WSET Level 2 Chapter 2: Factors Influencing Style, Quality, and Price:

Question 1

What are the three key factors influencing the style of wine?

Answer 1

Grape variety, Environment, Winemaking

These factors work together to create the unique characteristics of each wine.

Question 2

What are the main climate categories for vineyards?

Answer 2

Cool, Moderate, Warm

Each climate category impacts grape ripening and the resultant wine style.

Question 3

How does climate affect the ripening of grapes?

Answer 3

• Cool climates: Grapes ripen slowly, resulting in lower sugar and higher acidity.
• Warm climates: Grapes ripen quickly, resulting in higher sugar and lower acidity.

Question 4

What are the five key factors of the vine’s growing environment?

Answer 4

Climate, Weather, Soil, Topography, Water availability

These factors together influence the quality and characteristics of the grapes.

Question 5

What is the difference between climate and weather?

Answer 5

• Climate: Long-term average of temperature and rainfall.
• Weather: Short-term variations in temperature, rainfall, and sunlight.

Question 6

How does altitude affect vine growing?

Answer 6

Higher altitude leads to cooler temperatures, which slows grape ripening and preserves acidity.

Question 7

What are the effects of too much or too little rainfall during the growing season?

Answer 7

• Too much: Dilution of flavors and increased disease risk.
• Too little: Stress on vines, reducing yield or quality.

Question 8

How does soil affect vine growth?

Answer 8

Soil provides water and nutrients essential for healthy vine growth.

Question 9

What is the role of sunlight in grape growing?

Answer 9

Sunlight drives photosynthesis, which produces sugars that ripen grapes.

Question 10

What are the key decisions winemakers make that affect a wine’s style?

Answer 10

• Harvest timing,
• Fermentation techniques,
• Aging methods,
• Blending decisions.

Question 11

What are the three key factors influencing the style of wine?

Answer 11

Grape variety, Environment, Winemaking

Question 12

What are the main climate categories for vineyards?

Answer 12

Cool, Moderate, Warm

Question 13

How does climate affect the ripening of grapes?

Answer 13

• Cool climates: Grapes ripen slowly, resulting in lower sugar and higher acidity.
• Warm climates: Grapes ripen quickly, resulting in higher sugar and lower acidity.

Question 14

What are the five key factors of the vine’s growing environment?

Answer 14

Climate, Weather, Soil, Topography, Water availability

Question 15

What is the difference between climate and weather?

Answer 15

• Climate: Long-term average of temperature and rainfall.
• Weather: Short-term variations in temperature, rainfall, and sunlight.

Question 16

How does altitude affect vine growing?

Answer 16

Higher altitude leads to cooler temperatures, which slows grape ripening and preserves acidity.

Question 17

What are the effects of too much or too little rainfall during the growing season?

Answer 17

• Too much: Dilution of flavors and increased disease risk.
• Too little: Stress on vines, reducing yield or quality.

Question 18

How does soil affect vine growth?

Answer 18

Soil provides water and nutrients essential for healthy vine growth.

Question 19

What is the role of sunlight in grape growing?

Answer 19

Sunlight drives photosynthesis, which produces sugars that ripen grapes.

Question 20

What are the key decisions winemakers make that affect a wine’s style?

Answer 20

Harvest timing, Fermentation choices, Maturation methods, Blending decisions

Question 21

What is the difference between hand harvesting and machine harvesting?

Answer 21

• Hand harvesting: Gentle, selective, and better for delicate grapes.
• Machine harvesting: Faster and cost-effective but less selective.

Question 22

What are the two main methods of fermentation used in winemaking?

Answer 22

Alcoholic fermentation and Malolactic fermentation

Question 23

What is the role of oak in winemaking?

Answer 23

Adds flavors (e.g., vanilla, toast, spice), allows oxygen interaction, and softens tannins.

Question 24

What are the main influences on the cost of wine?

Answer 24

Production costs, Packaging and transport, Taxes, Market demand

Question 25

Why are small-scale wineries often more expensive?

Answer 25

Higher production costs and economies of scale are not achieved.

Question 26

What factors contribute to premium wine prices?

Answer 26

High-quality grapes, Specialized winemaking techniques, Marketing, Branding

Question 27

What is the benefit of a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)?

Answer 27

It guarantees the origin and quality of the wine.

Question 28

What does ‘bulk wine’ refer to?

Answer 28

Wine produced on a large scale, often for lower prices and casual consumption.

Question 29

How can the location of a vineyard impact grape quality?

Answer 29

Proximity to water, slope, altitude, and soil type can all affect ripening conditions.

Question 30

What is sustainability in winemaking?

Answer 30

Practices that ensure long-term health of the environment, including reducing chemical use and conserving resources.

Question 31

How does irrigation affect grape growing?

Answer 31

Provides water in dry regions but can increase costs and alter the wine’s terroir.

Question 32

What is the role of vineyard management?

Answer 32

To maximize grape quality through pruning, canopy management, and pest control.