WSET Level 2. Week 1 (Wine production - Growing conditions, labels).

Question 1

From which 2 parts of a grape is flavour to be found?

Answer 1

Skins Pulp

Question 2

Where in a grape is sugar to be found?

Answer 2

The pulp

Question 3

Which country uses DO/DOCa for its wines?

Answer 3

Spain (Italy is similar: DOC & DOCG)

Question 4

What term is used in Europe to represent GI Geographical Indications?

Answer 4

PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) - for the more famous wines. PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) - less strict regulations for larger regional wines, and often high volume inexpensive wines.

Question 5

Apart from warmth, carbon dioxide, and water, what are the 2 other requirements for ripening grapes?

Answer 5

Sunlight and Nutrients in soil

Question 6

Most vineyards are located between what latitudes?

Answer 6

30° and 50° Not too cold and not too hot. In both hemispheres.

Question 7

What flavours are associated with wine made from extra ripe grapes?

Answer 7

Dried-fruit character (raisins for example).

Question 8

What 2 weather hazards can destroy a vine’s grapes, or potential for grapes (buds)?

Answer 8

Hail. Frost.

Question 9

Cloud, fog and mist have what effect on ripeness levels?

Answer 9

Slows down ripening as less sunlight for photosynthesis.

Question 10

Which word is used to represent the time when grapes change colour during ripening?

Answer 10

Veraison

Question 11

Which grape ripens successfully in warm climates only?

Answer 11

Grenache

Question 12

What is contained within grape skins that have an influence on wine style?

Answer 12

Tannins Colour Flavour

Question 13

Which country uses AOP/AOC for its wines?

Answer 13

France

Question 14

What might be used to provide water in dry wine regions?

Answer 14

Irrigation.

Question 15

Dilution through high levels of rain (or irrigation) can result in dilute, simple tasting wines. What factor can reduce this effect?

Answer 15

Soil. Well drained stony soil holds less water.

Question 16

Sprays are used to combat what 3 challenges in the vineyard?

Answer 16

Pests such as insects. Fungal diseases.Weeds. Note, Organic wines are made without the use of these chemicals.

Question 17

Which grapes grows well in cool, moderate and warm climates? x2

Answer 17

Chardonnay Chenin Blanc

Question 18

Does the labeling term Old Vines/Vieilles Vignes have a legal basis?

Answer 18

No. It implies higher quality but not guaranteed.

Question 19

What happens to acidity levels as grapes ripen?

Answer 19

The acidity drops (becomes riper tasting as the acidity drops and sugar levels increase).

Question 20

What word describes the creation of sugars from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water using light energy?

Answer 20

Photosynthesis

Question 21

Where in a grape is acidity to be found?

Answer 21

The pulp

Question 22

What happens to the temperature at higher altitudes?

Answer 22

It gets cooler. Hence fresher styles can come from these areas.

Question 23

Large bodies of water create extremes or moderate extremes?

Answer 23

Moderate. Not as cold in the winter and not as hot in the summer (ocean and lakeside breezes). Less likely to see a snowman on the beach!

Question 24

What do GIs and PDOs represent?

Answer 24

Place of origin Often that only permitted grape varieties are used

Question 25

Colour of aged red wine (before tawny)?

Answer 25

Garnet.

Question 26

How can soil affect the ripeness of grapes?

Answer 26

Stony soils retain warmth and so continue to ripen grapes late in the day. This is useful in cooler climates.

Question 27

Is the quality of wine defined by the method of harvesting?

Answer 27

No. High quality wine can be made from both hand harvested and machine harvested grapes. For the machine harvested grapes the quality grapes can be selected at the winery.

Question 28

Colour of aged white wine (before brown)?

Answer 28

Amber.

Question 29

Which country uses Qualitatswein and Pradikatswein for its wines?

Answer 29

Germany

Question 30

When is hand harvesting essential?

Answer 30

On steep slopes. When whole bunches of grapes are requiredWhen selection of noble rotted grapes is required.