TheWineCommander

Have you ever wondered just what it takes to become a Master of Wine – the highest accolade that can be achieved for those aspiring a career in the wine industry?

Well, over 160 students sat the theory and practical exams from 5 June to 8 June in London, San Francisco and Sydney. Over the four days students had three 12-wine blind tasting practical papers and five theory papers on the subjects of viticulture; vinification and pre-bottling procedures; handling of wines; the business of wine; and contemporary issues.

The first step is the stage 1 assessment, a one-day examination comprising a 12-wine blind tasting exam in the morning and a theory exam in the afternoon.

Students sat the stage 1 assessment on 4 June. Students can only progress to stage 2 of the MW study programme by successfully passing this assessment. The practical and theory exams form the second stage of the MW study programme. 

 Those who successfully pass the stage 2 theory and practical examinations progress to stage 3. This final stage of the MW study programme is the research paper.

The research paper forms the third part of the MW examination, and is written only after students have passed the theory and practical papers.

Candidates are able to propose wine-related topics from any area of the sciences, arts, humanities, social sciences or any other discipline. Candidates also have the freedom to choose the way that they explore their topic, as long as it enables them to provide a rigorous interpretation of the subject and to make a contribution to the understanding of the world of wine.

As these are written exam papers, I cannot understandably publish them under the rules of the Masters of Wine.

For your interest I can the reveal the practical and theory exam papers for 2018.

I have included the full list of wines which were blind or provided in conjunction with the exam papers.

                                              STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT 2018
THEORY PAPER
(TWO questions to be answered, ONE from Section A and ONE from Section B)
Section A
Paper 3
1. What factors should influence the choice of wine closures?
Section B
Paper 4
2. What matters more to consumers in today’s wine market; brand, varietal or appellation?
Paper 2
3. Examine the importance of temperature control at different stages for the vinification of red wine.

PRACTICAL PAPER
QUESTION 1
Wines 1-3 all come from the same country.
For all three wines:
a) Identify the country of origin. (15 marks)
For each wine:
b) Identify the region of origin as closely as possible. (3 x 8 marks)
c) Comment on the method of production, focusing on those elements that help determine the style of the wine. (3 x 12 marks)
QUESTION 2
Wines 4-7 all come from the same country and are made from different single grape varieties.
For all four wines:
a) Identify the country of origin. (20 marks)
For each wine:
b) Identify the origin as closely as possible, and the grape variety. (4 x 10 marks)
c) Comment on quality within the context of the region of origin. (4 x 8 marks)
d) Assess and describe the level of acidity. (4 x 2 marks)
QUESTION 3
Wines 8-10 are all made from the same grape variety but come from different countries.
For all three wines:
a) Identify the grape variety. (15 marks)
For each wine:
b) Identify the origin as closely as possible, commenting on how climate has affected the wine’s style. (3 x 10 marks)
c) Comment on commercial position. (3 x 7 marks)
d) Assess and describe the tannins. (3 x 3 marks)
QUESTION 4
Wines 11-12 come from the same region of origin and are made from the same grape variety.
For both wines:
a) Identify the grape variety and origin(s) as closely as possible. (24 marks)
For each wine:
b) Comment on maturity. (2 x 5 marks)
c) Comment on style. (2 x 4 marks)
d) State the level of residual sugar (g/l) and level of alcohol (% abv). (2 x 4 marks)

