Advanced Master Sommelier General Knowledge Level 1 Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The correct choice indicates that grapes used in the production of Sauternes AOP are harvested later than the general harvest timing in Bordeaux. This is primarily due to the unique production methods required for Sauternes, which is a sweet wine known for its process of creating noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea.

In Sauternes, the grapes are intentionally left on the vine longer to allow them to become affected by this fungus, which shrivels the berries and concentrates their sugars and flavors. The ideal time for picking these grapes is determined by the development of the botrytis, which can vary significantly from year to year. Therefore, the harvest for Sauternes typically occurs well after the main harvest of dry Bordeaux wines, which usually takes place in September or early October.

In contrast, the options suggesting the same harvest timing, an earlier harvest, or harvesting when the grapes are frozen do not align with the specific requirements for producing Sauternes. This understanding of the relationship between harvest timing and the unique characteristics of Sauternes is essential for grasping the complexities of winemaking in Bordeaux.