Level 2 wine exam practice · Learning outcome 5
Sparkling and fortified wines: practice questions
36 original multiple-choice questions on this chapter, each with an explanation. Five are below; the rest, plus timed mocks, are in the app.
Sample questions
What distinguishes a Reserve Ruby Port from a standard Ruby?
- It is aged in small casks until it turns tawny brown
- It is a better-quality blend aged a little longer
- It comes from the grapes of a single declared year
- It is bottled unfiltered to keep developing in bottle
Answer: It is a better-quality blend aged a little longer. Reserve Ruby is a step up from basic Ruby: a blend of better wines, aged a little longer, but still deep red and fruity and ready to drink. Cask ageing until the wine turns brown describes Tawny, and a single declared year with unfiltered bottling describes Vintage Port.
Which grape variety is used for Fino and Oloroso Sherry?
- Pedro Ximénez
- Tempranillo
- Palomino
- Airén
Answer: Palomino. The dry styles of Sherry are made from Palomino, a neutral white grape that suits the region's ageing processes. Pedro Ximénez is also grown in Jerez but for the intensely sweet wines that carry its name; Tempranillo and Airén are not Sherry grapes.
Which production method must be used for Cava?
- Carbon dioxide injected under pressure
- Second fermentation in a sealed tank
- Second fermentation in the bottle
- Fermentation stopped by chilling
Answer: Second fermentation in the bottle. Cava is a traditional-method wine: the second fermentation takes place in the bottle and the wine is aged on its lees before disgorgement. The tank method belongs to Prosecco, stopping the fermentation by chilling is how Asti is made, and injected gas is not permitted for Cava.
Which of these sparkling wines is normally made by the tank method?
- Cava
- Champagne
- Cap Classique
- Prosecco
Answer: Prosecco. Prosecco gets its bubbles from a second fermentation in a large sealed tank, which is quicker and keeps the fruit fresh. Cava, Champagne and Cap Classique must all be made by the traditional method, with the second fermentation in the bottle.
Port is produced in which region of Portugal?
- Vinho Verde
- Dão
- Alentejo
- Douro
Answer: Douro. Port comes from the Douro valley in northern Portugal, where the grapes ripen in a hot, dry climate on steep terraced slopes. Vinho Verde, Dão and Alentejo are Portuguese regions for unfortified wines.