Free WSET Level 1 Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: How is the color of red wine obtained?

Contact with grape skins during fermentation (Correct answer)
Artificial coloring
Reaction from contact with the type of yeast
Crushing the grapes

Correct answer: Contact with grape skins during fermentation

The color of red wine comes primarily from the pigments (anthocyanins) present in the skins of red grapes. During the fermentation process, the grape juice is kept in contact with these skins, allowing the pigments to leach into the liquid. The duration of this skin contact directly influences the depth and intensity of the red wine's color.

Question 2: Which grapes are used to make white wine?

Red grapes
White grapes
Both white and red grapes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Both white and red grapes

While most white wines are made from white grape varieties, it is also possible to produce white wine from red grapes. This is achieved by pressing the red grapes very gently and immediately separating the juice from the skins, preventing any color extraction. A notable example is 'Blanc de Noirs' Champagne, which is a white sparkling wine made from red Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier grapes.

Question 3: How do pink wines come to be called rose wines?

Blending of a finished red and white wine
A contact with skins for a short period of time
Both Contact with skins for a short period of time and Blending of a finished red and white wine (Correct answer)
Addition of water to a finised red wine

Correct answer: Both Contact with skins for a short period of time and Blending of a finished red and white wine

Rosé wines can be made in two main ways. The most common method involves 'short skin contact,' where red grape skins are left in contact with the juice for a brief period (hours, not days) to impart a light pink color. Alternatively, particularly in regions like Champagne, rosé can be produced by blending a small amount of finished red wine into white wine.

Question 4: How are the bubbles in sparkling wine created?

secondary fermentation in a sealed tank
Carbonation
Secondary fermentation in the bottle
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

The bubbles in sparkling wine are created by carbon dioxide gas. This gas can be produced through secondary fermentation, which can occur either in a sealed tank (Charmat method) or directly in the bottle (Traditional method). Additionally, some sparkling wines are made by simply injecting carbon dioxide into still wine, a process known as carbonation.

Question 5: The majority of wines are best kept for at least ten years in a cellar.

TRUE
FALSE (Correct answer)

Correct answer: FALSE

The vast majority of wines produced globally are intended for consumption within a few years of their vintage. Only a small percentage of high-quality wines possess the necessary structure (acidity, tannin, fruit concentration) to benefit from extended aging. Most everyday wines will actually deteriorate if kept for too long, losing their freshness and vibrancy.

Question 6: How should wine be kept in storage?

Near vibrations (stairs, elevator) to prevent sediment build up
In a warm, bright location to prevent mold
In a cool, dark location (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In a cool, dark location

Wine should be stored in a cool, dark, and stable environment to preserve its quality. Heat and light are detrimental, as they can cause wine to age prematurely and develop off-flavors. A consistent cool temperature slows down chemical reactions, while darkness prevents light-induced spoilage, ensuring the wine matures gracefully or retains its freshness.

Question 7: When a wine is opened, the smell of musty or damp cardboard indicates

Cork taint (Correct answer)
Long growing season
A good Merlot
Oxidation

Correct answer: Cork taint

A musty, damp cardboard, or wet dog smell in wine is the classic indicator of cork taint. This fault is caused by the chemical compound 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA), which typically originates from a contaminated cork. Cork taint can severely diminish or completely ruin the wine's aroma and flavor, making it unpleasant to drink.

Question 8: Why are wines typically kept in a sideways position?

Less likely to fall in case of an earthquake
Provides easy access to all wines in a rack
Keeps the cork moist (Correct answer)
Result of influential cabinet markers in the 12th century

Correct answer: Keeps the cork moist

Wines sealed with natural corks are typically stored on their side to keep the cork moist and expanded. If the cork dries out, it can shrink, allowing air to enter the bottle and oxidize the wine, which spoils its quality. Keeping the cork moist helps maintain a tight seal, protecting the wine from premature oxidation and preserving its integrity.

Question 9: Tannins: What are they?

the technical description for a "leathery" taste in wine
Compounds in red wine added by grape skins, seeds, stems, and contact with oak (Correct answer)
How the wine clings to the side of a glass, also referred to as "legs"
Synthetic corks

Correct answer: Compounds in red wine added by grape skins, seeds, stems, and contact with oak

Tannins are naturally occurring phenolic compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems, and can also be imparted by oak barrels during aging. They contribute to the structure, bitterness, and astringency (a drying sensation in the mouth) of red wines. Tannins are crucial for the aging potential of many red wines, acting as natural preservatives.

Question 10: The Bordeaux region's red wines are

Full bodied wines made from Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre
Full bodied wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc (Correct answer)
Medium bodied wines made from Sangiovese
Medium bodied wines made from Pinot Noir
Medium bodied wines made from Tempranillo

Correct answer: Full bodied wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc

The Bordeaux region is renowned for its classic red blends, primarily crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often with contributions from Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. These wines are typically full-bodied, structured, and known for their aging potential. They often exhibit complex aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, and tobacco.

Question 11: The Burgundy region's red wines are

Medium bodied wines from Tempranillo
Full bodied wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc
Full bodied wines made from Syrah, Grenachem and Mouvedre
Medium bodied wines made from Pinot Noir (Correct answer)
Medium bodied wines made from Sangiovese

Correct answer: Medium bodied wines made from Pinot Noir

Burgundy is famous for its elegant, terroir-driven wines, and its red wines are almost exclusively made from the Pinot Noir grape. These wines are typically medium-bodied, characterized by high acidity and delicate tannins, showcasing red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry. They are highly prized for their complexity and ability to express the unique characteristics of their specific vineyard origins.

Free WSET Level 1 Questions and Answers

How is the color of red wine obtained?