Master Sommelier Diploma Exam Practice

Master Sommelier Diploma Exam Practice Test Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary grape variety of Barolo DOCG?
• Barbera
• Nebbiolo
• Dolcetto
• Sangiovese

Rationale: Barolo DOCG, from Piedmont, is made exclusively from

Nebbiolo, which provides high tannin and acidity.

• Which river flows through the Douro Valley in Portugal?
• Tagus
• Mondego
• Douro
• Minho 1 / 4

Rationale: The Douro River runs east to west through the Douro Valley,

influencing viticulture and port production.

• In Champagne production, what is “liqueur de tirage”?
• A mixture of wine and brandy
• Dosage added after disgorgement
• Mixture of yeast and sugar to induce secondary fermentation
• A fining agent

Rationale: Liqueur de tirage starts the second fermentation in bottle that

creates Champagne’s CO₂.

• Which sub-region is NOT part of Burgundy?
• Côte de Nuits
• Côte Chalonnaise
• Mâconnais
• Médoc

Rationale: Médoc is in Bordeaux, not Burgundy.

• Which AVA is located within Sonoma County?
• Paso Robles
• Santa Lucia Highlands
• Russian River Valley 2 / 4

• Santa Ynez Valley

Rationale: Russian River Valley AVA is a cool, fog-influenced subregion in

Sonoma County.

• Which of the following is a German Prädikat level for sweet wines?
• Trocken
• Beerenauslese
• Halbtrocken
• Gutswein

Rationale: Beerenauslese indicates a high must-weight sweet wine made

from individually selected berries.

• What is the main grape used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
• Mourvèdre
• Grenache
• Cinsault
• Carignan

Rationale: Grenache is the dominant grape in most Châteauneuf-du-Pape

blends.

• What is the minimum aging requirement for Gran Reserva Rioja red

wines? 3 / 4

• 2 years total
• 3 years total
• 5 years total with 2 in oak
• 6 years total with 3 in oak

Rationale: Gran Reserva Rioja reds require at least 5 years aging, including

• in oak.

• Which of the following wines is made using the Solera system?
• Cava
• Champagne
• Sherry
• Tokaji

Rationale: Sherry production employs the Solera system for fractional

blending.

10. The Wachau classification “Smaragd” refers to:

• Late harvest wines with botrytis
• Light-bodied dry wines
• Full-bodied dry wines with higher alcohol
• Sparkling wines

Rationale: Smaragd denotes the richest, fullest style of dry white wine in

Wachau.

• / 4