The blind wine lineup for this Stage were: 
1. Prosecco, Casa Vinicola Zonin S.p.A. San Leo, NV, Veneto, Italy 11%
2. Franciacorta, Berlucchi ’61 Brut Nature, 2009, Italy 12.5%
3. Lambrusco, Pruno Nero Dry Cleto Chiarli Modena, NV, Emilia Romagna Italy, 11%
4. Viura, Marques de Murrieta Capellania Blanco Reserva, 2013, Rioja, Spain 14%
5. Pale Cream Sherry Croft Original, Jerez, Spain 17.5%
6. Albariño, Pazo Senorans, 2016, Rías Baixas, Spain 13%
7. Chardonnay, Chivite Colección 125 Blanco 125 Special Edition, 2015, Navarra, Spain 13.5%
8. Joël and Clarisse Taluau-Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil l’expression, Cabernet Franc, 2016, Loire,
France 12.5%
9. Raats Family Cabernet Franc, 2015, Stellenbosch, South Africa 14%
10.Tabali Vetas Blancas Cabernet Franc, 2015, Limari Valley, Chile 14.5%
11. Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume, 2009, Rochefort sur Loire, France 13%
12. Domaine Vincent Careme, Le Clos, 2015, Vouvray, France 13%

                                             MASTER OF WINE EXAMINATION 2018
Practical Paper 1
Question 1
Wines 1-4 are all made from the same single grape variety.
With reference to all four wines:
a) Identify the grape variety. (20 marks)
For each wine:
b) Identify the origin as closely as possible. (4 x 10 marks)
c) Discuss quality with reference to winemaking techniques used. (4 x 10 marks)
Question 2
Wines 5-10 are all made from different single varieties and are from different countries.
For each wine:
a) Identify the grape variety. (6 x 7 marks)
b) Identify the origin as closely as possible. (6 x 8 marks)
c) Discuss quality with reference to winemaking techniques used. (6 x 10 marks)
Question 3
Wines 11-12 are made from the same single grape variety.
With reference to both wines:
a) Identify the grape variety. (10 marks)
For each wine:
b) Identify the origin as closely as possible. (2 x 8 marks)
c) Comment on wine making, quality and state of maturity. (2 x 12 marks)

The blind wine lineup for the practical Stage were: 
1. Chardonnay, Yellowtail 2017 South East Australia 13%
2. Chablis, Grand Cru Les Preuses, Domaine William Fèvre 2012 Burgundy, France 12.5%
3. Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, Shafer Vineyards 2015 Napa Valley, California, USA 14.9%
4. Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu River 2015 Auckland, New Zealand 14%
5. Semillon, Lovedale, Mount Pleasant 2011 Hunter Valley, Australia 10%
6. Viña Gravonia, Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondonia 2007 Rioja, Spain 12.5%
7. Ried Lamm, 1, Gruner Veltliner, Schloss Gobelsburg 2016 Kamptal, Austria 13.5%
8. La Rocca, Soave Classico, Pieropan 2015 Veneto, Italy 13%
9. Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Raats 2017 Stellenbosch, South Africa 13.5%
10. Torrontés, Susanna Balbo 2016 Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina 13%
11. Kiedrich Gräfenberg, Riesling Trocken GG, Robert Weil 2016 Rheingau, Germany 13%
12. Eitelsbacher Karthäuserhof Riesling Auslese, Karthäuserhofberg 2007 Mosel, Germany 9%

Practical Paper 2
Question 1
Wines 1-5 all come from classic Western European origins.
For each wine:
a) Identify the origin as closely as possible making reference to the grape variety(ies) used. (5 x 10 marks)
b) Discuss quality within the context of the region of origin. (5 x 8 marks)
c) What has the winemaker done to maximise quality and regional typicity during the
wine making process? (5 x 7 marks)
Question 2
Wines 6-8 are made from the same single grape variety.
With reference to all three wines:
a) Identify the grape variety. (15 marks).
For each wine:
b) Identify the origin as closely as possible. (3 x 10 marks)
c) Discuss quality with reference to winemaking techniques used. (3 x 10 marks)
Question 3
Wines 9 and 10 are made from the same single grape variety and come from the same region.
With reference to both wines:
a) Identify the grape variety and origin, as closely as possible. (20 marks).
For each wine:
b) Discuss the wine’s quality within the context of the region of origin. (2 x 8 marks)
c) Comment on the winemaking techniques used. (2 x 7 marks)
Question 4
Wines 11 and 12 come from the Americas.
For each wine:
a) Identify the grape variety(ies) used. (2 x 5 marks)
b) Identify the origin as closely as possible. (2 x 10 marks)
c) Discuss quality in relation to the region of origin. (2 x 10 marks)

