WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Test) Level 1

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  • 1/26 Questions

    How should wine be stored?

    • In a cool, dark location
    • In a warm, bright location to prevent mold
    • Near vibrations (stairs, elevator) to prevent sediment build up
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About This Quiz

The free basic wine quiz for Wineexams. Com. Introductory level wine knowledge test.

WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Test) Level 1 - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    How does red wine get its color?

    • Artificial coloring

    • Contact with grape skins during fermentation

    • Crushing the grapes

    • Reaction from contact with the type of yeast

    Correct Answer
    A. Contact with grape skins during fermentation
    Explanation
    Red wine comes from the use of red (all dark colored) grapes. During the fermentation process, the grape juice remains in contact with the skins for a period of a couple of weeks, giving the red wine its color. If the skins are removed immediately after the crush, the resulting wine from the red grapes will actually be white or light pink.

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  • 3. 

    Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape varietal

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    While most of the world refers to the grape as Syrah, Australia refers to it as Shiraz. Two of the worlds best regions for this grape are the Cotes du Rhone inSoutheastern France and the Barossa Valley in South Australia.

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  • 4. 

    Why are wines traditionally stored on their side?

    • Provides easy access to all wines in a rack

    • Keeps the cork moist

    • Result of influential cabinet makers in the 12th century

    • Less likely to fall in case of an earthquake

    Correct Answer
    A. Keeps the cork moist
    Explanation
    If a bottle of wine with a cork is stored upright, the cork will dry out, allowing oxygen to enter the bottle. This will result in oxidation of the wine, turning the wine (both red and white) more brown in color, tasting stale, and giving undesirable flavors.

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  • 5. 

    What is the name for sparkling wine from Spain?

    • Champagne

    • Prosecco

    • Cava

    • Asti

    Correct Answer
    A. Cava
    Explanation
    Cava is the correct answer because it is the name for sparkling wine from Spain. Champagne is a sparkling wine from France, Prosecco is from Italy, and Asti is a type of sparkling wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. Therefore, Cava is the only option that corresponds to the sparkling wine specifically from Spain.

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  • 6. 

    What are tannins?

    • Compounds in red wine added by grape skins, seeds, stems, and contact with oak

    • The technical description for a "leathery" taste in wine

    • Synthetic corks

    • How the wine clings to the side of a glass, also referred to as "legs"

    Correct Answer
    A. Compounds in red wine added by grape skins, seeds, stems, and contact with oak
    Explanation
    Red wines will have a varying amount of tannin levels depending upon the grape used and the winemaking process. Tannins add astringency (dryness) and bitterness. Wines high in tannins will have the tannins "soften" or "mellow" with age.

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  • 7. 

     Which white wine is typically full in body, frequently oaked, and known for a rich, buttery flavor?

    • Chardonnay

    • Sauvignon Blanc

    • Riesling

    Correct Answer
    A. Chardonnay
    Explanation
    Chardonnay is the world's most popular wine. While most of us know it for the heavy oak and butter flavors, neither of these flavors actually come from the grape, but from winemaking techniques frequently applied to this particular grape.

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  • 8. 

    White wine comes from which grapes?

    • White grapes

    • Red grapes

    • Both white and red grapes

    Correct Answer
    A. Both white and red grapes
    Explanation
    While the majority of white wine comes from white grapes, white wine can also be made from red grapes if the skins are removed immediately after the crush.

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  • 9. 

    Most wines are at their best if stored in a cellar for at least 10 years.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    While hearing about a 1980 Chateau Margaux sounds exotic, the truth is that most wines are created with the intent to be consumed within a short period of time, especially among white and sparkling wines.

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  • 10. 

    Red wines from the Bordeaux region are

    • Full bodied wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc

    • Full bodied wines made from Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre

    • Medium bodied wines made from Pinot Noir

    • Medium bodied wines made from Sangiovese

    • Medium bodied wines made from Tempranillo

    Correct Answer
    A. Full bodied wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc
    Explanation
    Bordeaux is located southwest France. Regions on the left bank of the Garonne river(south of the river) tend to have a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon while reqions on the right bank (north of the river) use Merlot as the predominant grape.

