Free WSET Grape Varieties & Still Wines Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following statements about Pinot Noir is true?

Pinot Noir is widely planted as it adapts easily to a variety of climatic conditions
Pinot Noir can be enjoyed when it is young (Correct answer)
Pinot Noir produces full-body wines with strong tannins
Pinot Noir can withstand intense flavours from new oak

Correct answer: Pinot Noir can be enjoyed when it is young

Pinot Noir is a delicate grape that often produces elegant, fruit-forward wines with soft tannins and bright acidity. Many Pinot Noir wines are crafted to be approachable and enjoyable in their youth, showcasing their fresh, vibrant character rather than requiring extensive aging.

Question 2: If a climate or vintage is too warm, the flavours of Pinot Noir will:

Be well-suited for several years aging in bottle
Show unattractive flavours of cooked fruit (Correct answer)
Show subtle flavours of clove and smoke
Struggle to ripen

Correct answer: Show unattractive flavours of cooked fruit

Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climates, and when grown in excessively warm conditions or during hot vintages, it can over-ripen quickly. This leads to a loss of its characteristic delicate fruit and floral notes, resulting in wines with unattractive, jammy, stewed, or 'cooked fruit' flavors.

Question 3: Which labelling term would be the highest-quality from the best vineyards in Burgundy?

Cru
Grand Cru (Correct answer)
Premier Cru
Villages

Correct answer: Grand Cru

In Burgundy, the quality hierarchy for vineyards is strictly defined, with 'Grand Cru' representing the highest classification. These vineyards are considered the most exceptional and historically renowned, producing the finest and most age-worthy wines in the region.

Question 4: Which of the following is not a village AOC in Burgundy?

Beaune
Gevrey-Chambertin
Nuits-Saint-Georges
Pomerol (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pomerol

Pomerol is a renowned wine region located in Bordeaux, France, famous for its Merlot-based red wines. In contrast, Beaune, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Nuits-Saint-Georges are all prominent village appellations within Burgundy, known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir (red) and Chardonnay (white) wines.

Question 5: Good examples of Pinot Noir in California are generally not found in:

Carneros
Santa Barbara
Sonoma
Napa (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Napa

Napa Valley's generally warm climate is less ideal for the cool-climate Pinot Noir grape, making it primarily famous for Cabernet Sauvignon. Regions like Carneros, Santa Barbara, and Sonoma, with their significant coastal influence and cooler microclimates, are much better suited for producing high-quality Pinot Noir in California.

Question 6: A cool region of Australia that produces quality Pinot Noir is:

Barossa Valley
Hunter Valley
Clare Valley
Yarra Valley (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley, located in Victoria, is a cool-climate region in Australia highly regarded for its premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Regions like Barossa Valley and Clare Valley are warmer and known for Shiraz and Riesling respectively, while Hunter Valley specializes in Semillon and Shiraz.

Question 7: Which region of New Zealand is not famous for its Pinot Noir?

Central Otago
Hawke’s Bay (Correct answer)
Marlborough
Martinborough

Correct answer: Hawke’s Bay

Hawke's Bay is a warmer New Zealand region primarily recognized for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Conversely, Central Otago, Marlborough, and Martinborough (in Wairarapa) are all celebrated for their excellent Pinot Noir, benefiting from cooler climates and suitable terroir.

Question 8: Which Chilean region produces very good Pinot Noir?

Casablanca Valley (Correct answer)
Central Valley
Colchagua
Maipo

Correct answer: Casablanca Valley

Casablanca Valley is a cool-climate coastal region in Chile, benefiting from ocean breezes and morning fogs, which makes it ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Other regions like Central Valley, Colchagua, and Maipo are generally warmer and better known for red grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère.

Question 9: Which region is well known for producing high quality Pinot Noir in South Africa?

Mornington Peninsula
Oregon
Stellenbosch
Walker Bay (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Walker Bay

Walker Bay, particularly the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley within it, is a cool-climate coastal region in South Africa that has gained international acclaim for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Stellenbosch, while a major wine region, is more famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.

Question 10: Blending Pinot Noir with other grapes is common practice in:

Burgundy
Beaujolais
Champagne (Correct answer)
Hermitage

Correct answer: Champagne

Pinot Noir is one of the three main grape varieties, alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, used in the production of Champagne. It contributes structure, body, and red fruit notes to the sparkling wine blend. In Burgundy, Pinot Noir is typically made as a single varietal, and it is not a primary grape in Beaujolais or Hermitage.

Question 11: Where did Pinot Noir originate?

Bordeaux, France
Sonoma Valley, California
Burgundy, France (Correct answer)
Willamette Valley, Oregon

Correct answer: Burgundy, France

Pinot Noir is an ancient and noble grape variety that originated in the Burgundy region of France. It has been cultivated there for centuries and is the quintessential red grape of the region, forming the basis of its world-renowned red wines.

Free WSET Grape Varieties & Still Wines Test 1

Which of the following statements about Pinot Noir is true?