Properly Tasting Wine

Question 1

“Body” is a term used to describe the overall feel of a wine in your mouth.

If a wine is considered full-bodied, what two things is it typically high in?

Answer 1

Sugar

Alcohol

Question 2

What are the three main areas to note with the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) wine?

Answer 2

1. Appearance
2. Nose
3. Palate

Question 3

What are the SAT color descriptions for appearance?

Answer 3

White

Red

Rosé

Question 4

What is the SAT looking for in the category for nose?

Answer 4

Aroma characteristics (fruit, oak, other)

Question 5

What is the SAT looking for in the category of palate?

Answer 5

Two things:

Notable structural characteristics (sweetness, acidity, tannin, alcohol, body)

Flavor characteristics (flavors of fruit, oak, other)

Question 6

How should you prepare for a tasting?

Answer 6

• No distracting smells (like cooking or perfume)
• A white surface to help assess the appearance of the wine
• Your glass should have a wide bowl and narrow rim
• You should have a clean palate

Question 7

Why is it important to be consistent in your approach to tasting wine?

Answer 7

Consistency gives you the ability to write accurate notes, which can be referred back to or communicated to others.

The WSET SAT is designed to give you this organizational system.

Question 8

What should be consumed at levels considered to be “low risk”, per government regulations?

Answer 8

Alcohol

Alcohol can alter behavior and judgement, and all precautions should be taken when consuming alcohol, especially in the professional setting for tastings.