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!

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What is the primary grape used in Saumur Mousseux?

Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Chenin Blanc

The correct answer is: Chenin Blanc

The primary grape used in Saumur Mousseux is Chenin Blanc. This grape varietal is known for its versatility and ability to express a wide range of flavors depending on the terroir and winemaking techniques. In the context of Saumur Mousseux, a sparkling wine produced in the Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc is particularly prized for its high acidity and naturally occurring sugar levels, which allow for the production of both dry and sweeter sparkling wines. When fermented and subsequently undergoes secondary fermentation for carbonation, Chenin Blanc can produce wines that are vibrant, refreshing, and complex, often showcasing notes of apple, pear, citrus, and even honey as they age. This aligns well with the style of sparkling wines produced in the Saumur region, where the emphasis is on producing high-quality, food-friendly bubbles. Other varietals listed, while important in other contexts, are not primarily used in the production of Saumur Mousseux, reinforcing the significance of Chenin Blanc in this particular sparkling wine tradition.