SOMM Wine Production and Winemaking Techniques

Question 1

What term describes the process of leaving grape juice in contact with skins to extract color, tannins, and flavor compounds?

Accepted Answer

Maceration

Answer

Cold stabilization

Answer

Malolactic fermentation

Answer

Chaptalization

Question 2

Which winemaking process converts harsh malic acid into softer lactic acid, reducing a wine's perceived acidity?

Accepted Answer

Malolactic fermentation

Answer

Cold stabilization

Answer

Chaptalization

Answer

Fining

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of chaptalization in winemaking?

Accepted Answer

To raise potential alcohol by adding sugar before or during fermentation

Answer

To increase a wine's natural acidity

Answer

To reduce harsh tannins in red wines

Answer

To clarify wine by removing sediment

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks

Answer

New French oak barrels

Answer

American oak hogsheads

Answer

Large open-top concrete vats

Question 5

What is 'remontage' (pumping over) in red wine production?

Accepted Answer

Pumping fermenting juice up and over the floating cap of grape skins

Answer

Transferring finished wine between barrels for blending

Answer

Adding sulfur dioxide to the must before fermentation

Answer

Cold pressing whole grape clusters

Question 6

Which style of wine is most closely associated with the carbonic maceration technique?

Accepted Answer

Light, fruity, low-tannin Beaujolais Nouveau

Answer

Full-bodied, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon

Answer

Sweet, botrytized Sauternes

Answer

Heavily oaked Napa Chardonnay

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Adding unfermented grape juice to sweeten a dry wine

Answer

Blending multiple vintages to achieve a consistent house style

Answer

Adding tartaric acid to correct low acidity