The Court of Master SommeliersSommelier · StudyBeta
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Sparkling Wines

What the Court’s Examination Syllabus 2026/2027 lists for Sparkling 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. Methods of production. i.e. Traditional, Charmat, Ancestral.
  2. Terms used to denote Traditional method of production in other countries.
  3. Alternate Appellations for sparkling wines. — Crémant, Cava etc.
  4. Principal sparkling wines of other European countries.
  5. Sparkling wines from world countries — Australia, New Zealand.

Certified Sommelier

  1. Wines & grape varietals used in principal sparkling wines produced in major wine countries.

Advanced Certificate

  1. Quality levels of principal sparkling wines e.g. DOCG, DO, Qualitäts Sekt.
  2. Traditional production methods. e.g.: Méthode Dieoise, Méthode Ancestrale.
  3. Specific factors affecting climate.
  4. Characteristics of the wines.
  5. Vintages — Characteristics.
  6. Maturation periods for all quality levels and types.

MS Diploma

  1. Principal producers and sites for internationally known sparkling wines:
    • Prosecco
    • Franciacorta
    • Alta Langhe
    • Tasmania
    • New Zealand
    • USA
    • South Africa
    • UK
  2. VDP Sekt regulations.
  3. Vintages for principal sparkling wines.
  4. Latest developments & updates.
In the course bookVinificationChapter 1 · Viticulture & VinificationCome back to sharpen: terms and pronunciation are the quickest things to lose.