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  • 11. 

    Which red wine is usually served slightly chilled?

    • Cabernet Sauvignon

    • Malbec

    • Beaujolais-Nouveau

    • Shiraz

    Correct Answer
    A. Beaujolais-Nouveau
    Explanation
    Beaujolais-Nouveau is produced from the Gamay grape and comes from the Beaujolais region in Eastern France (just south of Burgundy). This light red wine benefits from being slightly chilled and is best consumed very young.

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  • 12. 

    Which white wine is typically light in body, lower in alcohol, and frequently off-dry (slightly sweet)?

    • Chardonnay

    • Sauvignon Blanc

    • Riesling

    Correct Answer
    A. Riesling
    Explanation
    Riesling traditionally hails from Germany, although it also does well in Alsace, the Pacific Northwest, New York, and cooler regions in Australia and New Zealand. It is light bodied, fruity, and tangy.

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  • 13. 

    What color of wine would you pair with a pasta dish?

    • A full bodied red

    • A crisp, high acid white

    • It depends on the sauce

    • A heavily oaked Chardonnay

    Correct Answer
    A. It depends on the sauce
    Explanation
    The pasta itself rarely is the deciding factor on which wine to use. It is the other components of the pasta dish (sauce, filling) that are the determining factor.

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  • 14. 

    Which of the following is a still red wine?

    • Spatlese

    • Tempranillo

    • Sherry

    • Pinot Gris

    Correct Answer
    A. Tempranillo
    Explanation
    Tempranillo is a still red wine because it is made from red grapes and does not undergo any carbonation or fermentation process to produce bubbles or effervescence. It is typically aged in oak barrels, resulting in a smooth and rich flavor profile. Spatlese is a German term used to describe a late-harvest wine, which can be either red or white. Sherry is a fortified wine that can be either red or white, but it is typically dry or semi-sweet. Pinot Gris is a white wine grape variety, so it is not a red wine.

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  • 15. 

    A wine that smells musty or of wet cardboard when opened is a sign of

    • Oxidation

    • A good Merlot

    • Long growing season

    • Cork taint

    Correct Answer
    A. Cork taint
    Explanation
    Cork taint is a result of contact with a flawed cork. This occurs in 1% to 7% of all wines depending upon your source. Cork taint is undetectable until a wine is opened. It occurs in all quality levels and price ranges of wines. A wine suffering from cork taint is referred to as "corked" and should be discarded.

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  • 16. 

    Which country produces Sherry?

    • Italy

    • France

    • Portugal

    • Spain

    Correct Answer
    A. Spain
    Explanation
    Spain is the correct answer because Sherry is a fortified wine that is produced in the region of Jerez in southern Spain. The production of Sherry is regulated by Spanish law, and it must meet specific criteria to be labeled as Sherry. The unique climate and soil conditions in Jerez contribute to the distinct flavor profile of Sherry, making it a popular and traditional Spanish wine.

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  • 17. 

    How does sparkling wine get its bubbles?

    • Carbonation

    • Secondary fermentation in the bottle

    • Secondary fermentation in a sealed tank

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    While the finest champagnes all result from a secondary fermentation occurring in the bottle, this is also the most labor-intensive (and therefore expensive) method (traditional method). Other methods include a secondary fermentation in a closed tank(Tank or Charmat method), or simple carbonation (which results in large, flabby, short-lasting bubbles).

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  • 18. 

    As a general rule, red wines in order of lightest to darkest are:

    • Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir

    • Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

    • Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon

    • Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

    Correct Answer
    A. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
    Explanation
    While winemakers can certainly manipulate the final wine, generally speaking, Pinot Noir wines tend to be lightest and lowest in tannins while Cabernet Sauvignon is the boldest and most tannic. Merlot is usually right in the middle.

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  • 19. 

