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 vintage is considered great for Cotes-du-Rhone?

  1. 2008

  2. 2009

  3. 2006

  4. 2010

The correct answer is: 2009

The vintage of 2009 is recognized as great for Côtes-du-Rhône due to a combination of favorable weather conditions throughout the growing season, which resulted in high-quality fruit. Specifically, the summer of 2009 was characterized by warm temperatures and sufficient rainfall, which allowed the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining good acidity. This balance is crucial for the production of wines that have depth, structure, and the ability to age well. In this vintage, winemakers were able to create wines with rich flavors and complexity, showcasing the varietal characteristics of the Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes that are predominant in the region. The wines from this year are often noted for their vibrant fruit, smooth tannins, and overall harmony, making 2009 a standout year in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation. Other vintages, while possibly producing good wines, do not quite reach the accolades and collective recognition that 2009 achieved.