The blind wine lineup for this Stage were: 
1. Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Lupi di Serene, Podere Le Ripi 2011 Tuscany, Italy 14.5%
2. Chambolle Musigny, Domaine Roumier 2014 Burgundy, France 13%
3. Côte Rôtie, La Landonne, Delas Frères 2012 N. Rhône, France 13.5%
4. Château Clos de Sarpe 2000 Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France 13.5%
5. Baron de Ley, Gran Reserva 2011 Rioja, Spain 14%
6. Pinot Noir, Du MOL, 2015 Russian River Valley, California USA 14.1%
7. Pinot Noir, Felton Road 2016 Bannockburn, Central Otago, New Zealand 13.5%
8. Pinot Noir Reserve, Argyle 2015 Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA 14.1%
9. Syrah, Te Mata Estate 2016 Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand 12.5%
10. Syrah, Homage, Trinity Hill 2014 Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand 13.5%
11. Zinfandel, Old Vines, Ravenswood 2014 Lodi, California 14.5%
12. Cabernet Sauvignon, Viñedo Chadwick 2014 Puente Alto, Maipo, Chile 13.5%

Practical Paper 3
Question 1
Wines 1-6 are presented as pairs, 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 and 6. Each pair is made by a different single producer.
For each pair:
a) Identify the origin, as closely as possible. (3 x 10 marks)
b) Comment on the key wine making techniques used. (3 x 12 marks)
c) Identify the vintage(s) and consider its/their key characteristics. (3 x 10 marks)
d) Discuss the quality and maturity of the wines. (3 x 18 marks)
Question 2
Wines 7-9 all come from the same country.
For each wine:
a) Identify the origin as closely as possible making reference to the grape variety(ies) used. (3 x 10 marks)
b) Discuss the quality in the context of the region of origin. (3 x 10 marks)
c) Comment on maturity. (3 x 5 marks)
Question 3
Wine 10-12 come from different countries and different single grape varieties (minimum 90%) that are associated with the Rhône Valley.
For each wine:
a) Identify the predominant grape variety used. (3 x 5 marks)
b) Identify the origin as closely as possible. (3 x 8 marks)
c) Comment on the style, quality and commercial potential. (3 x 12)

The blind wine lineup for this Stage were: 
1. Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon 1999 Champagne, France 12.5%
2. Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon 2009 Champagne, France 12.5%
3. Château Coutet 2002 Sauternes-Barsac, Bordeaux, France 14%
4. Château Coutet 2013 Sauternes-Barsac, Bordeaux, France 13.5%
5. Taylor’s Vintage 1985 Douro, Portugal 20.5%
6. Taylor’s Vintage 2009 Douro, Portugal 20.5%
7. Domaine de Chevalier Blanc 2010 Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France 14%
8. Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc, Domaine Bousquet des Papes 2014 Rhône, France 13.5%
9. Saint-Romain, Sous le Château, Olivier Leflaive 2015 Burgundy, France 13%
10. Cinsault, Bechthold Vineyard, Birichino 2016 Lodi, California, USA 12.5%
11. La Garnacha de Mustiguillo, Toni Sarrión 2015 El Terrerazo, La Mancha, Spain 14%
12. Bandol, Château de Pibarnon 2013 Provence, France 14%

Theory papers
THEORY PAPER 1 – Viticulture
THREE questions to be answered, ONE from Section A and TWO from Section B.
Section A
1. Many wine regions can produce wines at a wide range of price points. Referencing at least two of such regions, compare and contrast methods of managing vineyards for high priced wines and low priced wines.
2. Referencing at least three wine regions, discuss how climate change is influencing grape growers’ viticultural practices.
Section B
3. Identify the most important trunk diseases in vineyards around the world. How can they be best controlled and managed?
4. Is the use of cover crops worthwhile in viticulture?
5. What is the role of pruning when managing an established vineyard?
6. Old vines have a mystique to them. What are the practical challenges and solutions to maintaining vineyards of old vines?

