WSET Level 1 Practice Question · Episode 67
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
Which of the following best describes how the shape of a wine glass affects the taste?
- A. The taste is exactly the same regardless of the glass.
- B. A wider bowl allows for more oxygen contact, which helps release complex aromas.
- C. Sparkling wine should be served in the widest glass possible to trap aromas.
- D. Red wine should be served in the smallest glass possible to keep it cold.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. A wider bowl allows for more oxygen contact, which helps release complex aromas. Explanation: The bowl shape helps capture and deliver the wine's aromas. Red wine glasses usually have wider bowls to let the wine breathe. In contrast, sparkling wine glasses (flutes) are tall and narrow to slow down the loss of bubbles and provide visual enjoyment. The narrowing top of the glass concentrates the gathered aromas toward your nose.
Key Theory Summary
Choosing the right glass for the style: 1. Red Wine Glass: Large, wide bowl. (To wake up complex aromas) 2. White Wine Glass: Smaller than red. (To preserve fresh fruit notes and keep it cool) 3. Flute (Sparkling): Tall and narrow. (To preserve bubbles and for visual appeal) 4. Standard Wine Glass: The WSET standard glass is designed to evaluate all wines fairly.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Don't think "sparkling wine glasses are wide to let the bubbles pop faster." The goal is to preserve the bubbles as long as possible. [Tip]: If 'Maximizing oxygen contact' or 'Capturing aromas' appears in the exam, it describes the purpose of a large-bowled glass.