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
What PDO labelling terms exist in Germany?
Qualitatswein; Pradikatswein
Where is Riesling grown in Australia?
Clare Valley, Eden Valley
What are the characteristics of Chenin Blanc?
Versatile, high acidity, susceptible to botrytis, oaked or unoaked, dry to sweet
Where is Chenin Blanc grown?
Vouvray AOC (Loire Valley), South Africa
What climate can Chenin Blanc be grown in?
Cool, Moderate, Warm
What are the features of a Semillon?
Medium to high acidity, susceptible to botrytis, many harvest options, dry to sweet, light to full, unoaked or oaked, can be blended with Sauvignon Blanc
What climate is necessary for Semillon?
Moderate (Bordeaux) to Warm (Australia)
What sweet wine is produced from Semillon sweetened by botrytis?
Sauternes
Where is Semillon produced in Australia?
Hunter Valley, Barossa Valley
What wine is produced from Furmint grapes?
Tokaji Aszu, Hungary
What are the features of Chardonnay?
Versatile (cool, moderate, warm), medium to high acidity, dry, light to full bodied, range of techniques, used to make sparkling wines
What winemaking options are available for Chardonnay?
Malolactic conversion, lees contact, oak
What climate is Chardonnay grown in?
Cool, moderate, and warm
What regions grow Chardonnay in France?
Chablis and Burgundy (Cote d’Or, Pouilly Fuisse)
What climate suits Sauvignon Blanc?
Cool to moderate
What are the features of Sauvignon Blanc?
High acid, aromatic, herbaceous, floral, green, citrus, and tropical fruit
What region of France features Sauvignon Blanc?
Bordeaux (Graves; Pessac-Leognan) and Loire Valley (Sancere; Pouilly-Fume); Touraine (generic)
Where is Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grown in the United States?
Oregon; Los Carneros; Sonoma; Napa (Rutherford)
Where is Chardonnay/ Sauvignon Blanc grown in Chili?
Casablanca Valley; Central Valley
Where is Chardonnay/ Sauvignon Blanc grown in South Africa?
Western Cape (coastline)
Where is Chardonnay/ Sauvignon Blanc grown in Australia?
Adelaide Hills; Yarra Valley
Where is Sauvignon Blanc grown in New Zealand?
Marlborough; Hawke’s Bay
What climate does Pinot Grigio/ Gris benefit from?
Cool to moderate
What are the features of Pinot Grigio?
Dry, high acid, light-bodied, simple
What are the features of Pinot Gris?
Dry, off-dry, medium; medium acidity; full-bodied; complex
What are the features of a Gewurztraminer?
Low to medium acidity, aromatic, floral, stone fruit, tropical fruit
What climate is ideal for growing Gewurztraminer?
Cool to Moderate
What does Vendanges Tardives mean?
Late Harvest (only for Pinot Gris in Alsace)
What climate favours Viognier?
Moderate
What are the features of viognier?f
Low to medium acid, high alcohol, aromatic, floral, stone fruit
What area in France grows Viognier?
Northern Rhone (Condrieu)
What kind of climate does Albarino favour?
Moderate
What are the features of Albarino?
High acid, citrus fruit, stone fruit, thick skinned
Where is Albarino grown?
Galicia, Spain Rias Baixas)
In what climate is Merlot grown?
Moderate to warm
What are the features of a Merlot?
Medium acid, medium tannin, fruit character varies according to ripeness, blends well with Cab Sauv.
Where is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in France?
Left Bank of Bordeaux
What are the features of Cabernet Sauvignon?
Thick skin!! High acid, high tannin, black fruit, herbaceous. Intense wine!
Why are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon often blended together?
To lower tannin/ acidity levels, to make wines ready to drink earlier, to add red-fruit flavours
Where is Pauillac and what wine is grown?
Left Bank, Bordeaux. Cabernet Sauvignon
Where is Saint-Emilion and what wine is made?
Right bank, mainly Merlot
What does Cru Bourgeois indicate?
Top quality left bank wine
Where is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in USA?
Rutherford & Oakville, Napa Valley
Where is Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Chile?
Maipo Valley, Colchagua Valley
Where is Cabernet and Merlot grown in South Africa?
Stellenbosch
Where is Cabernet grown in Australia?
Margaret River & Coonawara
Where is Cabernet grown in New Zealand?
Hawke’s Bay
What are the features of Shiraz/ Syrah?
thick skinned, medium to high tannin, medium to high acidity, black fruit, spice, oak maturation
In what climate is Syrah/ Shiraz grown?
Moderate to warm
Where is Syrah grown in France?
