WSET Level 1 Practice Question · Episode 40
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
Which of the following is the most accurate description of the effect that 'Salt' in food has on the taste of wine?
- A. It balances out the wine's acidity and astringency (Tannin) and makes the grape's natural fruitiness feel richer.
- B. It makes the wine taste very bitter and unpleasant.
- C. It makes the alcohol's heat feel very burning.
- D. It causes carbon dioxide to form in the wine.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: A. It balances out the wine's acidity and astringency (Tannin) and makes the grape's natural fruitiness feel richer. Explanation: Salt and Acid are 'the best friends of wine.' Salty food makes the bitter or tart taste of wine feels softer and brings out the fruit flavor more clearly. Conversely, food with a strong Umami (savory) taste or Sugar (sweetness) can make wine taste more bitter or astringent (Hard) than usual, so be careful.
Key Theory Summary
Food can change a wine for the better or worse. 1. Wine-Friendly (Flavors that make wine shine): - Salt: Reduces wine's bitterness (Tannin) and acidity (Acid) and increases body, bringing out fruitiness. - Acid: Modulates wine's acidity and makes the fruit seem softer. 2. Wine-Hard (Flavors that challenge wine): - Sugar: Steals the wine's sweetness and makes it taste thin and bitter. (This is why dessert wine is needed!) - Umami (Savory - mushrooms, eggs, smoked meats, etc.): Makes the wine seem more bitter and acidic. 3. Chili Heat: Can make the wine's alcohol feel unpleasantly hot and burning. 4. Intensity Match: Pair light food with light wine, and heavy food with heavy wine as a rule.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Avoid thinking that "dry Champagne is the best match for sweet cake." The sweetness of the food will erase the sweetness of the wine, leaving only the bitter and sour taste. [Tip]: In an exam, connect 'Salt' with 'Higher fruit/Lower tannin' keywords!