This year's MW exam

The Institute of Masters of Wine has published the following outline of this year's exam papers, over which victims like those in the picture hunched last month in the UK, US and Australia. MWs Julia and I thought you might be interested to take a look, not least at the wines listed at the bottom that were served blind in the three so-called Practical exams interspersed with the Theoretical papers immediately below.

Do not be fooled, however. The questions may look deceptively easy. The marking is fiendishly tough and the level of detail required can be terrifying - especially to those of us who took the exams as long ago as 1984.
 

 INSTITUTE OF MASTERS OF WINE ® EXAMINATION BOARD

THEORY EXAMINATION 2009

PAPER 1 – THE PRODUCTION OF WINE PART 1 – TUESDAY 2ND JUNE (3 HOURS)

THREE questions to be answered, ONE from Section A and TWO from Section B.

Section A

1.     What role does water play in viticulture?

2.     Using relevant examples, outline the problems and advantages of “marginal climate” vineyard sites for quality wine producers.

 

Section B

3.    What impact do the trellising systems chosen for a vineyard have on the yield and health of vines?

4.    Why might a winemaker want to adjust sugar, acidity and tannin levels in a wine, and how

can this be done?

5.    What are the advantages and disadvantages of increasing mechanisation in vineyards?

6.    What are the challenges involved in the vinification of botrytis affected grapes?

 

 

PAPER 2 – THE PRODUCTION OF WINE PART 2 – WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE (3 HOURS)

THREE questions to be answered, ONE from Section A and TWO from Section B.

Section A

1.    Drawing on examples of rosé production in different parts of the world, illustrate how production methods influence the style of the wine.

2.    Drawing on examples of sweet wine production in different parts of the world, illustrate how production methods influence the style of the wine.

 

Section B

3.    Critically examine the pros and cons of the techniques available in a winery for the management of alcohol levels in wine.

4.    Outline the options available to the winemaker when considering the use of oak in the production of

a) inexpensive blended red wine

b) premium quality white Burgundy

c) château bottled Bordeaux

5.    As the Quality Assurance manager of a contract bottling operation, what actions will you take when microbial contamination is found in routine samples taken off the bottling line?

6.    How do oxygen transmission rates through different types of wine packaging affect the quality and style of the wine?

 

PAPER 3 – THE BUSINESS OF WINE - THURSDAY 4TH JUNE (3 HOURS)

THREE questions to be answered, ONE from Section A and TWO from Section B.

Section A

1.    How important is vertical integration for the success of wine brands?

2.    Do European wine companies have advantages over their New World competitors in wine marketing?

 

Section B

3.    As the export manager of a newly-established winery, outline the steps that you would take to plan your export campaign?

4.    Examine the role of currency exchange rates in shaping global wine markets, focusing particularly on the period 2006-2009.

5.    Critically assess the concept of ‘regionality’ in wine marketing.

6.    Examine the challenges of today’s global market for family owned wineries.

 

PAPER 4 – CONTEMPORARY ISSUES - FRIDAY 5TH JUNE (3 HOURS)

TWO questions to be answered.

1.    What impact is the current financial turmoil likely to have on the global wine market?

2.    How fair is Fairtrade wine?

3.    Examine the statement that “A wine brand is only as good as the content of the bottle.”

4.    To what extent is legislation necessary to regulate wine promotion?

5.    Will the international market for fortified wines recover?

 

INSTITUTE OF MASTERS OF WINE ® EXAMINATION BOARD

PRACTICAL EXAMINATION 2009

General instructions for all Practical papers: All questions must be answered. You must use the relevant pre-printed answer sheet for each wine. You must write your CANDIDATE NUMBER on EACH answer sheet. You are advised to read each question carefully before answering. Give reasons for your answers wherever possible. You are reminded that any faults that a wine may show will be known to the Examiners. Comment on the wines as they appear to you on the day.

PAPER 1 – TUESDAY 2ND JUNE (2¼ HOURS ALLOWED)

1) Wines 1 to 8 are all from the same single grape variety, from four different countries.

For all 8 wines:

a) Identify the grape variety, drawing evidence from all the wines. (32   marks)

For each wine:

b) Identify the origin as closely as possible. (8 x 8 marks)

c) Comment on quality, with specific reference to residual sugar, alcohol and maturity. (8 x 8 marks)

d) Consider the commercial potential. (8 x 5 marks)

2) Wines 9 to 12 are Chardonnays, from four different countries.

For each wine:

a) Identify the origin as closely as possible. (4 x 10 marks)

b) Comment on the winemaking with specific reference to oak. (4 x 5 marks)

For all four wines:

c) Compare the quality of the four wines. Consider the different styles with reference to the current position of the Chardonnay grape in the global marketplace. (40 marks)

PAPER 2 - WEDNESDAY 3RD JUNE (2¼ HOURS ALLOWED)

1) Wines 1 to 4 are all from one country and region.

For all four wines

a) Identify the country and region of production as closely as possible (20 marks)

For each wine

b) Comment on the style of wine and the winemaking techniques involved.

(4 x 10 marks)

c) Identify the wine’s age. (4 x 5 marks)

d) Comment on quality. Identify the official designated quality level. (4 x 5 marks)

2) Wines 5 to 8 are from four different countries. They are all blends, but share the same predominant variety.

