Wine and the Law - WSET L3 in Wines

Question 1

What are the three main focuses of wine legislation?

Answer 1

Ensuring safety for consumption, accurate labeling, and reducing alcohol-related harm.

Question 2

Why is sulfur dioxide (SO₂) tightly regulated in winemaking?

Answer 2

High doses are toxic, and even small levels can cause allergic reactions.

Question 3

When must “contains sulfites” appear on wine labels?

Answer 3

When the wine contains SO₂ above a certain level, including naturally occurring amounts from fermentation.

Question 4

What is the purpose of geographical indications (GIs)?

Answer 4

To identify a wine’s region of origin and protect the authenticity of its production.

Question 5

What are two categories of GIs in the EU?

Answer 5

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Question 6

How do PDOs and PGIs differ?

Answer 6

PDOs have stricter regulations and smaller areas; PGIs cover larger areas with fewer restrictions.

Question 7

What is required for a wine to carry a PDO label?

Answer 7

100% of the grapes must come from the stated region.

Question 8

Why are grape varieties often not listed on PDO labels?

Answer 8

Traditional PDO wines focus on regional identity rather than specific grape varieties.

Question 9

How do non-EU countries define their wine regions?

Answer 9

Often by political or geographic boundaries, such as AVAs in the U.S.

Question 10

What is a major difference between EU and non-EU GIs?

Answer 10

Non-EU GIs do not typically regulate grape varieties or production methods.

Question 11

What role does the World Trade Organization play in wine labeling?

Answer 11

It facilitates agreements to protect and recognize GIs internationally.

Question 12

What is the purpose of legally defined quality and style terms in wine?

Answer 12

To indicate specific characteristics like production methods or regional identity.

Question 13

How does alcohol consumption legislation aim to reduce harm?

Answer 13

By setting legal age limits and blood alcohol content (BAC) limits for driving.

Question 14

What is a common legal BAC limit for driving?

Answer 14

Typically expressed as milligrams of ethanol per milliliters of blood.

Question 15

Why are advertising restrictions placed on alcoholic beverages?

Answer 15

To prevent misleading claims and promote responsible drinking.

Question 16

How do governments promote safe alcohol consumption?

Answer 16

By publishing drinking guidelines and limiting advertising.

Question 17

What is a key difference in labeling between EU and non-EU wines?

Answer 17

EU wines often emphasize region, while non-EU wines prominently display grape varieties.

Question 18

What does the term “multi-regional blend” mean in EU wine production?

Answer 18

A wine made from grapes sourced from multiple regions within or across countries.

Question 19

How does GI labeling prevent fraud?

Answer 19

By ensuring wines labeled with a GI are genuinely produced in the stated region.

Question 20

What is the primary concern of food safety legislation in winemaking?

Answer 20

To ensure the wine is safe and free of harmful substances.

Question 21

What is the difference between a PDO and a non-GI wine in the EU?

Answer 21

PDO wines must meet strict regional and production rules; non-GI wines have flexible rules.

Question 22

Why is wine taxed heavily in many countries?

Answer 22

To control alcohol consumption and generate government revenue.

Question 23

What is the role of co-operatives in wine production?

Answer 23

To pool resources from growers for shared production and marketing.

Question 24

How do estates differ from co-operatives and merchants?

Answer 24

Estates produce wine exclusively from their own vineyards.

Question 25

What is the role of merchants in winemaking?

Answer 25

They buy grapes, juice, or wine to create and sell their own products.

Question 26

How do EU PGI wines offer more flexibility than PDO wines?

Answer 26

PGI wines can include non-traditional grape varieties and production methods.

Question 27

What is the significance of the label term “contains sulfites”?

Answer 27

It warns consumers about potential allergens present in the wine.

Question 28

Why are BAC limits critical for alcohol legislation?

Answer 28

To reduce accidents and fatalities caused by impaired driving.

Question 29

How does regional diversity affect GI labeling?

Answer 29

It helps consumers understand the unique characteristics of wines from specific regions.

Question 30

Why is accurate wine labeling important?

Answer 30

It ensures consumers are not misled and that the product meets legal and safety standards.