Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Sommelier Exam with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and detailed explanations to master wine knowledge and tasting skills. Ace your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is a significant feature of Port wine production?

It is primarily produced in flat vineyards.
It involves arrested fermentation and fortification.
It must be aged for a minimum of 10 years.
It is made using exclusively white grape varieties.

The correct answer is: It involves arrested fermentation and fortification.

The significant feature of Port wine production is the process of arrested fermentation and fortification. This method is essential in creating Port's unique character. During fermentation, the winemaker adds grape spirit (aguardente) to the fermenting must, which halts the fermentation process. This action preserves a portion of the natural sugars from the grapes, resulting in the wine's signature sweetness, as well as increasing its alcohol content. This fortification process is key to producing the rich, full-bodied style that Port is known for. The other options do not accurately represent the defining characteristics of Port wine production. While there are flat vineyards in some wine regions, Port is traditionally made in the hilly terrain of the Douro Valley. The aging requirements for Port can vary, with some types needing no minimum aging, while others may have specific age classifications. Additionally, Port is made from a blend of grape varieties, including both red and white grapes, rather than exclusively from white grape varieties.