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!

Practice this question and more.

Which region serves as the base appellation for the Rhone wines?

Cotes-du-Rhone
Vacqueyras
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Beaumes-de-Venise

The correct answer is: Cotes-du-Rhone

The Côtes-du-Rhône serves as the base appellation for Rhône wines because it encompasses a broad region that includes various towns and villages and allows for a wide range of wine styles produced within these boundaries. This appellation provides the foundation from which other specific AOCs (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is renowned for its full-bodied red wines, or smaller regions like Vacqueyras and Beaumes-de-Venise, which are known for their distinct characteristics, derive. The Côtes-du-Rhône designation is important as it signifies a level of quality while highlighting the diverse terroirs found within the Rhône Valley. This broader classification plays a crucial role in understanding the hierarchy of Rhône wines, making it pivotal for anyone preparing for the Certified Sommelier Exam.