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 Portugal.
Question 1
Part 1
Describe the style of Vinho Verde.
5 points
View answer
Answer
Vinho Verde is a pale-colored wine with aromas of green fruits such as lemon and lime. It is off-dry, with high acidity, low alcohol, and a light body. It is generally not suitable for ageing and is intended for early drinking.
Grading Criteria
For describing the style of Vinho Verde, award 1 point for each of the following features, up to a maximum of 5 points:
- For stating that the wine has a “pale color,” you get 1 point.
- For mentioning aromas such as “lemon” or “lime,” indicating green fruit primary aromas, you get 1 point.
- For describing the sweetness level as “off-dry,” you get 1 point.
- For stating that the wine has “low alcohol,” you get 1 point.
- For stating that the wine is “light-bodied,” you get 1 point.
- For mentioning that the wine is “not suitable for ageing” and is intended as an “early drinking wine,” you get 1 point.
Part 2
Vinho Verde experiences a maritime climate with high rainfall throughout the year. Identify three ways in which high rainfall can harm grapevines, and explain each.
5 points
View answer
Answer
High rainfall increases humidity, which promotes the spread of fungal diseases, adversely affecting grape health. Additionally, excessive rainfall reduces sunlight exposure, hindering photosynthesis. Furthermore, high rainfall encourages excessive canopy growth, with the leaves shading the grapes and further reducing sunlight. These factors collectively impede grape growth and delay ripening.
Grading Criteria
- For stating that high rainfall “increases humidity,” you get 1 point.
- For explaining that increased humidity “promotes fungal diseases,” which harm grape health, you get 1 point.
- For mentioning that high rainfall “reduces sunlight exposure,” which limits photosynthesis, you get 1 point.
- For stating that high rainfall “encourages excessive canopy growth,” you get 1 point.
- For explaining that excessive canopy growth “shades the grapes, reducing sunlight,” leading to inhibited growth and delayed ripening, you get 1 point.
Have you prepared for the multiple-choice questions?
If not, they could unexpectedly trip you up. Practicing multiple-choice questions not only helps you tackle them effectively but also deepens your understanding of the chapter, benefiting your preparation for the written questions as well.
Click here for the multiple-choice questions for this chapter.