WSET D4 - Fortified Wines Exam Questions with Correct Answers and
Answers with Verified Solutions | Latest 2026 Update
Q: What is the typical fermentation temperature for Sherry base wines?
Answer:
22-26°C. Why does malolactic fermentation rarely occur in Sherry? Palomino has
low malic acid and low total acidity. What determines whether Sherry will be aged
biologically or oxidatively? First classification after fermentation based on body and
flavour. What is the alcohol level after fortification for Fino or Manzanilla?
15-15.5% abv. What is the alcohol level after fortification for Oloroso or oxidative
styles? 17% abv. What is 'sobretablas'? A holding stage before a wine enters the
solera system. What is second classification in Sherry? Assessing flor development
to assign the wine to Fino, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, or Oloroso. What is flor
yeast? A layer of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that forms on the surface of wine.
What are the ideal conditions for flor growth? 15-15.5% abv, no SO■, high
humidity, oxygen exposure, and 16-20°C temperature. What does flor consume
during ageing? Alcohol, oxygen, glycerol, and acetic acid. What aromas are
produced by flor ageing? Apple skin, hay, chamomile, dough, almond.
, Q: What is autolysis in Sherry ageing?
Answer:
Breakdown of dead yeast cells, contributing savoury and nutty notes. What is the
function of solera systems? Ensure consistency, gradual blending, and maturation of
wines. What is a criadera in a solera system? A stage or tier in the fractional blending
process. How much wine can be withdrawn from a solera each year? Up to 40%.
What is the minimum age of a bottled Sherry under solera rules? Two years. How
does the number of criaderas affect a Sherry's age and complexity? More criaderas =
longer ageing and more complexity. Why is consistency important in solera ageing?
To maintain house style and wine quality across vintages. What is the difference in
flor between Jerez and Sanlúcar de Barrameda? Sanlúcar has more stable flor due to
higher humidity and cooler maritime climate. What is Fino En Rama? A minimally
filtered Fino, often more intense in flavour. What is a Fino Viejo or Manzanilla
Pasada? Aged biological styles with some autolytic and oxidative influence.
Answers with Verified Solutions | Latest 2026 Update
Q: What is the typical fermentation temperature for Sherry base wines?
Answer:
22-26°C. Why does malolactic fermentation rarely occur in Sherry? Palomino has
low malic acid and low total acidity. What determines whether Sherry will be aged
biologically or oxidatively? First classification after fermentation based on body and
flavour. What is the alcohol level after fortification for Fino or Manzanilla?
15-15.5% abv. What is the alcohol level after fortification for Oloroso or oxidative
styles? 17% abv. What is 'sobretablas'? A holding stage before a wine enters the
solera system. What is second classification in Sherry? Assessing flor development
to assign the wine to Fino, Amontillado, Palo Cortado, or Oloroso. What is flor
yeast? A layer of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that forms on the surface of wine.
What are the ideal conditions for flor growth? 15-15.5% abv, no SO■, high
humidity, oxygen exposure, and 16-20°C temperature. What does flor consume
during ageing? Alcohol, oxygen, glycerol, and acetic acid. What aromas are
produced by flor ageing? Apple skin, hay, chamomile, dough, almond.
, Q: What is autolysis in Sherry ageing?
Answer:
Breakdown of dead yeast cells, contributing savoury and nutty notes. What is the
function of solera systems? Ensure consistency, gradual blending, and maturation of
wines. What is a criadera in a solera system? A stage or tier in the fractional blending
process. How much wine can be withdrawn from a solera each year? Up to 40%.
What is the minimum age of a bottled Sherry under solera rules? Two years. How
does the number of criaderas affect a Sherry's age and complexity? More criaderas =
longer ageing and more complexity. Why is consistency important in solera ageing?
To maintain house style and wine quality across vintages. What is the difference in
flor between Jerez and Sanlúcar de Barrameda? Sanlúcar has more stable flor due to
higher humidity and cooler maritime climate. What is Fino En Rama? A minimally
filtered Fino, often more intense in flavour. What is a Fino Viejo or Manzanilla
Pasada? Aged biological styles with some autolytic and oxidative influence.
