SOMM Grape Varieties and Viticulture 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Selecting individual vine cuttings with desirable traits for propagation

Answer

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

Question 2

Tempranillo is known by which name in the Ribera del Duero appellation of Spain?

Accepted Answer

Tinto Fino

Answer

In Ribera del Duero, Tempranillo is locally called Tinto Fino or Tinto del País, producing fuller-bodied wines than its Rioja counterpart.

Question 3

Which winemaking term describes the conversion of malic acid to softer lactic acid by bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Malolactic fermentation

Answer

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) uses lactic acid bacteria to convert sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid, reducing acidity and adding creamy texture.

Question 4

Phylloxera devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century. What was the primary solution used to combat it?

Accepted Answer

Grafting European vines onto American rootstock

Answer

Grafting Vitis vinifera vines onto phylloxera-resistant American rootstock (Vitis riparia, rupestris, berlandieri) became the global solution to the phylloxera epidemic.

Question 5

Which aromatic white grape is the signature variety of Alsace, France, and is considered one of the world's finest noble white grapes?

Accepted Answer

Riesling

Answer

Riesling is considered Alsace's noblest grape, capable of producing everything from bone-dry to lusciously sweet Vendange Tardive and SGN wines.

SOMM - Certified Sommelier Examination Practice Test

SOMM - Certified Sommelier Examination Practice Test

SOMM Grape Varieties and Viticulture 3