wset Archives - Page 3 of 19

17
Feb
2021

DipWSET Theory and Tasting—Central Italy (Part 1)

categories: Wine, Wine 101, Wine World (D3)

When I was studying for my WSET Level 3 exam, I put together a great general guide to Central Italy. I still find it very useful in that it helps me compartmentalize where the most important regions are on the Italian map and where the most prominent DOCs are within those regions. And that’s great. But as those of you studying for your Diploma-level exam know, that information just scratches the surface of what’s expected of us now.

Italy’s big. It can be intimidating if we look at it like one big chunk. For me, it’s Central Italy that really causes the most confusion. So I want to take some time to look at Central Italy in little pieces and call out a few specifics included in our Diploma level studies that weren’t mentioned in Level 3 that, to my eyes, seem like good nuggets of information to keep in the front of the brain come exam time.

Andiamo, amici…

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28
Jan
2021

DipWSET Diploma Theory and Tasting—White Wines of Spain

categories: Wine, Wine 101, Wine World (D3)

When most folks think of Spain, *probably* the first thing that comes to mind is red wine. But the country actually has a lot of decent still white wine—and no, not all of it is Albariño. In a previous post, I talked about how I compartmentalizing a few of the major red wine producing regions of Spain has been helping me with my WSET Diploma studies. Today, I’m doing the same but with the white wines of Spain. So, once again, let’s start with a little theory:

Describe three major white wine producing regions in Spain, including climate, topography, and typical viticultural practices. What is the main white wine grape of each region? Describe them and explain why they are suited to that particular environment. What are the common winemaking methods used to produce these varieties? Describe the resulting wines in a dry tasting note.

Wine from Spain with Protected Geographical Indication; courtesy winesfoodsfromspain.com — Wine from Spain with Protected Geographical Indication; courtesy foodswinesfromspain.com

Below, I’ve got bullet points that answer those few questions along with my tasting notes from each region. I’ve also slipped in a few Pop Quiz/Trivia questions throughout this post—see if you can answer those as well.

Buena suerte y salud!

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15
Jan
2021

WSET Diploma Theory—Tokaj

categories: Wine, Wine 101, Wine World (D3)

I have a theory question for you: Tokaj has a solid reputation creating sweet wines from the Aszu grapes. So why are recent trends veering toward dryer wine styles? Describe the grapes and winemaking methods used to produce the dry wines of Tokaj and describe a typical example of a dry Tokaj wine in the form of a tasting note. What are the marketing opportunities for this style of wine for the region?

These are just a few things I was thinking about when I tasted through my first dry Furmint from Hungary. My analysis of the wine follows my Top Tokaj 10.

Spoiler alert—this amp goes to 11…

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14
Jan
2021

WSET Diploma Theory—Austria

categories: Wine, Wine 101, Wine World (D3)

I got great feedback about my Top 10 idea, as expressed in my post about Jura. Today, I want to share my Top 10 Austria facts. What would you add to this list?

Topografische Karte Niederösterreich russisch; AustrianWine.com

Following that list, I’m also sharing a little tasting I did of a basic Wachau Gruner Veltliner and a Brugenland Zweigelt. Please enjoy and don’t hesitate to pipe in

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12
Jan
2021

WSET Diploma Theory—Jura

categories: Wine, Wine 101, Wine World (D3)

I came across a bit of a study tip I’d like to share. If you’re studying for your WSET Diploma 3 exam and are anything like me, you’ve got sheets and sheets of notes, flashcards, maps, tasting notes (not to mention bottles and bottles of wine). But I was recently given this advice—on the cover of your notebook/folder/binder/whatever for each specific region or country, write down the Top 10 facts you think are the most important to remember for that region or country. Don’t worry about writing excessive detail (that’s what the inside of the notebooks is for), these are just bullet points of key ideas/themes/vocabulary words/etc. Then, each morning or evening, or whenever you like to pretend your studying is just a bit of light reading, review those Top 10 facts. Remind yourself why you chose them. Obviously, with some regions or countries it will be easier than others. (I’m still trying to whittle down my Top 10 Spain facts…)

How this helps: in a pinch, during the exam, if you come across a region or country you’re feeling uncomfortable with, recall those top 10 facts. Odds are, there will be something in them that will get the juices flowing and help you recall the specific details needed to answer the actual question.

I thought I’d give it a go and have been implementing this into my note-taking. Today I’m sharing my Top Jura 10.