

158) Shiraz is used to produce sparkling wines in Australia.

a) True

Chapter 17 – Gamay

159) Which best describes a wine made from Gamay?

Acidity Tannins Flavours
d) High Low to Medium Red Cherry and Raspberry

160) Which region is famous for producing wines made from Gamay?
a) Beaujolais

161) Which of these is a cru that produces wines made from Gamay?
b) Fleurie

Chapter 18 – Grenache/Garnacha

162) Which of the following would be a good description of a Grenache grape?

a) High sugars, thin skins, and low acidity

163) Which flavour profile best describes a Grenache?

a) Strawberry, raspberry, and white pepper

164) Which pair of grape varieties are commonly blended with Grenache?
d) Syrah and Tempranillo

165) Grenache is often used to produce rosé wines.

a) True

166) Which region would see red wines made mostly from Grenache?
a) Côtes du Rhône

167) Which of the below is a Grenache-based cru in the Southern Rhône?

a) Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

www.finevintageltd.com
168) The most powerful expression of Garnacha in Spain is from:
c) Priorat DOCa

169) Which of the following pairs of regions is home to many old vine Grenache?
a) Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale

Chapter 19 – Tempranillo

170) Which best describes a wine made from Tempranillo?

Acidity Tannins Flavours
b) Medium Medium Red Cherry and Blackberry

171) Which term does not appear on a Spanish label?

a) Classico

172) Which region is the most famous for Tempranillo-based wines in Spain?
d) Rioja DOCa

173) In Spain, the term Crianza indicates a wine that will show the most prounced tertiary aromas.
b) False

174) In which region is Tempranillo very full-bodied and have dark fruit character?
b) Ribera del Duero DO

175) Which is the correct order for aging minimums in Spain from shortest to longest?
c) Joven, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva

Chapter 20 – Carmenère, Malbec, & Pinotage

176) A black grape unique in South Africa is:

d) Pinotage

177) Which variety native to southwest France is the most important black grape variety in Argentina?
c) Malbec

178) Which variety native to Bordeaux is widely grown in Chile?

a) Carmenère

179) Deeply coloured, high tannins, full body, and flavours of blackberry and eucalyptus best describes a:
a) Carmenère

www.finevintageltd.com
180) Pinotage is sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to create:
b) Cape Blends

181) Malbec is commonly blended with Garnacha in Mendoza.

b) False

Chapter 21 – Cortese, Garganega, Verdicchio, & Fiano

182) The grape of Soave is:

c) Garganega

183) Gavi DOCG is located in which part of Italy?

c) Piemonte

184) The main grape of Gavi DOCG is:

a) Cortese

185) Typical aromas and flavours of Fiano include:

c) Peach, melon, and mango

186) An important DOC in the Marche region is ___________ dei Castello di Jesi.
d) Verdicchio

187) Soave wines are always white and can be either dry or sweet.
a) True

188) Which Italian white variety typically has the fuller body and lower acidity?
c) Fiano

Chapter 22 – Nebbiolo, Barbera, & Corvina

189) Which of the below is not a red wine from Piemonte?

a) Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

190) Which grape is used to make Barolo DOCG?

c) Nebbiolo

191) High acidity, high tannins, with red-fruit, dried herbs, and floral aromas best describes a:
c) Nebbiolo

192) A wine from Barbera d’Asti DOCG makes similarly powerful wines as a Barolo DOCG.
b) False
www.finevintageltd.com
193) Which is the main grape of a Valpolicella blend?
b) Corvina

194) Which pair of wines are made using the appassimento method?
b) Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG & Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

195) In which region is Corvina most important?

d) Veneto

196) The appassimento method creates sweet wines by:

d) Drying the grapes after the harvest

197) Wines made from Barbera are typically more enjoyable at a younger stage than Nebbiolo.
a) True

198) Which best describes an Amarone della Valpolicella?

