Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

For a wine to be labeled as "Estate Bottled," which requirement must be met?

1. The wine must be bottled within the same state as the vineyard

2. The winery must own the vineyards where the grapes are grown

3. The grapes must be sourced from at least 85% of the stated region

4. The wine must be produced within a certain AVA

The correct answer is: The winery must own the vineyards where the grapes are grown

The requirement for a wine to be labeled as "Estate Bottled" revolves around the ownership of the vineyards where the grapes are grown. Specifically, this designation means that the winery must own the vineyards, and the grapes used to produce the wine are grown on that same property. This ensures a direct link between the vineyard's terroir, which includes aspects like soil, climate, and other environmental influences, and the wine produced. This regulation is important because it aims to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the wine, providing consumers with the assurance that they are enjoying a product that reflects the characteristics of a specific location. Many wine producers use this term to highlight their commitment to quality and traditional winemaking practices. In contrast, the other statements relate to different aspects of winemaking or labeling practices but do not specifically pertain to the definition of "Estate Bottled." For instance, while the location of bottling is significant, it does not solely determine whether a wine can carry the "Estate Bottled" label. Similarly, sourcing grapes from a certain percentage or producing within an AVA are criteria related to other labeling terms and quality standards rather than the ownership and cultivation of the grapes in question.