WSET Level 2 Questions and Answers Graded A

WSET Level 2 Questions and Answers Graded A Name the conditions that are ideal for tasting wine. 1)Clean Palate 2) No odors/perfume 3) White backdrop 4) ISO tasting glass What do we mean by "typicity" when tasting wine? typical style of that place, it tastes like we expect it to taste. What characteristics of a wine can ONLY be detected on our palate? Acid, tannin, body and sweet How is acid in wine detected? the mouth watering effect How is tannin in a wine detected? dry gum effect, bitterness Identify some indicators of quality in a wine Complex, well balanced, long length/finish What do "legs" or "tears" indicate in a glass of wine? the viscosity- level of sugar or alcohol in wine 20 degrees celsius is equivalent to what temp Fahrenheit? 68 degrees F What is the temperature of your refrigerator? 40 degrees F What is the proper storage temperature for wine? 55 to 58 degrees F What is the proper serving temperature for a medium to full bodied white wine? 55 to 56 degrees F. (12 - 15 degrees C) What is the formula for calculating units of alcohol in a bottle of wine? percentage of alcohol x bottle (750 ml) = How many 6 oz. glasses in one bottle (750 ml) wine? 4 Why do we pair high acid wine with high acid food? the acid in the food balances, and mellows the acid in the wine. Why should you avoid serving high tannin wine with oily food? (ie: fried food, oily fish) It will create a metallic taste What types of foods work well with sweet, dessert wines? cheese, and desserts What part of the grape does acid come from? pulp WHat part of the grape berry does tannin come from? skin What part of the grape berry does the color come from? skin What potential flavor characteristics would the pips (seeds) impart if they were crushed during the fermentation process? bitter oils How does sunlight factor into ripening of grapes? necessary for the production of sugars What is the general latitude band for wine-grape growing? 30-50 degrees latitude What are the basic climate types? 1) Cool 2) Moderate 3) warm What factors affect (or mitigate) the effect of climate? 1) Altitude 2) Proximity to body of water 3) latitude What soil type is good for water retention? Clay What soil type is good for drainage? rocky, gravel, stone soil Explain why growing grapes on a slope is important in a far northern region (in the northern hemisphere). to capture maximum sunlight Name some vineyard activities (i.e. activities happening in the vineyard, NOT the winery) that can effect the quality of the grape harvest? pruning, spraying pesticides, watering, green harvest What type of pest is phylloxera? louse Name two different types of pests, and describe the damage they can do in a vineyard. 1) Insects- eat leaves, spread disease 2) birds/ animals- eat ripe fruit, burst grapes, contaminate grapes with bacteria from poop When is the best time to Harvest grapes? when they are ready! Name 3 different types of maturation vessels? 1) Oak barrel 2) steel tank 3) concrete tank (glass bottles as well) What causes sugar to turn into alcohol during fermentation? yeast What