Wset Level 2 Practice Exam

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines: A Comprehensive Practice Exam & Study Guide

Are you preparing for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines exam? This comprehensive guide provides a practice exam mirroring the real thing, complete with detailed explanations and insights to help you succeed. Whether you're a budding sommelier, a passionate wine enthusiast, or simply looking to deepen your wine knowledge, this practice exam will test your understanding of key wine concepts and regions. This guide covers everything from grape varietals and winemaking techniques to tasting notes and regional characteristics, ensuring you're fully prepared to ace the exam.

Introduction: What to Expect in the WSET Level 2 Exam

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is a globally recognized qualification, demonstrating a sound understanding of wine styles, production methods, and key wine regions. The exam itself comprises a blind tasting component and a written exam. The written portion assesses your theoretical knowledge, testing your understanding of:

• Viticulture: The cultivation of grapes, including climate, soil types, and vineyard management practices.
• Vinification: The winemaking process, encompassing different techniques, fermentation, and oak aging.
• Wine Styles: Identifying and understanding the characteristics of various wine styles, including still and sparkling wines.
• Wine Regions: Knowledge of key wine regions worldwide, including their climate, soil, grape varietals, and typical wine styles.
• Food and Wine Pairing: Basic principles of matching wines with different types of food.
• Wine Service: Basic wine service procedures, including proper glass selection and serving temperature.

Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions (Practice Exam)

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each multiple-choice question.

1. Which of the following grape varietals is most commonly associated with the production of red wines in Bordeaux, France? a) Pinot Noir b) Cabernet Sauvignon c) Riesling d) Chardonnay

2. What is the primary method of sparkling wine production in Champagne, France? a) Charmat Method b) Carbonation c) Traditional Method (Méthode Champenoise) d) Transfer Method

3. Which of the following best describes the climate of the Rioja region in Spain? a) Cool and maritime b) Hot and arid c) Mediterranean d) Continental

4. Which country is known for producing Sauvignon Blanc wines with high acidity and herbaceous notes? a) Australia b) Chile c) New Zealand d) South Africa

5. What is the main effect of oak aging on red wine? a) Increased acidity b) Increased sweetness c) Addition of tannins and vanilla notes d) Reduction of tannins

6. Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of a typical Pinot Grigio wine? a) High Acidity b) Light Body c) Oaky Flavors d) Dry

7. What is the primary grape varietal used in the production of Chianti Classico wine? a) Sangiovese b) Nebbiolo c) Cabernet Franc d) Merlot

8. Which region is famous for producing full-bodied red wines from the Syrah grape? a) Burgundy, France b) Rioja, Spain c) Rhône Valley, France d) Tuscany, Italy

9. What is malolactic fermentation? a) A secondary fermentation that increases sweetness b) A process that softens acidity in wine c) A method used to produce sparkling wines d) A process used to clarify wine

10. What does the term "terroir" refer to? a) The type of winemaking equipment used b) The combination of climate, soil, and other environmental factors affecting a wine's character c) The ageing process of wine d) The size of the vineyard

Section 2: Short Answer Questions (Practice Exam)

Instructions: Answer the following questions concisely and to the point.

1. Briefly describe the characteristics of a typical Sauvignon Blanc wine from the Loire Valley, France.

2. Explain the difference between a "cru" and a "grand cru" classification in Burgundy, France.

3. Name three different winemaking techniques that can influence the tannin level in red wine.

4. What are the key characteristics of a German Riesling wine?

5. Explain the importance of soil type in viticulture.

Section 3: Answers and Explanations

Section 1: Multiple Choice Answers

1. b) Cabernet Sauvignon
2. c) Traditional Method (Méthode Champenoise)
3. c) Mediterranean
4. c) New Zealand
5. c) Addition of tannins and vanilla notes
6. c) Oaky Flavors
7. a) Sangiovese
8. c) Rhône Valley, France
9. b) A process that softens acidity in wine
10. b) The combination of climate, soil, and other environmental factors affecting a wine's character

Section 1: Detailed Explanations

1. Cabernet Sauvignon is a dominant grape in Bordeaux blends, contributing structure, tannins, and dark fruit flavors.

2. The Traditional Method, or Méthode Champenoise, is the hallmark of Champagne production, involving secondary fermentation in the bottle.

3. Rioja experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and milder winters.

4. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is known for its vibrant acidity and pronounced herbaceous, grassy notes.

5. Oak aging adds tannins and vanillin (vanilla) notes, impacting the complexity and structure of red wines.

6. Pinot Grigio is typically light-bodied, dry, and high in acidity, but rarely exhibits oaky flavors.

7. Sangiovese is the principal grape of Chianti Classico, a Tuscan wine known for its medium body and red fruit characteristics.

8. The Rhône Valley is a renowned producer of full-bodied, dark-fruited Syrah wines.

9. Malolactic fermentation is a secondary fermentation that converts malic acid (sharp) into lactic acid (softer), reducing the wine's acidity.

10. Terroir encompasses the unique environmental conditions, including climate, soil, and topography, that influence a wine's character.

Section 2: Short Answer Explanations

1. Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc: Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc is typically characterized by its high acidity, grassy and herbaceous notes (think cut grass, green bell pepper), citrus fruit flavors (grapefruit, lime), and a crisp, dry style. It often lacks the tropical fruit notes found in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

2. Cru vs. Grand Cru in Burgundy: In Burgundy, "cru" refers to a vineyard plot recognized for its quality, while "grand cru" denotes the highest classification, designating vineyards with exceptional potential for producing premium wines. Grand cru vineyards are subject to stricter regulations and generally produce more expensive and highly sought-after wines.

3. Three Winemaking Techniques Affecting Tannin: * Maceration: Longer maceration (skin contact during fermentation) increases tannin extraction. * Oak Aging: Oak barrels can add tannins to the wine. * Fining: Techniques like fining can reduce tannin levels.

4. Key Characteristics of German Riesling: German Riesling is known for its high acidity, aromatic complexity (ranging from citrus and stone fruit to petrol in older wines), and varying sweetness levels (from bone dry to very sweet). It's often characterized by minerality and a lingering finish.

5. Importance of Soil Type in Viticulture: Soil type significantly impacts grapevine growth and the resulting wine's character. Different soil compositions influence drainage, nutrient availability, and the retention of water, all of which affect the grapes' concentration, flavor profile, and overall quality.

Conclusion: Preparing for Success in Your WSET Level 2 Exam

This practice exam and detailed explanations provide a solid foundation for preparing for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. Remember to thoroughly review your study materials, focusing on the key concepts covered in this guide. Practice tasting different wines, paying close attention to their aromas, flavors, and overall characteristics. The more you practice, the more confident and successful you will be on exam day. Good luck! Remember to consult your official WSET study materials for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. This practice exam is intended as a supplementary tool to aid in your studies.