The Court of Master SommeliersSommelier · StudyBeta
The Journal

What to study

South of France

What the Court’s Examination Syllabus 2026/2027 lists for South of France, 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. Climatic influences.
  2. Principal wines of: Provence, Languedoc, Roussillon, Bergerac, Madiran & Cahors.
  3. Varietals used in principal wines and styles / qualities of wines produced.
  4. VDN & VDL wines of South France.
  5. Vin de Pays districts and locations.

Certified Sommelier

  1. In depth knowledge of wines of: Bergerac, Monbazillac, Pécharmant, Fitou, Cahors, Madiran, Corbières, Jura, Gaillac.
  2. Vin de Paille wines.
  3. Provence & sub regions and wines.
  4. Varietals / blends.

Advanced Certificate

  1. Jura — varietals wines and production techniques of Vin Jaune / Vin de Paille.
  2. Savoie, wines and varietals.
  3. Languedoc. Major & minor AC's and varietal / styles of wine.
  4. Sub districts of principal Languedoc AOP's.
  5. Roussillon, Gaillac, Bearn, Jurançon, Irouleguy.
  6. Bergerac & AC's within.
  7. Characteristics of the wines.
  8. Specific factors affecting climate.
  9. Vintages — Characteristics.
  10. Notable producers and sites.

MS Diploma

  1. Specific villages of Côte de Provence.
  2. Jura districts.
  3. Languedoc Cru's.
  4. Styles of VDN / VDL wines.
  5. Principal producers and wines from all smaller districts of France.
  6. Characteristics of native grape varietals and composition of wines associated with these grapes.
  7. Savoie Cru's.
  8. Latest developments & updates.