WSET Quality Assurance & Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'lot traceability' mean in the context of wine quality compliance?
- Tracking the price history of each wine lot
- The ability to trace a specific batch of wine from bottling back through production inputs (Correct answer)
- Recording the GPS coordinates of each vineyard block
- Monitoring the carbon footprint of a production lot
Correct answer: The ability to trace a specific batch of wine from bottling back through production inputs
Lot traceability means maintaining records that connect a specific bottled lot to its grape source, vinification records, and all inputs used during production.
Question 2: Which sulfur compound, produced by yeast during fermentation, is responsible for a 'rotten egg' off-aroma in wine?
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
- Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) (Correct answer)
- Dimethyl sulfide (DMS)
- Mercaptan (methanethiol)
Correct answer: Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is produced by yeast under nutrient-stressed conditions and imparts a rotten egg or struck match aroma.
Question 3: In Champagne, the term 'dégorgement' refers to which quality control step?
- Addition of the dosage liqueur
- Removal of the yeast sediment plug from the bottle neck (Correct answer)
- Riddling the bottles to consolidate lees
- Topping up bottles after secondary fermentation
Correct answer: Removal of the yeast sediment plug from the bottle neck
Dégorgement (disgorging) is the process of removing the frozen plug of yeast sediment from the bottle neck before final corking and capsule application.
Question 4: A wine showing excessive browning in color and a flat, oxidized palate would most likely fail which WSET systematic approach assessment criterion?
- Sweetness
- Condition (Correct answer)
- Acidity
- Tannin
Correct answer: Condition
Condition assesses whether the wine is fault-free; oxidative browning and a flat palate indicate the wine is not in good condition.
Question 5: Which international organization sets the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in wine that many countries use as a benchmark?
- OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine)
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- Codex Alimentarius Commission (Correct answer)
- EFSA (European Food Safety Authority)
Correct answer: Codex Alimentarius Commission
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, jointly run by FAO and WHO, establishes international MRLs for pesticide residues in food and beverages including wine.
Question 6: What is the legal maximum level of total sulfur dioxide (SO₂) permitted in a dry red wine under EU wine regulations?
- 100 mg/L
- 150 mg/L (Correct answer)
- 200 mg/L
- 250 mg/L
Correct answer: 150 mg/L
EU Regulation sets a maximum of 150 mg/L total SO₂ for dry red wines with residual sugar below 5 g/L.
Question 7: Which certification scheme specifically audits vineyard and winery practices for environmental sustainability and biodiversity in wine production?
- ISO 9001
- LODI RULES / Sustainability in Practice (SIP) (Correct answer)
- HACCP Level 3
- Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC)
Correct answer: LODI RULES / Sustainability in Practice (SIP)
LODI RULES / SIP (Sustainability in Practice) is a third-party certified sustainability program focused on environmental stewardship, worker welfare, and community impact in wine production.
WSET Quality Assurance & Compliance 3
What does the term 'lot traceability' mean in the context of wine quality compliance?