Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Sommelier Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Elevate your wine knowledge and get ready for your certification!

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What type of wine does "Vinho de Mesa" refer to in Portugal?

Table wines
Fortified wines
Sweet dessert wines
Vintage wines

The correct answer is: Table wines

"Vinho de Mesa" in Portugal translates to "table wine," which is the most accurate description of the term. This category includes simple wines that are typically meant for everyday consumption and can come from various regions within Portugal. These wines do not have strict quality classifications like those found in the Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC) system, and they often represent a broad range of styles, from red and white to rosé. In the context of the other options, fortified wines involve adding spirits to increase alcohol content, sweet dessert wines focus on the sweetness level and are typically enjoyed after meals, and vintage wines refer to wines made from grapes harvested in a specific year that are intended for aging. These definitions stand apart from the concept of Vinho de Mesa, which encapsulates the more casual, approachable style of wine made primarily for immediate enjoyment.