SOMM Spirits and Fortified Wines

Question 1

Cognac is a brandy produced in France that must be distilled in which type of still?

Accepted Answer

Pot still (Charentais alembic)

Answer

By law, Cognac must be double-distilled in traditional copper Charentais pot stills (alembic charentais), giving the spirit its distinctive character.

Question 2

Sherry is a fortified wine produced in which region of Spain?

Accepted Answer

Jerez (Marco de Jerez)

Answer

Sherry is produced exclusively in the Marco de Jerez, a triangle of towns in Andalusia including Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and El Puerto de Santa María.

Question 3

What is the 'Solera system' used in Sherry production?

Accepted Answer

A fractional blending system using tiered barrels to maintain consistent house style

Answer

The Solera system uses multiple tiers of barrels; wine is drawn from the bottom tier for bottling and refreshed from younger wine in the tier above, creating a consistent, blended style.

Question 4

Madeira wine is produced on a Portuguese island and is notable for which unique production process?

Accepted Answer

Estufagem — deliberate heating of the wine

Answer

Madeira undergoes 'estufagem' (heating process), either in temperature-controlled tanks or naturally in warm warehouses ('canteiro' method), creating its distinctive oxidized, caramelized character.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

VS (Very Special)

Answer

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.

SOMM - Certified Sommelier Examination Practice Test

SOMM - Certified Sommelier Examination Practice Test

SOMM Spirits and Fortified Wines