For all four wines

a) Identify the predominant variety. (24 marks)

For each wine

b) Identify the origin as closely as possible and comment on the quality within the context of the region of origin, with particular reference to maturity and capacity to develop. (4 x 16 marks)

For wines 7 and 8

c) Compare specifically the different styles of 7 and 8. Comment on their commercial potential. (12 marks)

3) Wines 9 to 12 are from four different countries. Each is made from a different, single (minimum 90%) grape variety.

For each wine

a) Identify the grape variety and origin as closely as possible. (4 x 12 marks)

b) Comment on the method of production, noting how it has affected the wine’s style. (4 x 5 marks)

c) Comment on quality and capacity to age and develop. (4 x 8 marks)

1) Wines 1 to 5 are from four different countries. Three are from Europe and two from outside Europe.

For each wine:

a) Assess the style and quality. Consider the commercial potential. (5 x 16 marks)

b) Identify the origin and grape variety or varieties as closely as possible. (5 x 9 marks)

2) Wines 6 to 9 are in two pairs: 6 and 7; 8 and 9. The first pair is made from a single grape variety and is from two different countries. The second pair is made from another single grape variety and is from one country.

For each pair of wines:

a) Identify the grape variety. (2 x 16 marks)

b) Identify the origins as closely as possible. (2 x 12 marks)

c) Compare the quality within each pair. (2 x 12 marks)

For all the wines:

d) Compare the different styles of the two varieties. (20 marks)

3) Wines 10 to 12 are from the same country and region.

For all three wines:

a) Identify the origin as closely as possible. (15 marks)

b) Compare the styles and the methods of production, specifying the alcohol levels. (45 marks)

c) Consider the best way to promote these wines. (15 marks)

WINE LIST 2009 Paper 1		Alc.		Region		Country
1	Jacob's Creek Riesling		2007	13.0	S.E.Australia		Australia
2	Riesling Reserve, Cave Vinicole a Hunawihr		2005	12.0	Alsace		France
3	Riesling, Qba, Donnhoff		2006	10.0	Nahe		Germany
4	Rudesheimer Kabinett, Leitz		2006	9.5	Rheingau		Germany
5	Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese, Selbach Oster		2004	8.0	Mosel		Germany
6	Riesling, Springvale, Grosset		2007	13.5	Watervale, Clare Valley		Australia
7	Riesling, Achleiten, Smaragd, Prager		2006	13.5	Wachau		Austria
8	Riesling, Clos St Urbain Rangen, Zind Humbrecht		2004	14.0	Alsace		France
9	Macon Verze, Nicolas Maillet		2007	13.0	Burgundy		France
10	Unoaked Chardonnay, Rockbare		2007	13.5	McLaren Vale		Australia
11	Chardonnay, Kumeu River		2006	13.5	Kumeu		New Zealand
12	Chardonnay, Hudson Vineyard, David Ramey		2006	14.5	Carneros		California
Paper 2		Alc.		Region		Country
1	La Vendimia, Palacios Remondo		2007	13.5	Rioja		Spain
2	Crianza, Monte Real		2005	13.5	Rioja		Spain
3	Reserva, Remelluri		2003	13.5	Rioja		Spain
4	Gran Reserva, Prado Enea, Muga		1998	13.5	Rioja		Spain
5	Domaine de Chevalier		2004	13.0	Pessac, Bordeaux		France
6	Ca'Marcanda, Gaja		2004	14.5	Bolgheri, Tuscany		Italy
7	Cabernet Merlot, Vasse Felix		2005	14.5	Margaret River		Australia
8	Peter Barlow, Rustenberg		2005	14.5	Stellenbosch		South Africa
9	Pinot Noir, Ata Rangi		2006	14.0	Martinborough		New Zealand
10	Malbec, Catena		2006	13.5	Mendoza		Argentina
11	Shiraz-Viognier, Willunga 100		2006	14.5	McLaren Vale		Australia
12	Zinfandel, Seghesio		2006	16	Sonoma County		California
Paper 3 (Please note that wines 6 & 7 were served in reverse order in Sydney)		Alc.		Region		Country
1	Pinot Grigio Rose, Italia		2008	12.0	Pavia		Italy
2	Château Romassan, Domaines Ott		2007	14.0	Bandol		France
3	Sancerre Rose, Serge Laloue		2007	13.0	Loire		France
4	White Zinfandel, Blossom Hill		2007	10.0	-		California
5	Rose of Virginia, Charles Melton		2008	13.0	Barossa Valley		Australia
6	Pinot Gris, Cuvee Ste Catherine, Weinbach		2007	15.0	Alsace		France
7	Pinot Grigio, Canaletto		2008	12.0	Veneto		Italy
8	Friendly Gruner Veltliner, Laurenz V		2007	12.0	Niederosterreich		Austria
9	Gruner Veltliner, Lamm, Schloss Gobelsburg		2006	14.5	Kamptal		Austria
10	Oloroso, Pata de Gallina, Juan Garcia Jarana, Lustau		NV	20.0	Sherry		Spain
11	Manzanilla Pasada, Almacenista Manuel Cuevas Jurado, Lustau		NV	17.0	Sherry		Spain
12	Amontillado, Miguel Fontadez Florido, Lustau		NV	18.5	Sherry		Spain