WSET Level 1 Practice Question · Episode 80
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
What is the sensory effect of eating salty Blue Cheese with a very sweet Dessert Wine?
- A. The wine becomes too bitter to drink.
- B. The saltiness and sweetness create a contrast, making the flavors feel much more complex and delicious.
- C. The alcohol in the wine disappears completely.
- D. The cheese becomes hard in the mouth.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. The saltiness and sweetness create a contrast, making the flavors feel much more complex and delicious. Explanation: This is a classic example of 'Contrast pairing.' The strong saltiness of the food highlights the wine's sweetness, while the wine's sweetness softens the saltiness of the cheese. It’s the same reason we love "salty-sweet" snacks. Iconic examples include Stilton cheese with Port wine, or Roquefort cheese with Sauternes.
Key Theory Summary
Harmony through contrast: 1. Salty Food: Highlights the sweetness of the wine and increases its body. 2. Sweet Wine: Mitigates the saltiness of the food and provides rich flavor. 3. Classic Pairings: - Stilton (Blue Cheese) & Port. - Roquefort (Blue Cheese) & Sauternes. 4. Why it works: The balance of salt and sugar provides a primal sensory pleasure.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Don't only think "salty food must have dry, high-acid wine." Salty-sweet 'Contrast' pairings are also a classic correct answer. [Tip]: If 'Blue Cheese' or 'Salty food' is paired with 'Sweet wine,' remember 'Contrast match.'