Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

What classification requires that 60% of a wine's grapes come from a specific region?

1. Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa)

2. Denominacion de Origen (DO)

3. Vino de la Tierra (VdIT)

4. Vino de Mesa (VdM)

The correct answer is: Vino de la Tierra (VdIT)

The correct classification that requires 60% of a wine's grapes to come from a specific region is Denominacion de Origen (DO). This classification is a level of quality assurance in Spanish wines, indicating that the grapes used must originate from a specific geographical area. The focus on regional identity ensures that the wine reflects the characteristics of that region, including its climate, soil, and traditional production methods. In contrast, the other classifications have different requirements or levels of restrictions. For instance, Vino de la Tierra does have geographical boundaries but does not mandate the same specific percentage of regional grapes nor does it enforce strict adherence to production practices, thus allowing for more flexibility. Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa) is a higher classification requiring greater quality standards and typically involves stricter regulations, while Vino de Mesa represents basic table wines that have no geographical indication. Hence, the foundational requirement of 60% regional grapes is specifically aligned with the DO classification.