The Court of Master SommeliersSommelier · StudyBeta
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Loire

What the Court’s Examination Syllabus 2026/2027 lists for Loire, 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. Principal soil types.
  3. Districts & sub districts of the region.
  4. Principal grape varietals & wines produced from them.
  5. Styles of wine.
  6. Principal AOP's.
  7. Labelling Terms.

Certified Sommelier

  1. Principal wines from: Coteaux du Layon, Savennières, Central Vineyards, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, Muscadet.
  2. Grape variety synonyms.
  3. Sur lie ageing requirements.
  4. Smaller AC's of the Loire & Loir & wines produced. For example: St Pourçain, Cheverny, Orleans.

Advanced Certificate

  1. Specific climatic influences.
  2. Muscadet Cru's and ageing requirements.
  3. Soil types in Sancerre / Pouilly.
  4. Villages in Layon.
  5. Characteristics of the wines.
  6. Vintages — Characteristics.
  7. Principal producers and sites.

MS Diploma

  1. Soil composition in various districts.
  2. Notable producers in all districts.
  3. Coteaux du Layon vintages.
  4. Latest developments & updates.
In the course bookLoireChapter 3 · Wine Regions of the WorldCome back to sharpen: terms and pronunciation are the quickest things to lose.