Mixed Deck — All SOMM Topics Flashcards

What does the term 'cask-conditioned' or 'real ale' mean in British brewing tradition?

Answer: Unfiltered, unpasteurized beer that undergoes secondary fermentation in the cask, served via handpump

Real ale (cask-conditioned beer) undergoes secondary fermentation in the cask using residual yeast, creating natural carbonation; it is served unpasteurized via a handpump or gravity tap.

What is the proper procedure for decanting an aged red wine?

Answer: Decant slowly and carefully to avoid disturbing the sediment

The proper procedure for decanting an aged red wine involves pouring it slowly and carefully to avoid disturbing the sediment that has accumulated over time. The goal is to separate the clear wine from these gritty deposits, often by pouring against a light source to monitor the sediment. This meticulous process ensures that only the clear wine is served to the guest.

The term 'clonal selection' in viticulture refers to what practice?

Answer: Selecting individual vine cuttings with desirable traits for propagation

Clonal selection involves propagating vine cuttings from individual 'mother' vines chosen for desirable characteristics like yield, disease resistance, or flavor.

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

Answer: Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

Port wine is classified into several styles. Which style is aged in small oak barrels and develops a tawny color and nutty flavor?

Answer: Tawny Port

Tawny Port is aged in small 550-liter 'pipes' where oxygen contact gradually lightens the color from ruby to tawny and develops oxidative, nutty flavors.

What is a 'Grand Cru' designation in Burgundy's classification hierarchy?

Answer: The highest tier, designating specific top vineyard sites

Grand Cru is Burgundy's highest vineyard classification, with only 33 red and white Grand Cru sites in the Côte d'Or, representing the finest terroirs.

Which category of Cognac indicates a minimum aging of at least 2 years in French oak barrels?

Answer: VS (Very Special)

VS (Very Special) Cognac requires a minimum of 2 years aging in French Limousin or Tronçais oak barrels, making it the youngest permitted Cognac category.

The classification system for Burgundy's Chablis region includes how many Grand Cru vineyards?

Answer: 7

Chablis has exactly 7 Grand Cru vineyards (Blanchot, Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Preuses, Valmur, and Vaudésir), all on the right bank facing southwest.

What is 'mutage,' the technique used in the production of Vin Doux Naturel and Port-style wines?

Answer: Adding grape spirit to fermenting must to halt fermentation and retain residual sugar

Mutage involves adding a neutral grape spirit (alcohol) to actively fermenting must, killing the yeast and preserving natural grape sugars to create naturally sweet, fortified wines.

Which vessel is most commonly used for fermenting white wines when the goal is preserving bright fruit aromas and freshness?

Answer: Temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks

Stainless steel tanks are inert, allowing precise temperature control without imparting flavor, which preserves the delicate fruit aromatics of white wines.

The CIVB (Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux) classifies which level of Bordeaux wine that is separate from the 1855 Médoc classification?

Answer: Cru Bourgeois

Cru Bourgeois is a classification for Médoc châteaux not included in the 1855 classification, revised most recently in 2020 with three tiers: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel.

Which French wine region is divided into the Left Bank and Right Bank by the Gironde estuary?

Answer: Bordeaux

Bordeaux is split by the Gironde estuary into the Left Bank (Médoc, Graves) and Right Bank (Pomerol, Saint-Émilion).

Priorat, known for its old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena, is located in which Spanish region?

Answer: Catalonia

Priorat is a prestigious DOCa in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, recognized for powerful wines grown on llicorella slate soils.

The Calvados appellation in France produces a spirit made from which base ingredient?

Answer: Cider (apples/pears)

Calvados is a French apple (and sometimes pear) brandy produced in Normandy, distilled from cider and aged in oak barrels.

What is Pisco, and in which two countries is it produced with ongoing legal dispute over its origin?

Answer: A grape brandy produced in Peru and Chile

Pisco is a grape brandy produced in both Peru and Chile, with both countries claiming it as their national spirit and having different legal standards for its production.

Chablis, producing unoaked Chardonnay, is the northernmost subregion of which French wine region?

Answer: Burgundy

Chablis is the northernmost appellation of Burgundy, known for lean, mineral-driven Chardonnay wines aged without oak.

Which Chilean wine valley, located south of Santiago, is known for producing high-quality Carménère?

Answer: Colchagua Valley

Colchagua Valley in Chile's Rapel region is particularly celebrated for rich, full-bodied Carménère, Chile's signature grape.

What is the term for the foam or 'head' on a beer, and what factors influence its formation and retention?

Answer: Krausen; influenced by malt, hops, and carbonation

The beer head (Krausen in German) is formed by CO2 and foam-stabilizing proteins and iso-alpha acids from malt and hops; glass cleanliness and carbonation level also affect head retention.

IBU (International Bitterness Units) measures what aspect of beer?

Answer: Hop bitterness level

IBU measures the concentration of iso-alpha acids (from hops) in beer in parts per million, providing a standardized scale for perceived bitterness.

Which of the following wines pairs well with grilled steak?

Answer: Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic and highly recommended wine pairing for grilled steak, especially richer cuts. Its robust structure, firm tannins, and bold black fruit flavors stand up to the intensity and richness of the meat. The tannins in the wine interact with the proteins and fats in the steak, cleansing the palate and enhancing the savory flavors of the dish.