WSET Fortified Wine Production Methods 5

Question 1

What distinguishes 'Palo Cortado' Sherry from other styles in terms of its development?

Accepted Answer

It starts developing under flor but then loses it naturally, resulting in a wine with Fino finesse and Oloroso richness

Answer

Palo Cortado is a rare style that begins aging under flor like Fino but naturally loses its flor yeast cover, then continues with oxidative aging like Oloroso, creating a uniquely complex wine.

Question 2

In Port production, what determines whether a harvest will be officially 'declared' as a Vintage year?

Accepted Answer

Each individual Port house decides independently whether the quality of their wine merits a vintage declaration

Answer

Vintage Port declarations are made individually by each Port house based on their own assessment of the quality of their wine, meaning not all houses declare in the same year.

Question 3

What is the primary grape variety used in the production of Banyuls, a French Vin Doux Naturel?

Accepted Answer

Grenache Noir

Answer

Banyuls, produced in Roussillon near the Spanish border, is made primarily from Grenache Noir, which must account for at least 50% of the blend.

Question 4

What is the purpose of adding 'arrope' or 'vino de color' to some commercial Sherry styles?

Accepted Answer

To add sweetness and dark color to wines such as Cream Sherry and Medium Sherry

Answer

Arrope (intensely concentrated cooked must) and vino de color (a blend of arrope and fermented must) are used to add sweetness and dark color when producing sweeter commercial Sherry styles.

Question 5

Which of the following fortified wines undergoes a deliberate process of oxidative aging in outdoor conditions called 'Canteiro'?

Accepted Answer

Madeira aged under the attic rafters of lodges

Answer

The Canteiro method ages Madeira wine in casks positioned in the upper floors or attics of lodges, where heat from the sun accelerates the gentle oxidation and development of the wine.

WSET - Wine and Spirit Education Test Practice Test

WSET - Wine and Spirit Education Test Practice Test

WSET Fortified Wine Production Methods 5