THEORY PAPER 2 – Vinification and Pre-bottling Procedures
THREE questions to be answered, ONE from Section A and TWO from Section B.
Section A
1. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of deliberate stem inclusion, or additions, during the wine making process.
2. Compare and contrast wine making techniques for “high end” and “entry level” Chardonnay in at least two regions.
Section B
3. Write concise notes on four of the following
– Lysozyme
– Mannoprotein
– CMC – Carboxymethyl cellulose
– Copper sulphate
– Ascorbic acid
– YAN – Yeast assimilable nitrogen
4. What are the critical wine making considerations for a producer of inexpensive off-dry still white wines?
5. Which wine making decisions affect the ageing potential of a finished wine?
6. How and to what extent can a winemaker influence the textural profile of a wine?

THEORY PAPER 3 – Handling of Wines
Answer TWO questions from the FOUR listed below
1. How does a laboratory analysis of a wine help the quality control manager make decisions at bottling?
2. Describe the options available for bulk transport of wine. What are the risks and benefits for each option?
3. What technical factors influence the choice of a closure for wine bottles?
4. Detail the advantages and disadvantages of the following methods of clarifying a wine:
a. Earth filtration
b. Pad filtration
c. Membrane filtration
d. Crossflow filtration

THEORY PAPER 4 – THE BUSINESS OF WINE
THREE questions to be answered, ONE from Section A and TWO from Section B.
Section A
1. What have been the most important changes in global wine supply and demand in the past three years and what are their implications?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private-label wines for wineries, distributors and retailers?
Section B
3. How important are environmental credentials in marketing wine?
4. Where are direct to consumer wine sales increasing and why?
5. There has been a great deal of innovation in packaging design and formats in other alcoholic beverage categories. Why has the wine industry been slow to follow suit? Should it follow?
6. Evaluate the extent to which scarcity/rarity is a positive attribute in wine marketing.

THEORY PAPER 5 – CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
TWO questions to be answered, ONE from Section A and ONE from Section B.
Section A
1. Can wine be considered a social good?
2. How can the wine industry attract new consumers?
Section B
3. If a global disease were destroying all known grape varieties and you had the chance to preserve only two varieties – one white and one black – for humanity, which would you choose to save, and why?
4. Is elitism an inherent problem in the world of wine?
5. Do wine consumers need wine experts?

 SO THERE YOU ARE.  HOW DID YOU FARE? 

Let me know!

More than 2 million Australians visited Queenstown in the last 12 months – more than any other destination in New Zealand. While there most have a glass or two of Central Otago pinot noir.
Pinotfiles who enjoy the pinots of Sonoma, Oregon or Burgundy must now be convinced that true value lies with the region of Central Otago.
Most will know that the country’s greatest contribution to the world of wine is their infamous sauvignon blanc, but pinot noir has been making large strides in quality and recognition over the past 20 years.
Central Otago lies on the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island. The region boasts the most southerly wine region in the world, just south of the 45th parallel, the threshold for growing grapes in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
It also has the country’s only continental climate – defined by greater daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations. In some instances, the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows can reach 55 degrees. What makes this region viable is how dry and long the days are. This far south, the sun is out a long time, which leads to ripe fruit. Conversely, the cool, dry nights help the grapes retain acidity. The resulting wines display depth, concentration and high-toned, vibrant acidity.
Vineyards this far south need to be on north-facing hillsides. It satisfys  the vines’ thirst for sunny mornings. Hillside vineyards receive more direct sun than vineyards on the valley floor. Also, valley floors tend to pool cold air at night and make vines more susceptible to frost. An exception to this is the multi winning trophy Two Degrees vineyard in the sub region of Queensberry located between Cromwell and Wanaka. Here it lies between on one side, the Pisa mountain range and on a gradient of 2 degrees the raging Clutha River. The Clutha is the second longest river in NZ and the longest in the South Island. Because of this unique location the cool mountain air is sucked over the vineyard by the river so Two Degrees does not get frosts but benefits from very sub cool nights and hot days frost free..
The second most important aspect is drainage. Rainfall drains away from hillside vines and won’t pool below the soil’s surface and drown the roots. Vines thrive when they are thirsty and searching for water, not when they have an endless supply.  On the other hand Two Degrees location is on volcanic and river loam and gravel so it’s vines go deep searching for volcanic springs. Central Otago actually receives on average just 20 inches of rain annually, half of what Burgundy, France, receives.
Within Central Otago, there are more than 20 sub-appellations, each vying to become the best. Pinot gris, chardonnay and riesling are also planted there, and thanks to their cold-hearty nature, they also do well. However these other varietals make up less than 15 percent of Central Otago’s wine. It is clear that like sauvignon blanc up north, Central Otago is officially New Zealand’s pinot noir headquarters..
In terms of style, these wines are typically darker in fruit profile than Oregon and Burgundy, yet lighter and lower in alcohol than California. All things considered, these wines do not fetch the more expensive prices of California, Oregon or Burgundy. They begin at NZ$20, which is a great starting point.