    Red wines from the Chianti region are

    • Full bodied wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc

    • Full bodied wines made from Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre

    • Medium bodied wines made from Pinot Noir

    • Medium bodied wines made from Sangiovese

    • Medium bodied wines made from Tempranillo

    Correct Answer
    A. Medium bodied wines made from Sangiovese
    Explanation
    The Chianti region lies within Tuscany in western Italy. Laws dictate that the grape Sangiovese must be used in order for the wine to be called a "Chianti". Pioneering winemakers have experimenting with blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and other grapes to make "Super Tuscan" wines.

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  • 20. 

    Red wines from the Rioja region are

    • Full bodied wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc

    • Full bodied wines made from Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre

    • Medium bodied wines made from Pinot Noir

    • Medium bodied wines made from Sangiovese

    • Medium bodied wines made from Tempranillo

    Correct Answer
    A. Medium bodied wines made from Tempranillo
    Explanation
    Rioja lies in Northern Spain along the Ebro river

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  • 21. 

    Which white wine is typically medium in body, high in acidity, and rarely aged in oak?

    • Chardonnay

    • Sauvignon Blanc

    • Riesling

    Correct Answer
    A. Sauvignon Blanc
    Explanation
    Sauvignon Blanc is known for its crisp acidity and fresh, herbaceous flavors. It is typically not aged in oak, which preserves its vibrant character and allows its fruit-forward notes to shine. Chardonnay, on the other hand, can range from light to full-bodied and is often aged in oak, adding complexity and richness. Riesling is also highly acidic but can vary in sweetness and can be aged in oak to develop honeyed and petrol-like notes.

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  • 22. 

    Why is red wine typically paired with heavier meats such as beef?

    • The tannins help to break apart the meat while chewing

    • A white wine would be overpowered by the strong flavors of the meat

    • A red wine can balance well with the pronounced flavors of the meat

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    Tannins can help soften and break down a chewy piece of meat. Dark red wines balance well with rich cuts of meat while lighter reds and nearly all whites would be overwhelmed by the flavors of the meat.

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  • 23. 

    Red wines from the Burgundy region are

    • Full bodied wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc

    • Full bodied wines made from Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre

    • Medium bodied wines made from Pinot Noir

    • Medium bodied wines made from Sangiovese

    • Medium bodied wines made from Tempranillo

    Correct Answer
    A. Medium bodied wines made from Pinot Noir
    Explanation
    Burgundy lies in eastern France along the Soane river. It is the world's most famous region for exceptional red wines made from Pinot Noir.

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  • 24. 

    Red wines from the Cotes du Rhone region are

    • Full bodied wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc

    • Full bodied wines made from Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre

    • Medium bodied wines made from Pinot Noir

    • Medium bodied wines made from Sangiovese

    • Medium bodied wines made from Tempranillo

    Correct Answer
    A. Full bodied wines made from Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre
    Explanation
    The Rhone valley lies in southeastern France where the Rhone river meets the Mediterranean sea. Wines in the Northern Rhone tend to be made with a high percentage of Syrah while the wines in the south use a higher amount of Grenache along with Syrah and Mourvedre.

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  • 25. 

    Traditional and tank method are two ways to make which type of wine?

    • Still

    • Distilled

    • Sparkling

    • Fortified

    Correct Answer
    A. Sparkling
    Explanation
    Traditional and tank method are two commonly used methods to make sparkling wine. In the traditional method, also known as the Champagne method, the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, creating the carbonation. This method is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The tank method, also called the Charmat method, involves conducting the second fermentation in large tanks rather than individual bottles. Both methods result in the production of sparkling wine, making it the correct answer.

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  • 26. 

    How do rose wines obtain their pink color?

    • A. Contact with skins for a short period of time

    • B. Blending of a finished red and white wine

    • C. Addition of water to a finished red wine

    • Both A and B

    Correct Answer
    A. Both A and B
    Explanation
    Most fine rose wines result from contact with red grape skins for a short (2-3 day) period of time during fermentation. This requires the winemaker to gauge the desired level of color and remove the skins at the precise moment he achieves the proper color. A much less stressful method used in bulk rose production is to blend a finished red wine with a finished white wine to obtain the proper color level.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Nov 11, 2024 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Nov 11, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 01, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Fabianiniguez
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