WSET Level 1 Practice Question · Episode 21
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
Which of the following is the most accurate description of the typical flavor changes in the Chardonnay variety depending on the climate where it is grown?
- A. It always smells exclusively of red fruits like strawberry and cherry.
- B. In cool areas it smells of green apple, and in warm areas it smells of tropical fruits like pineapple.
- C. It has no aroma at all and is always made by injecting carbon dioxide gas.
- D. It has high tannin and is always produced as a very astringent red wine.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. In cool areas it smells of green apple, and in warm areas it smells of tropical fruits like pineapple. Explanation: Chardonnay is a 'chameleon-like' variety. Its flavor changes dramatically depending on the climate where it is grown: in cool climates it has aromas of apple or pear, in moderate climates peach (stone fruit), and in warm climates tropical fruit aromas like pineapple or banana. Additionally, depending on the winemaker's techniques (oak, malolactic fermentation), buttery or vanilla aromas may be added.
Key Theory Summary
Chardonnay is the epitome of showing the 'Harmony of Climate and Winemaking'. 1. Climate Spectrum: - Cool: Green apple, Pear, Lemon (e.g., Chablis) - Moderate: Peach, Melon (e.g., Burgundy) - Warm: Pineapple, Banana, Mango (e.g., California) 2. Winemaking Touch: - Oak: Adds vanilla and toasted bread aromas. - MLF (Malolactic Fermentation): Creamy texture like butter or yogurt. - Lees: Savory flavors like bread dough or biscuit.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Thinking "All Chardonnay tastes like butter" is incorrect. There are many fresh styles of Chardonnay, like Chablis, that do not use oak. [Tip]: In the exam, if 'Chardonnay' appears, always think of 'Climate Influence'. The magic of aromas transforming from apple to pineapple is the core of Chardonnay.