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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Which grape variety is the most widely planted in Champagne?

Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot

The correct answer is: Pinot Noir

The most widely planted grape variety in Champagne is Pinot Noir. This variety is favored for its ability to produce wines with structure, depth, and longevity. It thrives in the cooler climate of the Champagne region, where its fruit characteristics and phenolic compounds contribute to the complexity of the sparkling wines produced. Pinot Noir accounts for a significant portion of the plantings in Champagne and is a key grape in the production of both non-vintage and vintage Champagne. Its ability to add richness and body makes it integral to the blend of most Champagne houses. While Chardonnay is also an important grape variety in Champagne, known for its elegance and finesse, it does not surpass Pinot Noir in terms of area under vine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, commonly associated with regions like Bordeaux, are not typically grown in Champagne, thus making them irrelevant in this context.