WSET Level 1 Practice Question · Episode 59
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
Which of the following best describes the Grenache / Garnacha grape variety?
- A. A variety with very thick skins and a deep color.
- B. A variety with high sugar levels resulting in high alcohol, low acidity, and strong red fruit flavors.
- C. A sensitive variety grown only in cool climates.
- D. Always produced as a sparkling wine.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. A variety with high sugar levels resulting in high alcohol, low acidity, and strong red fruit flavors. Explanation: Grenache is a sun-loving grape. Mostly grown in warm regions like Southern France or Spain (Garnacha), it has thin skins and produces relatively pale wines but packs a lot of sugar into the grapes. When fermented, this sugar turns into high alcohol, creating a full-bodied feel. Typical flavors include sweet red fruits like strawberry and raspberry with a hint of white pepper.
Key Theory Summary
Grenache is like a 'Gift from the Sun': 1. Structure: High Alcohol, Low Acidity, Full Body. 2. Flavors: Red Fruit (Strawberry, Red Cherry) + White Pepper / Spice. 3. Skin: Thin-skinned, so color and tannins are not high, but alcohol provides the "weight" in the mouth. 4. Blending: Often blended with other grapes (like Syrah) in the Rhône or Rioja to add rich fruitiness.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Don't think "Grenache is deep in color and high in acidity." It’s actually pale in color and low in acidity, making it feel warm and soft on the palate. [Tip]: If an exam connects 'High Alcohol', 'Strawberry', and 'Thin Skin' to a red wine, the answer is 'Grenache.'