WSET Level 2 Practice Question · Episode 86
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
When tasting wine, what is the activity of smelling the wine after the 'Swirling' process called, and how does it help assess the wine's quality?
- A. Appearance assessment - Checking color and clarity
- B. Nose / Aroma assessment - Identifying quality, complexity, and faults
- C. Palate assessment - Measuring acidity and tannins
- D. Completely removes all carbonation generated during fermentation.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. Nose / Aroma assessment - Identifying quality, complexity, and faults Explanation: Tasting is more than just drinking; it is a systematic analysis. Through the Nose, we distinguish primary aromas from grape varieties, secondary aromas from winemaking (oak, MLF), and tertiary aromas from aging (leather, mushroom). It is also used to identify faults like TCA (cork taint). For service, clean glassware, correct temperature, and horizontal storage to keep the cork moist are essential fundamentals.
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Do not assume that high-priced wines always have a high intensity of aroma. Quality is measured by how complex the aromas are and how long the finish lingers, regardless of whether the scent is subtle or intense. [Tip]: In the exam, if 'Secondary aroma' appears, immediately think of oak (vanilla), MLF (butter), or lees aging (biscuit).