WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Test) Level 2 Practice Test

Burgundy is the correct answer because it is the most famous region of France known for its Chardonnay wines. The region of Burgundy, located in eastern France, is renowned for producing high-quality Chardonnay wines that are highly sought after worldwide. The unique climate and terroir of Burgundy provide ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay grapes, resulting in exceptional wines with distinct flavors and aromas.

Hotter climates encourage higher color and tannin in red wine because the grapes ripen more quickly and develop more intense flavors. The increased heat also leads to higher sugar levels in the grapes, resulting in higher alcohol content in the wine. Additionally, the warmer temperatures contribute to fuller body in red wines, as the flavors and textures are more concentrated. Therefore, all of the given options are correct.

Chardonnay is a versatile grape variety that can adapt and thrive in various climates. It is known for its ability to grow in cool climates, where it can retain its acidity and develop elegant flavors. It can also flourish in moderate climates, where it can achieve a balance between acidity and ripeness. Additionally, Chardonnay can handle warm climates, where it can fully ripen and develop rich flavors. Therefore, Chardonnay can grow in all of these climate types.

Proximity to a large body of water, such as an ocean or lake, significantly moderates the diurnal temperature range in a vineyard. Water bodies absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, reducing temperature fluctuations. This moderation can improve grape ripening, balance acidity, and enhance flavor development. Although factors like altitude and soil composition also affect temperature, proximity to water has the most direct influence on diurnal variation.

Pinot Noir wines are generally best enjoyed young. This variety is celebrated for its vibrant fruit flavors, such as cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, which are most prominent and expressive within the first few years after bottling. While some higher-end Pinot Noirs from exceptional vineyards and vintages can benefit from aging, allowing for the development of more complex earthy and gamey notes, the majority are crafted to capitalize on their youthful freshness and delicate floral and fruit nuances. Drinking them young ensures that these characteristics are enjoyed at their peak, providing a lively and aromatic experience.

The four regions of Red Burgundy's Pinot Noir are Nuit-Saint-Georges, Pommard, Beaune, and Gevrey-Chambertin. These regions are known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir wines with distinct characteristics. Nuit-Saint-Georges is known for its rich and structured wines, Pommard for its powerful and robust wines, Beaune for its elegant and aromatic wines, and Gevrey-Chambertin for its complex and age-worthy wines. Each region has its own unique terroir, which contributes to the different flavor profiles found in their Pinot Noir wines.

**False** Barrel-fermenting is a winemaking technique used for both red and white wines. While it is commonly associated with the production of certain styles of red wines, particularly those with rich and complex flavors, it is not exclusive to red wines. White wines, too, can undergo barrel fermentation to enhance their characteristics and impart additional flavors and textures.

Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, and Pouilly-Fuisse are three villages in France's Burgundy region known for their Chardonnay grapes. These villages are renowned for producing high-quality white wines made from Chardonnay grapes. Puligny-Montrachet is known for its elegant and complex wines, Meursault is known for its rich and buttery wines, and Pouilly-Fuisse is known for its crisp and mineral-driven wines. These villages have a long-standing tradition of winemaking and are highly regarded in the wine world for their exceptional Chardonnay production.

The correct answer is Margaret River, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley. These three regions are known for producing high-quality Chardonnay wines in Australia. Margaret River, located in Western Australia, is known for its elegant and complex Chardonnays. Adelaide Hills, in South Australia, produces Chardonnays with crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. Yarra Valley, in Victoria, is known for its cool climate, which is ideal for producing Chardonnays with delicate aromas and flavors.

Oak aging imparts a variety of aromas and flavors to wine, depending on the type of oak, the toasting level, and the length of aging. Common aromas include vanilla, coconut, clove, and spice. Dill, however, is an herbaceous aroma more commonly associated with certain grape varieties like Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner, and is not typically imparted by oak aging.

The correct answer is "Crushed, fermented, pressed, matured, bottled." In the wine-making process for red wines, the grapes are first crushed to extract the juice. Then, the juice is fermented, which involves the conversion of sugar into alcohol by yeast. After fermentation, the wine is pressed to separate the solids from the liquid. The wine is then matured, which can involve aging in barrels or tanks to develop flavors and aromas. Finally, the matured wine is bottled for consumption.

Some Chardonnays are best enjoyed young, when they retain their fresh, fruity, and vibrant characteristics. These are often unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays. However, many premium, oak-aged Chardonnays can benefit from aging, developing complex flavors and richer textures over time. So, both young and aged Chardonnays have their appeal depending on the specific wine and personal preference.

The correct answer is "All of the above" because Carneros, Santa Barbara, and Oregon are all known regions in North America that produce Pinot Noir wines. These regions have suitable climates and soil conditions that are conducive to growing Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in high-quality wines. Therefore, all three options are valid choices for North America's Pinot Noir regions.

Wines oaked with staves or chips are not allowed within both PDO's (Protected Designation of Origin) and IGP's (Indication of Geographic Protection). PDO's and IGP's have strict regulations regarding the winemaking process, and the use of staves or chips is generally not permitted as it is seen as a lower-quality method of oak aging compared to traditional barrel aging. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

While the traditional method for aging wine involves oak barrels, using oak staves or chips is a more modern technique that offers similar flavor profiles at a lower cost. These alternatives provide the wine with characteristics like vanilla, spice, and toasty notes typically associated with oak aging.

