WSET Level 2 Practice Question · Episode 30
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
What are the typical characteristics of a Syrah wine produced in the Côte-Rôtie AOC in the Northern Rhône, France?
- A. Low acidity, pale colour, light body, and fresh strawberry aromas.
- B. High tannin, blackberry aromas, and flavours of black pepper and meat (leather).
- C. Warm climate, low tannin, neutral aromas, and produced only as sparkling wine.
- D. High sugar, low alcohol, and always blended in a Bordeaux style.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. High tannin, blackberry aromas, and flavours of black pepper and meat (leather). Explanation: Syrah is a grape variety known for its small berries and thick skins, which produce wines with deep colour and High Tannin. In the prestigious appellations of the Northern Rhône, such as Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, its signature profile is defined by Black pepper and subtle savoury notes of Meat or Leather. In Australia, where it is called Shiraz, it often develops a more jammy, chocolatey, and intense fruit profile.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Do not assume that "all Syrah is jammy and sweet." Northern Rhône Syrah can be very restrained, mineral-driven, and intensely peppery. [Tip]: On the L2 exam, if descriptors like 'Black Pepper' or 'Meat' appear, link them to 'Syrah/Shiraz'. These spicy, savoury notes combined with 'Thick Skin' and 'High Tannin' are its definitive markers.