WSET Level3 Practice Short Written Answer Questions (Australia)
February 22, 2025/
On this page, you can review the content of each chapter from the WSET textbook in a practice short written answer question format tailored to the WSET exam style.
Hunter Valley Semillon is characterized by primary aroma dominance, high acidity, and low alcohol content. Explain why these characteristics occur.
5 point
View answer
Answer
Semillon is harvested early when it has low sugar levels and high acidity, resulting in high acidity and low alcohol content in the final wine. Additionally, it is typically vinified in an oxygen-free environment, often using inert vessels, which helps preserve its primary aromas.
Grading Criteria
For mentioning that Semillon is harvested early, you get 1 point.
For explaining that early harvesting results in low sugar levels and high acidity in the grapes, you get 1 point.
For concluding that low sugar and high acidity lead to low alcohol content and high acidity in the final wine, you get 1 point.
For mentioning that Semillon is vinified in an oxygen-free environment (e.g., using inert vessels), you get 1 point.
For explaining that anaerobic winemaking helps preserve primary aromas, you get 1 point.
Part 2
The finest Hunter Valley Semillon can age in bottle for over 20 years. How does its flavor profile change with aging?
4 points
View answer
Answer
When first bottled, it has a neutral flavor. With aging, it develops honey and toast notes.
Grading Criteria
For describing its initial flavor as “neutral,” you get 1 point.
For describing the aged flavors as “honey and toast,” you get 1 point.
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