Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

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!

Practice this question and more.

Which aging category indicates a Madeira wine aged for at least 15 years?

3yr Reserve
10yr Special Reserve
5yr Reserve
15yr Extra Reserve

The correct answer is: 15yr Extra Reserve

The correct choice is the category that signifies a Madeira wine aged for a minimum of 15 years, which is classified as "15yr Extra Reserve." This designation is used to convey that the wine has undergone extensive aging, resulting in complex flavors and aromas that develop over time. Wines in this category are typically characterized by their richness, depth, and a pronounced oxidative character, which is a hallmark of quality Madeira. The other categories represent shorter aging periods and therefore do not meet the requirement of being aged for at least 15 years. For instance, the "3yr Reserve" reflects a significantly shorter maturation process, indicating a fresher and less complex wine. Similarly, the "10yr Special Reserve" and "5yr Reserve" denote even shorter aging times, which results in different flavor profiles and structures that do not reach the level of maturity found in a 15-year-old Madeira.