The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is a significant step in your wine education journey. This comprehensive course delves into the intricacies of wine production, tasting, and understanding different regions and styles. To help you prepare, we've compiled a range of practice questions covering key areas. Remember, success hinges on understanding the why behind the answers, not just memorizing facts.
Key Topics Covered in WSET Level 2 Practice Questions:
This practice set focuses on the core areas examined in the WSET Level 2 exam. These include:
- Viticulture: Understanding grape growing techniques and their impact on wine quality.
- Vinification: The winemaking process, including fermentation, oak aging, and other techniques.
- Wine Styles and Regions: Identifying key characteristics of wines from specific regions and understanding the factors that contribute to their unique styles.
- Sensory Evaluation: Developing and refining your wine tasting skills, including aroma, flavor, and overall assessment.
- Food and Wine Pairing: Understanding basic principles of food and wine matching.
WSET Level 2 Practice Questions:
Here are some practice questions to test your knowledge. Try to answer them without looking up the answers first, then review the explanations afterward.
1. Which of the following factors has the LEAST impact on the aroma of a wine?
(a) Grape variety (b) Oak aging (c) Bottle closure (d) Climate
2. What is the primary function of malolactic fermentation in winemaking?
(a) To increase the alcohol content (b) To increase the acidity (c) To soften the acidity (d) To increase the sweetness
3. Which region is known for producing elegant, age-worthy Pinot Noir wines?
(a) Rioja, Spain (b) Napa Valley, California (c) Burgundy, France (d) Barossa Valley, Australia
4. Describe the key characteristics of a typical Sauvignon Blanc wine from the Loire Valley.
5. Explain the difference between a "ripe" and an "unripe" grape, and how this impacts the resulting wine.
6. What are the main factors that contribute to the development of a wine's "terroir"?
Answers and Explanations:
1. (c) Bottle closure: While the closure can impact the wine's preservation and oxidation, it has the least direct impact on the aroma compared to grape variety, oak aging, and climate.
2. (c) To soften the acidity: Malolactic fermentation converts harsh malic acid into softer lactic acid.
3. (c) Burgundy, France: Burgundy is world-renowned for its elegant Pinot Noir wines.
4. Key characteristics of a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc: These wines are often characterized by their high acidity, herbaceous aromas (e.g., grass, gooseberry, boxwood), and a crisp, refreshing style. Minerality is also a common characteristic.
5. Ripe vs. Unripe Grapes: Ripe grapes have reached full maturity, exhibiting high sugar levels and concentrated flavors. This leads to wines with fuller bodies, richer flavors, and potentially higher alcohol content. Unripe grapes lack sufficient sugar and flavor development, resulting in thinner, less flavorful wines with higher acidity and potentially green or vegetal notes.
6. Factors Contributing to Terroir: Terroir is a complex interplay of factors:
- Climate: Temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours significantly influence grape ripening and flavor development.
- Soil: The soil's composition (minerals, texture, drainage) affects the water and nutrient availability to the vines.
- Topography: Elevation, slope, and aspect (direction the vineyard faces) impact the amount of sunlight and temperature the vines receive.
- Human Factors: Winemaking techniques, including grape selection, fermentation, and oak aging, also play a role in shaping the final wine.
This is just a small sample of the types of questions you might encounter on the WSET Level 2 exam. Remember to consult your study materials and practice regularly to build a strong foundation of wine knowledge. Good luck!
