Chapter 21: Wine Tasting and Evaluation: Flashcards
What are the three key components of the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)?
Appearance, Nose, Palate
What are the key factors to assess in the appearance of wine?
Clarity, Intensity, Color
What does a hazy wine indicate?
Potential faults, such as microbial activity or unfiltered sediment
What are common color descriptors for white wine?
Lemon, Gold, Amber
What are common color descriptors for red wine?
Ruby, Garnet, Tawny
What are common color descriptors for rosé wine?
Pink, Salmon, Orange
What should you assess when evaluating the nose of a wine?
Condition, Intensity, Aroma Characteristics
What does a ‘clean’ nose indicate?
The wine is free from faults
What are the three categories of aromas in wine?
Primary, Secondary, Tertiary
Give examples of primary aromas in wine.
Fruits, floral notes, herbs (e.g., citrus, apple, peach, grass)
What are examples of secondary aromas in wine?
Vanilla, butter, toast
What are examples of tertiary aromas in wine?
Dried fruit, leather, tobacco
What components are assessed on the palate?
Sweetness, Acidity, Tannin, Alcohol, Body, Flavor Intensity, Flavor Characteristics, Finish
What are the sweetness levels in wine?
Dry, Off-Dry, Medium, Sweet
How does acidity affect the palate?
It causes mouthwatering sensations and balances sweetness and body
What are tannins, and how are they perceived?
Structural components from grape skins; perceived as a drying or astringent sensation
What is the typical alcohol range for still wines?
11.5% to 14% ABV
How is the body of a wine assessed?
By its weight and texture in the mouth (light, medium, or full)
What does ‘finish’ refer to in wine tasting?
The length and quality of flavors after swallowing or spitting the wine
What are the four criteria used to assess the quality of a wine?
Balance, Intensity, Complexity, Finish
What does a ‘balanced’ wine mean?
The components are in harmony
What is a sign of complexity in a wine?
The presence of multiple layers of aromas and flavors
How does a long finish indicate quality?
A longer finish reflects higher quality, showing persistence of flavor
Why is spitting recommended during professional wine tasting?
To avoid alcohol impairment and maintain accuracy when tasting multiple wines
How should you use the WSET SAT for blind tasting?
Follow each step systematically to gather clues about the wine’s identity and quality
Why is it important to taste wines in a neutral environment?
To avoid distractions and ensure accurate perception of aromas and flavors
