CSW Viticulture & Winemaking 3

Question 1

What does 'terroir' encompass in a vineyard context?

Accepted Answer

The complete natural environment including soil, climate, and topography

Answer

Terroir is a holistic concept encompassing all natural factors—soil, subsoil, climate, aspect, drainage, and topography—that give a wine its distinctive sense of place.

Question 2

Which rootstock characteristic is most important when selecting rootstock for a Phylloxera-affected region?

Accepted Answer

Resistance to Phylloxera louse infestation

Answer

Rootstocks derived from American Vitis species (such as V. riparia and V. rupestris) are resistant to Phylloxera, allowing European Vitis vinifera vines to be grafted onto them safely.

Question 3

What is the primary reason winemakers use malolactic fermentation (MLF) in red wines?

Accepted Answer

To convert sharp malic acid to softer lactic acid

Answer

MLF converts the harsher-tasting malic acid into softer lactic acid via lactic acid bacteria, reducing perceived acidity and adding complexity.

Question 4

In red winemaking, what is the purpose of 'pumping over' (remontage)?

Accepted Answer

Pumping fermenting juice over the grape skin cap to extract color and tannins

Answer

Pumping over draws juice from the bottom of the fermentation vessel and sprays it over the floating cap of skins to extract color, tannins, and flavor compounds.

Question 5

What is 'cold stabilization' intended to remove from wine before bottling?

Accepted Answer

Tartrate crystals (cream of tartar)

Answer

Cold stabilization chills wine near its freezing point to precipitate potassium bitartrate (tartrate) crystals before bottling, preventing their formation in the bottle.

(CSW) Certified Wine Specialist Practice Test

(CSW) Certified Wine Specialist Practice Test

CSW Viticulture & Winemaking 3