Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

What is the average minimum aging period for VORS sherries?

1. 20 years

2. 25 years

3. 30 years

4. 35 years

The correct answer is: 30 years

The correct answer is based on the specific regulations that govern the aging of VORS (Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum) sherries. VORS is a classification that indicates exceptional quality and signifies that the wine has been aged for a minimum of 30 years in the solera system. This long aging process allows for complex flavor development and smooth integration of the various characteristics that sherry can exhibit. As the wine ages over these decades, it typically undergoes oxidation and evaporation, which concentrates the flavors and imparts unique characteristics tied to the terroir of the region and the idiosyncratic practices of the producer. While other classifications of sherry, such as VOS (Vinum Optimum Signatum), allow for a minimum aging period of 20 years, VORS clearly distinguishes itself with the requirement of at least 30 years. This is significant for collectors and connoisseurs looking for high-quality, aged sherry, as it ensures a certain depth and character that younger sherries may not possess.