WSET Level 2 Practice Question · Episode 24
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
Which of the following statements best describes a typical Riesling wine produced in the Mosel region of Germany?
- A. Low acidity, pale colour, full body, and pronounced new oak influence.
- B. High acidity, light body, green fruit (apple) and citrus (lemon, lime) aromas, often with some residual sweetness (off-dry).
- C. Warm climate profile, high tannins, black fruit flavours, and exclusively produced as a red wine.
- D. High residual sugar, low acidity, and typically blended in the traditional Bordeaux style.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. High acidity, light body, green fruit (apple) and citrus (lemon, lime) aromas, often with some residual sweetness (off-dry). Explanation: Mosel Riesling is celebrated for having some of the most precise and vibrant acidity in the wine world. Due to the cool climate, it retains high acidity and primary flavours of green fruits (apple, pear) and citrus (lime). To balance this intense acidity, many Mosel Rieslings are produced in an off-dry style with low alcohol, creating a perfect tension between sweetness and zest.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Do not assume that "All Riesling is sweet." While many German examples are off-dry, premium Rieslings from Alsace (France) and the Clare Valley (Australia) are famously bone-dry and searingly acidic. [Tip]: In the L2 exam, if you see the words 'High Acidity' and 'Petrol', immediately link them to 'Riesling.' If the region 'Mosel' is mentioned, expect 'Off-dry & Low Alcohol.' Acidity is the backbone of Riesling.