WSET Level3 Practice Short Written Answer Questions (South Africa)
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.
This chapter focuses on South Africa. (5 questions)
Why is high-quality wine produced in South Africa? Identify three natural factors and explain how each contributes to wine quality.
9 point
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Answer
Benguela Current: The cold Benguela Current lowers coastal temperatures, helping to preserve acidity and aromas in the grapes.
Cape Doctor: The cool southeastern wind known as the Cape Doctor reduces temperatures, which helps retain acidity and aromas in the grapes.
Mountain Ranges: The presence of large mountain ranges creates variations in altitude, aspect, and soil, which lower temperatures, increase diurnal temperature variation, and allow for optimal grape selection in different locations.
Grading Criteria
For identifying the Benguela Current as a natural factor, you get 1 point.
For explaining that the Benguela Current lowers coastal temperatures, you get 1 point.
For explaining how lower temperatures help preserve acidity and aromas in the grapes, you get 1 point.
For identifying the Cape Doctor as a natural factor, you get 1 point.
For explaining that the Cape Doctor lowers temperatures, you get 1 point.
For explaining how lower temperatures help preserve acidity and aromas in the grapes, you get 1 point.
For identifying mountain ranges as a natural factor, you get 1 point.
For explaining that mountain ranges create variations in altitude, aspect, and soil, which lower temperatures and increase diurnal variation, you get 1 point.
For explaining how these factors contribute to high-quality wine by preserving acidity and aromas or allowing optimal grape selection, you get 1 point.
Part 2
South Africa produces high-quality Chenin Blanc. Explain one viticultural and one winemaking option used to produce high-quality Chenin Blanc.
4 points
View answer
Answer
Viticultural option: Using old bush vines results in wines with concentrated flavors and a rich mouthfeel.
Winemaking option: Barrel fermentation and maturation add toasty oak aromas and enhance body.
Grading Criteria
For identifying the use of old bush vines as a viticultural option, you get 1 point.
For explaining that old bush vines result in wines with concentrated flavors and a rich mouthfeel, you get 1 point.
For identifying barrel fermentation and maturation as a winemaking option, you get 1 point.
For explaining that barrel fermentation and maturation add toasty oak aromas and enhance body, you get 1 point.
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