The Court of Master SommeliersSommelier · StudyBeta
The Journal

What to study

Deductive Tasting

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

Search another subject

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

Introductory Certificate

  1. Understand the principles of deductive tasting.
  2. Sight: Colour, hue, viscosity. Signs of ageing.
  3. Nose: Identify principal aroma characteristics of principal grape varieties.
  4. Palate: Understand taste characteristics of principal grape varieties. — Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Flavours. Fruit & Non Fruit flavours.
  5. Structure: Understand the princples of identifying structure in wine. Alcohol, Acid, Tannin, Finish.
  6. Conclusion: Appreciate the principles of summarising information gained in tasting to identify characteristics and identity of the wine.
  7. NO EXAMINATION.

Certified Sommelier

  1. Identify principal classic grape varieties by sight, nose and palate.
  2. Evaluate wines structure and finish.
  3. Identify any common faults.
  4. Comment on origin of wine and quality level.
  5. EXAMINATION — Written evaluation 2 wines.

Advanced Certificate & MS Diploma

  1. Identify a wide range of grape varietal charcteristics.
  2. Orally describe wines in both a technical and marketing format.
  3. Evaluate sight nose and palate using Court format.
  4. Evaluate the aromas and flavours to include Primary, Secondary and Tertiary elements.
  5. Evaluate the structure of wines (Alcohol, Acidity and Tannins) to a quantative formula.
  6. Comment on age characteristics.
  7. Offer a constructive conclusion of the wine to include Style, Country and region of origin, Quality level and age. (Vintage)
  8. Know and identify wine faults and the reasons for the fault. For example, Brett, Oxidation, Reduction, Anisole spoilage. (TCA)
  9. Identify methods used in vinification to correct faults.
  10. EXAMINATION — 6 wines to be orally described in a time framework of 25 minutes.
In the course bookThe Court of Master Sommeliers deductive tasting formatChapter 2 · Sensory EvaluationIntroductory and Certified: ready in the study portal →The Court’s study documentClassic Grape MarkersWhat it covers →The Court’s study documentDeductive Tasting WorkbookWhat it covers →