While Pinot Noir and Gamay are blended in some regions like Burgundy's Passetoutgrains, Merlot holds the title of the most common blending partner. Merlot's softer tannins, plummy fruit, and ability to add body make it a popular choice for winemakers seeking to enhance Pinot Noir's structure, mid-palate, and sometimes color, particularly in New World regions. This combination aims to create a more approachable and balanced wine, leveraging Merlot's plushness alongside Pinot Noir's aromatic complexity and elegance. Therefore, Merlot is the more accurate answer.

Fermenting Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet Chardonnays in oak barrels and allowing them to age on the lees (leftover yeast and sediment) is a winemaking technique known as sur lie aging. This process imparts additional body and complexity to the wines, enhancing their texture and flavor profile. The interaction with the lees during aging contributes to a fuller-bodied and more nuanced expression of these Chardonnays, distinguishing them in terms of richness and complexity.

Chaptalization is a winemaking technique used, especially in cooler climates, where grapes may not ripen fully and thus lack sufficient sugar content to achieve desired alcohol levels. By adding sugar before or during fermentation, winemakers can boost the final alcohol content, resulting in a more balanced and robust wine. The process is named after Jean-Antoine Chaptal, a French chemist who popularized the technique in the 19th century.

The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail that is traditionally made with rye whiskey. The drink also includes Peychaud's Bitters, sugar, and an absinthe rinse. The combination of rye whiskey's spiciness and the absinthe's anise flavor creates a complex and distinctive cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries.

The correct answer is "All of the Above" because all three regions mentioned, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, and Gisborne, are known for producing Chardonnay in New Zealand. These regions have favorable climates and soil conditions that are conducive to growing high-quality Chardonnay grapes. Therefore, if someone is looking for major Chardonnay regions in New Zealand, they should consider all of these options.

If the leaves shut down to save water, the grapes will no longer produce sugar, and therefore the crop can be ruined because without sugar, there can be no alcohol.

The correct answer is "All of the above" because Chardonnay is a versatile grape that can be blended with various other grape varieties to create different styles of wine. Semillon, Colombard, Chenin Blanc, and Voignier are all commonly blended with Chardonnay to add complexity and enhance different flavor profiles. By blending Chardonnay with these grapes, winemakers can achieve a range of characteristics such as increased acidity, floral notes, or tropical fruit flavors. Therefore, all of these options are correct as they represent common blends with Chardonnay.

Grown in hot climates or over-ripened moderate grapes gives black fruit, whereas moderate to cool climates give the red fruit and herbal notes.

German Spätburgunder, known internationally as Pinot Noir, fits the description of being a medium-bodied red wine with balanced fruity-savory aromas, light tannins, and medium to high acidity. Spätburgunder is Germany’s answer to the classic Pinot Noir, offering a similar profile that emphasizes a delicate balance between fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, and earthy, herbaceous notes. This wine's lighter tannins and noticeable acidity make it versatile and food-friendly, typical of the cooler climate regions of Germany where these grapes are grown. This style contrasts with the typically fuller-bodied and tannic wines produced from grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon in warmer regions such as Napa Valley.

Stellebosch is the correct answer because it is a region in South Africa that is renowned for producing high-quality Cabernet-Merlot blends. The region's climate and soil conditions are ideal for growing these grape varieties, resulting in wines with rich flavors and balanced tannins. Stellebosch has a long history of winemaking and is considered one of the premium wine-producing areas in South Africa.

Water: Grapes require regular watering, especially during dry periods, to support growth and fruit development.

Sunlight: Grapes need ample sunlight for photosynthesis and to ripen their fruit properly.

Nutrients: Proper soil nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are essential for grapevine growth and fruit production.

CO2 (carbon dioxide:  CO2 is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants, including grapevines, convert carbon dioxide into sugars and oxygen with the help of sunlight. Adequate levels of CO2 in the air contribute to healthy growth and fruit development in grapevines.



While warmth, fertilizer, pest control, and additional nutrients can also be beneficial, water, sunlight, and nutrients are typically considered the most crucial for successful grape cultivation.

The left bank Bordeaux regions known for growing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are Médoc, Haut-Médoc, and Graves. These regions have a climate and soil composition that are particularly suitable for these grape varieties. The Médoc region, located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, is known for producing some of the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. Haut-Médoc, which is a sub-region of Médoc, also produces high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. Graves, located south of the city of Bordeaux, is known for its gravelly soil, which is ideal for producing elegant and structured red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Pommard and Mâconais are not left bank Bordeaux regions and are not known for growing these grape varieties.

In Italy, the "Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita" (DOCG) is a classification denoting the highest quality recognition for Italian wines. It assures that the wines are produced in specific, well-defined regions, according to strict rules designed to preserve traditional wine-making practices. The DOCG label guarantees that the wine has a controlled designation of origin, which is a notch above the simpler DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) classification and is specific to Italy. Other terms listed, like Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP) and Denominazione d'Origine Protetta (DOP), are also valid classifications but do not carry the same prestige or stringent regulations specific to wine as DOCG. "Denominacion de Origen Calificada" (DOCa) is a term used in Spain, not Italy.