WSET Level 2 Practice Question · Episode 32
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
What are the typical characteristics of a Grenache wine produced in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC in the Southern Rhône, France?
- A. Very high acidity, light body, fresh lemon aromas, and no oak influence.
- B. Low acidity, full body, high alcohol, red plum and strawberry aromas, and flavours of dried herbs (Garrigue).
- C. Warm climate, high tannin, black fruit aromas, and always produced as a 100% single-variety wine.
- D. High sugar, very low alcohol, and always produced as a sparkling wine.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. Low acidity, full body, high alcohol, red plum and strawberry aromas, and flavours of dried herbs (Garrigue). Explanation: Grenache (known as Garnacha in Spain) is a variety that thrives in the sun. Because it has thin skins, it typically has Low Acidity and soft tannins, but in warm climates, it accumulates high sugar levels resulting in High Alcohol and a Full Body. Its signature profile includes ripe Red Plum and Strawberry, often accompanied by the scent of dried wild herbs known as Garrigue in the Southern Rhône.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Do not think Grenache prefers cool climates. This grape loves the sun and only expresses its true character in warm to hot regions. [Tip]: On the L2 exam, if you see keywords like 'Strawberry', 'High Alcohol', or 'Southern Rhône', choose 'Grenache'.