The Court of Master SommeliersSommelier · StudyBeta
The Journal

What to study

Fortified Wines

What the Court’s Examination Syllabus 2026/2027 lists for Fortified Wines, 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. 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.
In the course bookSherryChapter 4 · Fortified winesCome back to sharpen: terms and pronunciation are the quickest things to lose.