WSET Level 2 Flashcards
Food is sweet, wine is…
more drying and bitter, more acidic, less sweet and fruity
Food has umami, wine is…
more drying and bitter, more acidic, less sweet and fruity
Food is salty, wine is…
less drying ad bitter, less acidic, more fruity, more body
Food is acidic, wine is…
less drying and bitter, less acidic, more sweet and fruity
Grape skin contains…
colour, tannins, flavours
Grape seeds and stems contain…
tannins and bitter oils (seeds)
Grape pulp contains
Water, sugar, acids, flavours
A vine needs…
Sunlight, carbon dioxide, warmth, nutrients, and water
What is photosynthesis?
Water + Carbon Dioxide + Sunlight –> Sugar (which is necessary to make alcohol)
What is the correct order of grape formation and ripening?
Flowering, Fruit set, Veraison, Ripe grapes
What is veraison?
When grapes begin to swell and start to change colour (flavours start to develop). End of summer months
What is a cool climate environment?
16.5 C
What is a moderate environment?
16.5 to 18.5 C
What is a warm environment?
18.5 - 21 C
What is characteristic of a cooler climate wine?
Higher levels of acidity, lighter body, less tannin, less alcohol
What is characteristic of a warmer climate wine?
More alcohol, fuller body, more tannin, less acidity
How might a river help vine growth in cooler climates?
Reflection of water bounces sunlight onto vines, helps with frosting, collects warmth in summer, slows down drop in temperature, keeps vines warmer overnight
What aspect is best in cooler climate vineyards?
South/ South East to take advantage of morning sun
How does cloud cover moderate temperatures in warmer climates?
Slows down ripening process (which helps to increase complexity of wine)
What do mountains do to moderate temperatures?
Higher altitudes have cooler temps, can provide protection from wind/rain, and provide cooling mountain air
Why might rocky soil be useful in cooler climates?
Rocks retain heat and work as radiators overnight in cooler temperatures. In rainy areas, they also moderate the amount of water that reaches root
What will happen to flavours in wine during a particularly hot year?
Flavours will be riper and contain more sugar
What happens if there is excessive rainfall at harvest time?
Grapes will swell and dilute flavours
What might happen in a drought?
Vine could shut down and stop ripening process
How might hail destroy grape crops?
Hail can split grape skins and even break vines
What are the risks of heavy frosts?
Extreme drops temperature during winter months can damage vine. In spring, shoots/ leaves are very vulnerable and can die, risking a loss of crop
When does training and pruning take place?
Winter
What is a GI (geographical indication) outside of the EU?
They may be very generic, describing where the grapes are from
What is a GI in the EU (protected designation of origin / PDO)?
Adheres to more rules, typically describes a smaller area and can be very specific (rules may be regarding varieties, locations, yields, etc.)
What is a PGI?
Protected Geographical Indication - a fairly large area without too many rules or regulations
What climate does Pinot Noir need to grow successfully?
Cool or Moderate
What are typical characteristics of a Pinot Noir?
Thin skin, high acid, low to medium tannin, red fruit (strawberry, raspberry, red cherry)
Very good or outstanding examples of Pinot Noir can produce what tertiary flavours?
mushroom, forest floor
What red wine is made in Burgundy?
Pinot Noir
What is indicative of a village wine?
Vineyards are typically better situated, on slopes with favourable aspects and well drained soils
What is a Premier Cru?
Certain vineyards within a village appellation are allowed to use Premier Cru alongside the name of the village
What is a Grand Cru?
Granted to a handful of the best vineyards. Generally small, well situated plots of land that regularly produce grapes of outstanding quality.
Where in is Pinot Noir grown in the USA?
California (small areas with moderating influences - Carneros, Sonoma, Santa Barbara County), and Oregon
Where is Pinot Noir grown in Chile?
Casablanca Valley (at the coast)
Where is Pinot Noir grown in South Africa?
Walker Bay (Western Cape), riper fruit character from sunlight
Where is Pinot Noir grown in Australia?
Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula (moderating influence from southern ocean)
Where is Pinot Noir grown in New Zealand?
Martinborough, Marlborough, Central Otago
What is the winemaking process for red wine?
Crushing, Alcoholic Fermentation, Pressing, Storage or Maturation, Packaging
What is necessary for alcoholic fermentation?
Sugar and yeast –> Alcohol, Carbon dioxide (heat, flavour)
What are the benefits of inert winery vessels? (Stainless steel, concrete)
Clean, easily temperature controlled, can be used for fermentation and storage
What are the features of oak vessels?
Not fully airtight, softens tannin, adds body, develops tertiary flavours
Why might wine blending be used?
Can compensate for localised weather, can create consistency (branding, if wine needs to taste same every time it goes out), and create complexity
What does a wine need to age well?
Flavour concentration, flavours that can develop in a positive way, high acid, tannin or sugar
What are the features of a Zinfandel/ Primitivo?
Ripens unevenly, high sugar levels, medium to high acidity, medium to high tannin
What climate is ideal for Zinfandel or Primitivo?
Warm climates
Very good or outstanding examples of Zinfandel can age, creating flavours of…
meat, earth
Where is Zinfandel grown?
California
Where is Primitivo grown?
Puglia, Italy
What happens when grapes undergo extra ripening in white wines?
Grapes begin to lose water, concentrating sugar, acid and flavour. Aromas are typically of tropical fruit, dried fruit, ripe fruit, etc.
What are the necessary conditions for Botrytis/ Noble rot?
Ripe grapes, damp misty mornings, with warm and dry afternoons
How is Eiswein produced?
Grapes are allowed to freeze on vine. Most water in grape freezes, allowing you to collect highly concentrated juice/ must
What is the process of white winemaking?
Crushing, pressing, alcoholic fermentation, storage/ maturation, packaging
What does malolactic conversion do?
Lowers acidity, creates secondary flavours of butter, cream
What does interaction with lees do?
Gives more body, creates secondary flavours of bread, pastry
What methods can be used for creating a sweet wine?
Concentrating grape sugars, stopping fermentation process, killing yeast, adding sweetness
What is the process for making rose wine?
Crushing (black grapes), alcoholic fermentation, draining, storage, packaging
What are the characteristics of Riesling?
High acidity, susceptible to botrytis, aromatic, fruit flavours vary according to ripeness
What climate is needed for the production of Riesling?
Cool (Germany/ Alsace) to Moderate (Australia)
What flavours are in a just-ripe Riesling?
Green fruit (apple, pear) and citrus (lemon, lime)
What flavours can be found in an extra-ripe Riesling?
Stone fruit (peach, apricot), tropical fruit (mango, pineapple), and sometimes dried fruit
What German regions produce Riesling?
Mosel, Rheingau, Pfalz
What AOC (France) produces Riesling?
Alsace
What are the six Pradikat categories?
Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Eiswein, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese
What does Trocken indicate?
Dry, German
What is a Landwein?
PGI in Germany