The Court of Master SommeliersSommelier · StudyBeta
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Burgundy

What the Court’s Examination Syllabus 2026/2027 lists for Burgundy, 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. Climatic influences.
  2. AOP districts & location.
  3. Permitted Grape varietals.
  4. Soil types.
  5. Production & ageing techniques Traditional / Macération Carbonique.
  6. Quality levels — Generic, District, Villages.
  7. District & wines of Chablis & quality levels.
  8. Principal communes of the Côte d'Or & location.
  9. Premier Cru & Grand Cru wines of Côte d'Or.
  10. Location of Mâcon villages & Côte Chalonnaise districts.
  11. Beaujolais Cru's.
  12. Labelling terms.
  13. Structure of trade.

Certified Sommelier

  1. Smaller production districts. i.e. St Bris, Irancy, Montagny, Bouzeron. Givry, Mercurey, Pouilly Fuissé & St. Veran. Mâcon villages.
  2. Classic vintages.

Advanced Certificate

  1. Specific climatic influences.
  2. Grand Cru/ 1er Cru wines from principal AC's.
  3. Villages entitled to use certain AC's. i.e. Pouilly Fuissé.
  4. Pouilly Fuissé Cru's.
  5. Beaujolais villages.
  6. Characteristics of the wines.
  7. Vintages — Characteristics.
  8. Principal producers and sites.

MS Diploma

  1. Differentiate between Lieu dits and Premier Cru.
  2. Noted Clos sites.
  3. Noted producers linked to specific wines/ sites.
  4. Principal vintages and off vintages of last 30 years.
  5. Latest developments & updates.
In the course bookBurgundy & BeaujolaisChapter 3 · Wine Regions of the WorldCome back to sharpen: terms and pronunciation are the quickest things to lose.