What to study

Spain

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

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

Introductory Certificate

Climatic influences.
Quality structure for Spain. Vinos de la Tierra, DO DOCa Vinos de Pagos.
Wine districts of Spain & location.
Principal varietals and synonyms of grapes. i.e.: Tempranillo, Mazuelo.
Wine ageing regime & terms.
Principal wines of main wine districts: Rías Baixas, Navarra, Rioja, Toro, Ribera del Duero, Penedes, Rueda, Priorat, Valdepeñas.
Styles of wine and varietals used.
Cava wine production.
Labelling terms.

Specific ageing requirements for Rioja wines.
DOCa's of Spain.
Quality hierarchy — Rioja, Priorat.
Sub districts of Rias Baixas, Navarra, Penedes & Priorat (Vino de Pueblo).
Location of and wines produced in: Ribera del Duero, Montsant, Toro, Rueda, Bierzo.

Climatic influences.
Specific names / locations of Vinos de Pagos and location.
Smaller districts in Southern Spain and wines produced.
Factors affecting climate.
Specific characteristics of the wines.
Vintages — Characteristics.
Styles of wine produced in Toro, Rueda, Montsant, Somontono, Penédes & Castilla La Mancha.
Principal producers and estates.

Principal producers and sites + notable wines.
Geographic influences on producing regions (Rivers, mountains, coastal).
Vinos de Pagos — Location wines and grapes.
Cava de Paraje Calificado Producers and estates.
Corpinat producers.
DO zones in Balearic & Canary islands.
Styles of wine and grape varieties used in the following districts: Txakolina, Bullas, Mentrida, Alella, Empordà, Terra Alta, Conca de Barberá, Costers del Segre, Arianza, Campo de Borja, Cigalas & Uclés.
Principal vintages of last 10 years.
Producers, estates & principal wines.
Latest developments & updates.