Free SOMM Wine Tasting Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of swirling wine in a glass during tasting?

Accepted Answer

To mix the wine with air, enhancing its aroma

Answer

Swirling wine in a glass is a crucial step in tasting because it increases the wine's surface area exposed to oxygen, a process called aeration. This aeration helps to release volatile aromatic compounds, allowing the taster to perceive a wider and more complex range of the wine's scents and nuances. It effectively 'opens up' the wine, making its bouquet more expressive.

Question 2

Which of the following descriptors would you most likely use for a wine with high acidity?

Accepted Answer

Tart

Answer

A wine with high acidity is most accurately described as 'tart' on the palate. This characteristic manifests as a crisp, mouth-watering, and sometimes sharp sensation, contributing to the wine's freshness and liveliness. Acidity is essential for balance, especially in white wines, and prevents a wine from tasting 'flabby' or dull.

Question 3

If a wine has a strong aroma of green bell pepper, what grape variety might it be?

Accepted Answer

Cabernet Sauvignon

Answer

A strong aroma of green bell pepper, often attributed to compounds called pyrazines, is a classic varietal characteristic of Cabernet Sauvignon. This herbaceous note is particularly noticeable when the grapes are grown in cooler climates or are not fully ripe. It serves as a key identifier for the grape and contributes to its complex aromatic profile.

Question 4

Which of the following terms describes a wine with a high level of tannins?

Accepted Answer

Astringent

Answer

A wine with a high level of tannins is best described as 'astringent.' Tannins, found in grape skins, seeds, and oak barrels, create a drying, puckering sensation in the mouth, particularly on the gums and tongue. This characteristic contributes to the wine's structure, texture, and aging potential, especially in red wines.

Question 5

During a blind tasting, you notice the wine has a deep purple color, high tannins, and black fruit aromas. Which grape variety is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Syrah/Shiraz

Answer

During a blind tasting, a deep purple color, high tannins, and black fruit aromas (like blackberry and blackcurrant) are classic indicators of Syrah/Shiraz. This grape variety is known for producing powerful, full-bodied wines that often exhibit notes of black pepper, smoke, and sometimes game. These characteristics collectively point to Syrah/Shiraz as the most likely grape.

SOMM - Certified Sommelier Examination Practice Test

SOMM - Certified Sommelier Examination Practice Test

Free SOMM Wine Tasting Questions and Answers