WSET Level 2 Chapter 2: Factors Influencing Style, Quality, and Price: Flashcards
What are the three key factors influencing the style of wine?
Grape variety, Environment, Winemaking
These factors work together to create the unique characteristics of each wine.
What are the main climate categories for vineyards?
Cool, Moderate, Warm
Each climate category impacts grape ripening and the resultant wine style.
How does climate affect the ripening of grapes?
• Cool climates: Grapes ripen slowly, resulting in lower sugar and higher acidity.
• Warm climates: Grapes ripen quickly, resulting in higher sugar and lower acidity.
What are the five key factors of the vine’s growing environment?
Climate, Weather, Soil, Topography, Water availability
These factors together influence the quality and characteristics of the grapes.
What is the difference between climate and weather?
• Climate: Long-term average of temperature and rainfall.
• Weather: Short-term variations in temperature, rainfall, and sunlight.
How does altitude affect vine growing?
Higher altitude leads to cooler temperatures, which slows grape ripening and preserves acidity.
What are the effects of too much or too little rainfall during the growing season?
• Too much: Dilution of flavors and increased disease risk.
• Too little: Stress on vines, reducing yield or quality.
How does soil affect vine growth?
Soil provides water and nutrients essential for healthy vine growth.
What is the role of sunlight in grape growing?
Sunlight drives photosynthesis, which produces sugars that ripen grapes.
What are the key decisions winemakers make that affect a wine’s style?
• Harvest timing,
• Fermentation techniques,
• Aging methods,
• Blending decisions.
What are the three key factors influencing the style of wine?
Grape variety, Environment, Winemaking
What are the main climate categories for vineyards?
Cool, Moderate, Warm
How does climate affect the ripening of grapes?
• Cool climates: Grapes ripen slowly, resulting in lower sugar and higher acidity.
• Warm climates: Grapes ripen quickly, resulting in higher sugar and lower acidity.
What are the five key factors of the vine’s growing environment?
Climate, Weather, Soil, Topography, Water availability
What is the difference between climate and weather?
• Climate: Long-term average of temperature and rainfall.
• Weather: Short-term variations in temperature, rainfall, and sunlight.
How does altitude affect vine growing?
Higher altitude leads to cooler temperatures, which slows grape ripening and preserves acidity.
What are the effects of too much or too little rainfall during the growing season?
• Too much: Dilution of flavors and increased disease risk.
• Too little: Stress on vines, reducing yield or quality.
How does soil affect vine growth?
Soil provides water and nutrients essential for healthy vine growth.
What is the role of sunlight in grape growing?
Sunlight drives photosynthesis, which produces sugars that ripen grapes.
What are the key decisions winemakers make that affect a wine’s style?
Harvest timing, Fermentation choices, Maturation methods, Blending decisions
What is the difference between hand harvesting and machine harvesting?
• Hand harvesting: Gentle, selective, and better for delicate grapes.
• Machine harvesting: Faster and cost-effective but less selective.
What are the two main methods of fermentation used in winemaking?
Alcoholic fermentation and Malolactic fermentation
What is the role of oak in winemaking?
Adds flavors (e.g., vanilla, toast, spice), allows oxygen interaction, and softens tannins.
What are the main influences on the cost of wine?
Production costs, Packaging and transport, Taxes, Market demand
Why are small-scale wineries often more expensive?
Higher production costs and economies of scale are not achieved.
What factors contribute to premium wine prices?
High-quality grapes, Specialized winemaking techniques, Marketing, Branding
What is the benefit of a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)?
It guarantees the origin and quality of the wine.
What does ‘bulk wine’ refer to?
Wine produced on a large scale, often for lower prices and casual consumption.
How can the location of a vineyard impact grape quality?
Proximity to water, slope, altitude, and soil type can all affect ripening conditions.
What is sustainability in winemaking?
Practices that ensure long-term health of the environment, including reducing chemical use and conserving resources.
How does irrigation affect grape growing?
Provides water in dry regions but can increase costs and alter the wine’s terroir.
What is the role of vineyard management?
To maximize grape quality through pruning, canopy management, and pest control.
