WSET Quality Assurance & Compliance 4

Question 1

A winery receives a consumer complaint that bottles from a specific bottling run have a strong 'musty/mouldy' odor. What compound is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA)

Answer

TCA (2,4,6-Trichloroanisole) is the primary compound responsible for 'cork taint,' producing musty, mouldy, or damp cardboard aromas that suppress fruit character.

Question 2

Under Australian GI (Geographical Indication) law, what minimum percentage of the stated region's grapes must a single-region wine contain?

Accepted Answer

85%

Answer

Australian wine law requires at least 85% of the wine to come from the stated GI region, variety, or vintage when any of these are declared on the label.

Question 3

Which sensory defect is caused by the presence of Brettanomyces yeast and described as 'barnyard,' 'leather,' or 'Band-Aid'?

Accepted Answer

Brett (4-ethylphenol/4-ethylguaiacol)

Answer

Brettanomyces produces 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol, responsible for barnyard, leather, and medicinal off-aromas classified as 'Brett.'

Question 4

In the context of wine labeling compliance, what is a 'back label' allergen declaration for sulfites required when?

Accepted Answer

When SO₂ exceeds 50 mg/L total in most major markets

Answer

Most major markets including the EU, US, and Australia require an allergen declaration (e.g., 'Contains sulfites') when total SO₂ exceeds 10 mg/L; 50 mg/L is the practical enforcement threshold in many jurisdictions.

Question 5

A winery implements a 'first in, first out' (FIFO) stock rotation policy primarily to address which quality concern?

Accepted Answer

Preventing older stock from exceeding optimal drinking windows or best-before dates

Answer

FIFO ensures that older stock is sold before newer arrivals, preventing wines from aging beyond their optimal drinking window or labeling compliance dates.

(WSET) Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certification Practice Test

(WSET) Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certification Practice Test

WSET Quality Assurance & Compliance 4