Sweetness Body Alcohol Tannins
a) Dry Full High High

Chapter 23 – Sangiovese & Montepulciano

199) The term Classico on an Italian label indicates:

b) The wine comes from a historic centre of a wine region

200) The term riserva on an Italian wine label indicates:

a) The wine has been aged for a set number of months

201) Chianti is dominated by which grape variety?

d) Sangiovese

202) Which of these wines is not made with Sangiovese?

c) Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

203) Which of the following best describes a wine made from Sangiovese?
Acidity Tannins Aromas
d) High High Red Cherry, Dried Herbs

204) Which of the following is not a wine made from Sangiovese?

d) Recioto di Chianti DOCG

205) Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a simple, fruity white wine from Abruzzo.

b) False
www.finevintageltd.com
 Section 4: Other Styles of Wine
Chapter 24 – Sparkling Wines

206) Broadly speaking, two categories of sparkling wine are:

c) Bottle-fermented and Tank-fermented

207) Generally speaking, how much will the alcohol of a base wine increase during second fermentation?
a) 1 – 2%

208) Stopping fermentation by filtering out the yeast results in a sparkling wine that is:
a) Sweet with low alcohol

209) Which style of sparkling wine is not a tank-method sparkling wine?

b) Cava

210) Glera forms the base to which sparkling wine?

d) Prosecco

211) Sweet, fruity, and light-bodied best describes which sparkling wine?
a) Asti

212) Which factor adds bready complexity to a bottle-fermented sparkling wine?

b) Extended contact with dead yeast cells

213) What is the correct order for the production of a bottle-fermented sparkling wine?
a) Second-fermentation, yeast autolysis, disgorgement, dosage

214) What is added to a base wine to inaugurate a second-fermentation in a bottle-fermented sparkling wine?
b) 2 & 4 (Sugar & Yeast)

215) Biscuity, bready flavours in a bottle-fermented sparkling wine are described as:
b) Autolytic

216) “Riddling” refers to which part of the traditional method of making sparkling wine?
c) Turning the bottles to collect yeast cells at the neck

217) The purpose for disgorging a bottle-fermented wine is to:

c) Remove dead yeast cells

218) Which term refers to an automated system for riddling?

b) Gyropalette

www.finevintageltd.com
219) Base wines for sparkling wine are usually a blend from different:
d) All of the above

220) The term ‘brut’ refers to a sparkling wine that is:

c) Dry

221) Which of the following is not a traditional method sparkling wine?

d) Prosecco

222) Which of the following is not a grape of Champagne?

b) Pinot Gris

223) Due to the very cool climate, most base wines in Champagne are:
a) Low alcohol and high acidity

224) What is the minimum legal period for aging Champagne on its lees?
b) 12 months

225) A Vintage Champagne is a blend of grapes harvested in different years.

b) False

226) A sparkling wine labelled as Demi-sec is dryer than one labelled as Brut.
b) False

227) Cava refers to:

d) A bottle-fermented sparkling wine from Spain

228) Which pair of French grapes are occasionally used in the production of Cava?
a) Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

229) Which grape variety is often used with Champagne varieties in South Africa?
a) Chenin Blanc

230) Which grape variety is popular in tank-fermented sparkling wines in such regions as California and Australia?
c) Muscat

Chapter 25 – Sherry & Port

231) Identify the factors that Sherry and Port share in common.
a) 1 only (they are both fortified)

232) What is the name of the Spanish region that produces Sherry?
c) Jerez de la Frontera
www.finevintageltd.com
233) Which of the following best describes the sweetness level of Sherry?
d) All of the above

234) The local white grape responsible for Sherry production is:
c) Palomino

235) What is the name of the aging technique responsible for producing Sherry?
c) Solera System

236) Which style of sherry is does not show oxidative characters of walnuts and caramel?
c) Fino

237) What role does flor play in Sherry?

d) It is a type of yeast that forms a protective layer on the wine

238) Which of the following styles of Sherry is dry?

d) None of the above

239) Which style of Sherry is refortified to 17% partway through the aging process?
a) Amontillado

240) Which style of Sherry is both the name of a grape and a sweet, sun-dried wine?
d) Pedro Ximénez

241) How does Port become a sweet wine?

a) Fermentation is halted with the addition of alcohol

242) Which style of Port is the most basic red?

c) Ruby

243) Which style of Port will have oxidative characters of walnut and caramel?
d) Tawny

244) Which style of Port is from a single year?

b) LBV

245) Vintage Port is only produced in exceptional years.

a) True

246) A 20-Year Tawny indicates a wine that:

b) Has matured in barrels for an average of 20 years

www.finevintageltd.com
247) Port is a sweet fortified wine from:
d) The Upper Douro in Portugal

248) Which style of Port must be decanted?

b) Vintage

249) Which of the following is not typical of Tawny Ports?

c) The wine comes from a single declared vintage

250) Port is sweetend with the addition of sweet wines made by sun-drying.
b) False

www.finevintageltd.com