For more information and price on Two Degrees pinot noir email: info@winecommander.net

It is not very often that I have the opportunity to assess wines from South Africa. This selection from Swartland and Western Cape were interesting – that is all I can really say.  One thing I did learn was 30% of all vines planted in SA are Chenin Blanc and SA has the biggest planting of this variety in the world. Also 95% of SA wines are produced within a 150 km radius of Cape Town. But its whats in the bottle. Lets find out.

2017 Badenhorst “Secateurs’ Chenin Blanc (Swartland)
Chenin Blanc needs a warm climate to flourish. The aromas were flinty with honey, orange blossom and white stone fruit notes. Rich, ripe and tropical but also fresh and clean to keep it all balanced. $24.50. WC 17/20.

2016 Alheit Vineyards ‘Cartology’ Chenin Semillon (Western Cape)
A spicy, complex, naturally fermented blend of Chenin with 11% Semillon, showing stony minerality and notes of aniseed and honey. The finish is long and refreshing. Needs time and improved greatly after 30 mins in the glass. $65.00. WC 17/20.

2017 Wightam Gouws & Clarke Pinotage (Swartland)
On the nose, cherry and strawberry, herbs and spice. The palate was lightweight (alcohol is 12%) dry on the back palate, sweet up front, stalkey with rhubarb overtones. $27.50. WC 14/20.

2016 David & Nadia Pinotage (Swartland)
Darker in colour, but sour sweet dry finish, fruit disappears quickly on the back palate, nice cherry overtones though.  Tasted OK after opening out. $44.00. WC 15/20.

2016 David & Nadia Grenache (Swartland)
Very pale and  sweet, almost strawberry jam, on the nose. A bit of spice but sour fruit. Totally away from an Australian Grenache style. $66.00. WC 13/20

2015 Badenhorst Family Red (Swartland)
A blend consisting’52% Shiraz, 21% Grenache, 18% Cinsault, 9% Tinta Barocca. Dark colour with consistent hue. Plenty of                                                                                       grunt but not fruit explosion despite a modest alcohol of 13% and in need of a year or three to settle down. $55.00. WC 16/20.
PS: I was interested reading the back label which exclaimed:
“Don’t drink and walk on the road you may be killed”

2016 Alheit Flotsam & Jetsam Cinsault
A grape variety that has been in SA for a long tome. Made from 40 year vines on sandy soils. Fresh in colour. juicy and bright. Not a serious wine showing predominately spice, Stinky nose.$29.00 WC 14/20.

Summary
I don’t want to upset you but I just could not get into the Pinotage wines presented. The treatment of this variety continues on a long and winding road to quality. The Chenin Blanc and Chenin blend were delightful but the price point delivers much better value from the Loire Valley and Australia. All were far too expensive for what you got!