WSET Level 2 Practice Question · Episode 68
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
In the context of Food & Wine Pairing, how does a wine typically change when consumed with foods high in 'Sugar' or 'Umami'?
- A. The wine tastes sweeter and more fruit-forward.
- B. The wine tastes more bitter (Tannin) and acidic, while its fruitiness decreases.
- C. The wine's alcohol level suddenly drops.
- D. B. The wine tastes more bitter (Tannin) and acidic, while its fruitiness decreases.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. The wine tastes more bitter (Tannin) and acidic, while its fruitiness decreases. Explanation: Food & Wine Pairing is the science of understanding how food flavors interact with wine. Sugar and Umami can make a wine appear more bitter, astringent, and acidic, while stripping away its fruit character (the wine appears 'harder'). Conversely, Acid and Salt in food help the wine taste smoother, sweeter, and more fruit-forward (the wine appears 'softer').
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Do not assume that savory mushroom dishes (high in Umami) will always make a wine smoother. Umami, like sugar, makes wine seem 'harder' and more tannic. (Adding a pinch of salt to the dish can bring the wine back to life!) [Tip]: Memorize the formula for the exam: 'Sugar/Umami -> Harder', 'Salt/Acid -> Softer'.