The Court of Master SommeliersSommelier · StudyBeta
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Bordeaux

What the Court’s Examination Syllabus 2026/2027 lists for Bordeaux, level by level.

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Candidates should have an increasing depth of knowledge of the subject matter as they progress to each level of qualification.

Introductory Certificate

  1. Factors affecting climate.
  2. Soil types.
  3. Production & ageing techniques.
  4. Botrytis wine production.
  5. Barrique fermentation/ageing.
  6. Districts, sub districts & location.
  7. Classification system 1855.
  8. Top Médoc chateaux and location.
  9. St Émilion classification.
  10. "A" category St Émilion Châteaux.
  11. Top Pomerol Châteaux.
  12. Grape varietals.
  13. Blending — Importance of varietal in the blend.
  14. Styles of wine from principal production districts.
  15. Quality levels, AOP, IGP.
  16. Labelling terms.
  17. Trade structure. En primeur, Negociants.

Certified Sommelier

  1. Well known 1st, - 5th classified growths from the Médoc, Sauternes, St Émilion and Pessac Leognan.
  2. Location of top Bordeaux properties.
  3. Cru Bourgeois classification.
  4. Styles of wine from smaller districts.
  5. All Bordeaux sub districts. E.g.: Loupiac, Cadillac, St. Croix du Mont, Fronsac, Loupiac.
  6. Individual commune names in principal districts.
  7. Classic vintages.

Advanced Certificate

  1. All classified growths and their communes from each AC Médoc, Sauternes, St Émilion.
  2. Wines of smaller districts.
  3. St Émilion Classification.
  4. St Émilion satellites.
  5. Pomerol Châteaux.
  6. Sauternes & Péssac Léognan, Châteaux & communes.
  7. Côtes de Bordeaux classification.
  8. Bourg / Blaye wines.
  9. Characteristics of the wines.
  10. Vintages 30 years & their characteristics.
  11. Principal producers and sites.
  12. 2nd labels from classified sites.

MS Diploma

  1. Location/ communes of principal Châteaux and position in ranking system.
  2. Top vintages and off vintage data.
  3. Principal producers all districts.
  4. Latest developments.
In the course bookBordeauxChapter 3 · Wine Regions of the WorldCome back to sharpen: terms and pronunciation are the quickest things to lose.