Chapter 1: Tasting and Evaluating Wine: Flashcards
What are the three parts of the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)?
Appearance, Nose, Palate
What are the main clarity levels used to evaluate a wine’s appearance?
Clear, Hazy
What does a hazy appearance in a wine often indicate?
Faults (e.g., microbial activity or sediment)
What does intensity in wine appearance refer to?
How strong or pale the color of the wine appears
What are the common colors for white wine?
Lemon, Gold, Amber
What are the common colors for red wine?
Ruby, Purple, Garnet, Tawny
What are the common colors for rosé wine?
Pink, Salmon, Orange
What are the key factors to assess in the nose of the wine?
Condition, Intensity, Aroma Characteristics
What does the term “clean” or “unclean” mean when evaluating a wine’s nose?
Whether or not the wine shows any faults
What are the categories for aroma intensity?
Light, Medium, Pronounced
What are primary aromas in wine?
Aromas derived from the grape and fermentation (e.g., floral, fruity, herbaceous)
What are secondary aromas in wine?
Aromas from winemaking processes like oak aging or malolactic fermentation (e.g., vanilla, butter, smoke)
What are tertiary aromas in wine?
Aromas from aging (e.g., leather, dried fruit, earthiness)
What are the five components evaluated on the palate?
Sweetness, Acidity, Tannin, Alcohol, Body
What is the scale for sweetness levels in wine?
Dry, Off-Dry, Medium, Sweet
How is acidity perceived on the palate?
As mouthwatering or salivation
What is tannin, and where is it found?
A structural component found in grape skins, stems, and seeds, giving a drying sensation
How do you assess body in wine?
By the weight and texture of the wine in the mouth (light, medium, or full)
What factors influence the alcohol level in wine?
Fermentation process and sugar levels in the grapes
What does “balance” in wine mean?
How well the sweetness, acidity, tannins, and body harmonize
What is the “finish” of a wine?
The length and quality of flavors after swallowing or spitting the wine
What are the four levels of wine quality assessment?
Faulty, Acceptable, Good, Very Good, Outstanding