Northern Rhone (Cote Rotie, Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage)
Where is Shiraz grown in Australia?
Barossa & Hunter Valley
What are the features of Gamay?
High acid, low to medium tannin, red fruit, unoaked, light bodied
In what climate is Gamay grown?
Moderate
Where is Gamay grown?
Beaujolais
What kind of wine is Fleurie?
Beaujolais Cru (from Gamay grapes)
What are the features of Grenache/ Garnacha
thin skin, low to medium tannin, low acid, high sugar, red fruit
What is the climate for Grenache/ Garnacha?
Warm
Where is Grenache grown in France?
Southern Rhone (Chateauneuf du-Pape & Cotes du Rhone)
Where is Garnacha grown in Spain?
Rioja, Navarra, Priorat
Where is Grenache grown in Australia?
Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale
What are the features of Tempranillo?
medium acid, medium tannin, red fruit, black fruit
What climate is necessary for Tempranillo?
Moderate to warm
Where is Tempranillo grown?
Spain (Catalunya, Rioja, Ribera Del Duero)
What labelling terms exist in Spain?
Joven, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva
What are the features of Carmenere?
Medium to high acid, high tannin, herbaceous, herbal, black fruit
What is the climate for Carmenere?
Warm
What are the features of Malbec?
high tannin, black fruit, pepper/spice, oak, full body
What climate is necessary for Malbec?
Warm
What region is Malbec grown in?
Mendoza, Argentina
What are the features of Pinotage?
Made specifically for Australia, high acid, medium tannin, red fruit, strong oak flavours
What is Pinotage blend often called?
Cape Blend
What are the features of Cortese?
High acid, floral, green fruit, citrus, dry, light body, unoaked
Where is Cortese typically grown?
Northern Italy (Piemonte, Gavi)
What are the features of Garganega?
High acid, green fruit, citrus, stone fruit, medium bodied, unoaked
Where is Garganega grown?
Northern Italy (Soave)
What are the features of Verdicchio?
High acid, green fruit, citrus fruit, herbal, unoaked
Where is Verdicchio typically grown?
Marche (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi)
What are the features of Fiano?
Medium acid, stone fruit, tropical fruit, dry
Where is Fiano typically grown?
Campania (Fiano di Avellino)
What are the features of Nebbiolo?
High acid, high tannin, red fruit, floral, herbaceous, oak
Where is Nebbiolo grown?
Northern Italy (Barolo, Barbaresco, Piemonte)
What are the features of Barbera?
High acid, low to medium tannin, red fruit, spice
Where is Barbera grown?
Northern Italy (Barbera d’Asti)
What are the features of Corvina?
High acid, low to medium tannin, red fruit, Appasimento
Where is Corvina grown?
Northern Italy, Veneto (Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classico, Amarone della Valpolicella, Recioto della Valpolicella)
What does Appasimento mean?
Used in Veneto region: picking the grapes and drying them indoors to concentrate sugars, acids, tannins, and flavours (Amarone & Recioto)
What are the features of Sangiovese?
High acid, high tannin, red fruit, herbal, blended, oaked
Where is Sangiovese grown?
Tuscany (Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico)
What are the features of Montepulciano?
Medium acid, high tannin, black fruit
Where is Montepulciano grown?
Abruzzo
What is the formula for sparkling wine?
Sugar + Yeast –> Alcohol + Carbon Dioxide
How is CO2 created?
Through a second fermentation process (bottle or tank)
What is the traditional method of making sparkling wine?
Bottle fermentation (Base wine, second fermentation and yeast autholysis, riddling, disgorgement, dosage, resealing)
Where is the traditional method most famously practised?
Champagne & Cava
What is the wine blend in Champagne?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier
What is the blend in Cava?
Local varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
What grape is used in Prosecco?
Glera (apple & melon flavours)
What grape is used in Asti method?
Moscato (Muscat)
What is the Asti method?
Grape juice, patrial fermentation in pressurised tank, tank sealed to retain CO2, fermentation stopped by filtration before complete, low alocohol and sweet wine)
How is a sweet fortified wine made?
Fortification happens during fermentation to stop the fermentation
How is a dry fortified wine made?
Fortification happens after fermentation is complete
What are the main styles of Sherry?
Fino (aged under thick flor), Oloroso (oxidative ageing), Amontillo (between)
What are sweet sherry styles?
Pale cream & PX
How is port made?
Rapid extraction of colour and tannin, partial fermentation, fortification during fermentation, sweet fortified wine, maturation, port
What styles of port are there?
Vintage, Ruby, Reserve Ruby, Late Bottled Vintage, Tawny
