Diploma Units D4 & D5
Sparkling Wines of the World | Fortified (Liqueur) Wines of the World
D4 – Sparkling Wines
This is comprised of one examination lasting 1-hour 30 minutes and contains both a tasting and theory element. Candidates will need to evaluate three wines and write their tasting notes/conclusions under the headings given. The tasting element will be marked out of 100 marks (rather than 75 as in Unit 5) and there will be more focus on the conclusions than in the Diploma in Wines and Spirits.
The theory element will consist of multi-part, open-response questions (rather than short-form questions). Both the tasting and theory elements have equal weighting.
D4 carries a 5% weighting.
The next D4 course will be held
Saturday, October 14th, 2023
9:00am to 4:00pm.
The exam will be Wednesday January 24th, 2024.
D5 – Fortified Wines
This is comprised of one examination lasting 1-hour 30 minutes and contains both a tasting and theory element. Candidates will need to evaluate three wines and write their tasting notes/conclusions under the headings given. The tasting element will be marked out of 100 marks (rather than 75 as in Unit 6) and there will be more focus on the conclusions than in the Diploma in Wines and Spirits.
The theory element will consist of multi-part, open-response questions (rather than short-form questions). Both the tasting and theory elements have equal weighting.
D5 carries a 5% weighting.
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The next D5 course will be held
Saturday, November 11th, 2023
9:00am to 4:00pm.
The exam will be Wednesday January 24th, 2024.
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The cost of each course/exam is $750.
Classes and exams take place at Neptune School of Wine, 3190 A Airport Loop Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. If you need to resit either exam, please email info@neptunewine.com to coordinate payment and registration.
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The following books remain highly recommended sources when used in conjunction with your Specifications Guide so that you may begin preparing:
Unit D4 Sparkling Wines:
The World Encyclopedia of Champagne & Sparkling Wines, Tom Stevenson;
Champagne for Dummies, Ed McCarthy
Unit D5 Fortified Wines:
Port and the Douro, Richard Mayson;
Sherry, Julian Jeffs