WSET Level 1 Practice Question · Episode 81
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
What is the most appropriate serving temperature for very sweet wines like Sauternes or Tokaji?
- A. Room Temperature (18°C)
- B. Lightly Chilled (12°C)
- C. Well-chilled (6~8°C)
- D. Warm (40°C)
Answer & Explanation
Answer: C. Well-chilled (6~8°C) Explanation: Because sweet wines have intense sugar levels, they can feel cloying and sticky if served too warm. Serving them 'Well-chilled' (6~8°C) cleans up the sweetness and highlights the fresh acidity, creating the best balance. Sweet and Sparkling wines are the categories that should be served the coldest.
Key Theory Summary
Serving temperature guide by style: 1. Sweet Wine: Well-chilled (6~8°C). (Coldest to balance sugar) 2. Sparkling Wine: Well-chilled (6~10°C). (To preserve bubbles and freshness) 3. Light White: Chilled (7~10°C). (To emphasize zestiness) 4. Full White: Lightly Chilled (10~13°C). (To allow complex flavors to show)
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Don't think "it's expensive, so it should be served at room temp to smell it better." Sweet wines lose their charm as they warm up. [Tip]: If an exam asks for the temperature of 'Sweet wine' or 'Dessert wine,' the keyword is 'Well-chilled.'