The Court of Master SommeliersSommelier · StudyBeta
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Fortified Wines

What the Court’s Examination Syllabus 2026/2027 lists for Fortified Wines, 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. Sherry — Location, Soils, varietals.
  2. Production methods.
  3. Wine types.
  4. Non fortified Sherry.
  5. Port — Douro region and production centres.
  6. Soils.
  7. Permitted varietals.
  8. Production methods.
  9. Port types ageing & qualities.
  10. Madeira: Topography & climate.
  11. Soils.
  12. Permitted varietals.
  13. Production methods.
  14. Madeira styles.

Certified Sommelier

  1. Sherry — VOS & VORS designations.
  2. Port sub-districts.
  3. Recent Port vintages.
  4. Madeira ageing and designations.

Advanced Certificate

  1. Sherry Pagos (Finos).
  2. Detailed production techniques — fortification, sweetening, colouring etc.
  3. Sherry styles & ageing designations.
  4. Port Viticulture & Vinification.
  5. Vineyard rating system.
  6. Single quintas of major Port houses.
  7. Principal vintages 1970 — to date.
  8. Madeira producers.
  9. Key styles: 3, 5, 10, 15 year, Fresqueira, Colheita.
  10. Aromatised wines. e.g. Vermouths.
  11. Vin de Liqueurs — Floc, Ratafia, Pineau de Charente.
  12. Vin Doux Naturels ACs and types.
  13. Moscatel de Setúbal.
  14. Australian Muscats.
  15. Commandaria wines.
  16. Styles, Grapes.
  17. Montilla wines, styles, grapes & production methods.

MS Diploma

  1. Climatic effects of production areas. (Sherry Port & Madeira)
  2. Effects of geographical features and soils.
  3. Principal vineyard sites (Pagos) in Sherry.
  4. Technical issues of production. (all wines)
  5. Port Quintas and proprietors.
  6. Quinta classification system elements A-F.
  7. Translate production and vinification terms.
  8. Ageing requirements (all wines).
  9. Regulations regarding production.
  10. New styles of wines. (e.g. Anada, En Rama etc)
  11. Other Fortified wines: for example production details of: Malaga, Montilla.
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