WSET Level 1 Practice Question · Episode 53
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
Which of the following best describes the 'Pinot Grigio' style of wine typically produced in Italy?
- A. A very sweet, dessert-style wine.
- B. A dry white wine with high acidity and a light body.
- C. A wine aged for a long time in oak with strong vanilla aromas.
- D. A red wine with high tannins and a bitter finish.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. A dry white wine with high acidity and a light body. Explanation: Pinot Grigio is a globally popular white wine style perfected in Northern Italy. It is typically very pale in color and feels as light and refreshing as water on the palate, which is called 'Light Body.' It features subtle fruit notes of lemon and pear and is almost always unoaked to maintain its crisp freshness.
Key Theory Summary
Pinot Grigio is the definition of 'Easy-drinking' and 'Refreshing': 1. Body: Light Body (Very light). 2. Acidity: High (Fresh and zesty). 3. Flavors: Lemon, Pear (Subtle fruit). 4. Style: Dry & Unoaked. 5. Region: Italy is the heart of this style. In France, the same grape is called 'Pinot Gris' and is often made in a richer, fuller style.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Don't assume "Pinot Grigio is a sweet wine." The Italian style is almost always 'Dry.' [Tip]: If you see 'Light Body', 'Simple Fruit', and 'Italy' as a set, choose 'Pinot Grigio.'