Question 1
A wine gives off aromas of wet cardboard, damp basement, and musty mildew, while its fruit character seems muted or stripped away. This is the classic presentation of:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A - Cork taint (TCA)
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The CSW exam has 100 questions and runs 1 hour.
These 10 free CSW questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A wine gives off aromas of wet cardboard, damp basement, and musty mildew, while its fruit character seems muted or stripped away. This is the classic presentation of:
Correct answer: A - Cork taint (TCA)
Grapes are harvested at 22° Brix. If the must is fermented completely dry, the resulting potential alcohol will be closest to:
Correct answer: B - About 12% ABV
A red wine from Piedmont shows a pale, garnet-tinged rim, very high tannin and acidity, and classic aromas of tar and dried roses. It is most likely made from which grape?
Correct answer: B - Nebbiolo
On a label of Champagne, which sweetness designation indicates MORE residual sugar than a wine labeled 'Brut'?
Correct answer: D - Extra Dry
Which of the following correctly lists the three principal grape varieties permitted in the production of Champagne?
Correct answer: A - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier
In the 1855 Classification of the Médoc, which château was later elevated from Second Growth to First Growth status, in 1973?
Correct answer: D - Château Mouton-Rothschild
Within the Burgundy appellation hierarchy, which tier represents the highest and most prestigious classification?
Correct answer: C - Grand Cru
By law, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG must be produced entirely (100%) from which grape variety?
Correct answer: A - Sangiovese
Which style of Sherry is aged biologically beneath a protective film of yeast known as flor, producing a pale, bone-dry, tangy wine?
Correct answer: D - Fino
Under United States federal (TTB) labeling law, when a wine is labeled with a single grape variety such as 'Merlot,' at least what percentage of the wine must be made from that grape?
Correct answer: B - 75%
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