CMS Introductory case studies
CMS Introductory · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination is the entry point of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas education track - the first of four levels, a program that culminates in the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination. It exists for people who want a structured, professionally recognized foundation in beverage knowledge rather than a specialist credential, and it is commonly taken by restaurant servers and floor staff, retail and distribution employees, beverage buyers, hospitality students, and serious enthusiasts preparing for further certification. The CMS Introductory case studies are 5 cases and about 3,810 words.
1Harvest timing with 30 mm of rain in the forecast
You manage 8 ha of dry-farmed Pinot Noir in a cool maritime valley: 20-year-old Pommard and 777 on a south-facing slope at 170 m. Veraison finished on 20 August.
721 words, about 4 min2A Syrah fermentation stuck at 18 g/L with six weeks to sale
A 4,000 L stainless tank of destemmed Syrah is fermenting with a commercial yeast. Starting sugar 25.6 °Brix (potential about 14.8% alcohol); YAN measured at 110 mg/L; no nutrient was ever added.
690 words, about 3 min3Filling a Gevrey-Chambertin slot on a bistro list
The buyer at a 70-seat bistro has lost her Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru allocation (cost 72, listed at 195, four to six bottles a week). Her guests order duck confit and coq au vin and describe what they like as 'earthy, dry, not fruity, with a bit of grip'.
763 words, about 4 min4One blend, three markets: what can actually be printed
A California winery bottles 12,000 cases of a 2022 red. Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot.
828 words, about 4 min5Corked, or the decanter? A Saturday-night call
Saturday, 8:40 pm, 120 covers with 60 booked on the second turn. A regular guest orders the last bottle of 2016 Barolo on the list, 165 (bottle cost 62).
808 words, about 4 min