WSET DIPLOMA D2 EXAM 2025 | ACTUAL
QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS |
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE
WSET DIPLOMA D2 EXAM 2025 | 200 QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
FRANCE — BORDEAUX
Q1. Which of the following grape varieties is NOT permitted in the production of red Bordeaux
wines? A. Cabernet Sauvignon B. Merlot C. Pinot Noir ✓ D. Cabernet Franc E. Petit Verdot
RATIONALE: Pinot Noir is a Burgundy grape and is not an approved variety in the Bordeaux
appellation. Bordeaux red wines are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc,
Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carménère.
Q2. In the 1855 Classification, which château was the only one classified as a Premier Grand
Cru not located on the Médoc peninsula? A. Château Margaux B. Château Latour C. Château
Pétrus D. Château Haut-Brion ✓ E. Château Mouton Rothschild
RATIONALE: Château Haut-Brion, located in the Graves region (now Pessac-Léognan), was
the only estate outside the Médoc to be included in the 1855 Classification as a First Growth.
Q3. What is the primary grape variety used in the production of Sauternes? A. Sauvignon Blanc
B. Muscadelle C. Sémillon ✓ D. Chenin Blanc E. Riesling
RATIONALE: Sémillon is the dominant grape in Sauternes, prized for its thin skin which
makes it highly susceptible to botrytis cinerea (noble rot). It is typically blended with Sauvignon
Blanc and a small amount of Muscadelle.
Q4. Which appellation on the Right Bank of Bordeaux is known for producing wines where
Merlot dominates on clay and limestone soils? A. Pauillac B. Saint-Estèphe C. Saint-Émilion ✓
D. Margaux E. Listrac-Médoc
RATIONALE: Saint-Émilion, on the Right Bank of the Gironde, is dominated by Merlot
planted on a mix of clay, limestone, and sandy soils. The plateau calcaire around the town
produces the most structured wines.
,Q5. Château Pétrus is located in which Bordeaux appellation? A. Saint-Émilion B. Pomerol ✓
C. Fronsac D. Canon-Fronsac E. Lalande-de-Pomerol
RATIONALE: Château Pétrus is located in Pomerol, one of the smallest and most prestigious
appellations on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. The estate sits on a unique 'buttonhole' of clay that
retains Merlot's aromatic complexity.
Q6. In which Médoc commune would you find Châteaux Léoville-Las Cases, Léoville-Barton,
and Léoville-Poyferré? A. Pauillac B. Margaux C. Saint-Julien ✓ D. Saint-Estèphe E. Moulis
RATIONALE: The three Léoville estates are all classified Second Growths located in Saint-
Julien. Saint-Julien has the highest proportion of classified growths of any commune in the
Médoc.
Q7. Which type of oak barrel is traditionally used for ageing Bordeaux red wines, and what is its
typical volume? A. Foudre – 500 litres B. Barrique – 225 litres ✓ C. Demi-muid – 300 litres D.
Hogshead – 300 litres E. Puncheon – 500 litres
RATIONALE: The Bordeaux barrique is the standard 225-litre oak barrel used for maturing
classified Bordeaux wines.
Q8. What distinguishes 'En Primeur' as a method of purchasing Bordeaux wine? A. Wines are
purchased after a minimum of 5 years' bottle ageing B. Wines are purchased while still in
barrel, before bottling ✓ C. Only wines from Premier Grand Cru estates may be sold this way
D. Wines are purchased directly from the winery without a négociant E. Wines are sold
exclusively through the Bordeaux wine exchange
RATIONALE: En Primeur (also called 'futures') is the practice of buying wine while it is still
ageing in barrel, typically 18 months before release.
Q9. Which subregion of Bordeaux is classified as Cru Bourgeois? A. Pomerol B. Saint-Émilion
C. Pessac-Léognan D. Médoc and Haut-Médoc ✓ E. Sauternes and Barsac
RATIONALE: The Cru Bourgeois classification applies exclusively to châteaux in the Médoc
and Haut-Médoc appellations, revised in 2020 with three tiers.
,Q10. Botrytis cinerea thrives under which specific climatic conditions in Sauternes? A. Hot, dry
days and cold nights throughout the ripening season B. Cool, wet springs followed by very hot,
arid summers C. Morning mists from the Ciron river followed by warm, sunny afternoons ✓
D. Consistent rainfall and high humidity throughout October E. Freezing temperatures that
concentrate sugars in the grape
RATIONALE: In Sauternes, the Ciron river creates morning mists that favour botrytis spore
germination, while warm afternoon sunshine prevents excessive rot and allows selective picking.
FRANCE — BURGUNDY
Q11. In the Burgundy classification system, which is the HIGHEST rank a vineyard can hold? A.
Premier Cru B. Commune/Village AC C. Grand Cru ✓ D. Bourgogne Régionale E. Cru Classé
RATIONALE: The Burgundy hierarchy ascends from Régionale to Village to Premier Cru,
with Grand Cru at the apex. Grand Cru vineyards have their own appellation.
Q12. Which village in the Côte de Nuits is home to the Grand Cru vineyard Romanée-Conti? A.
Gevrey-Chambertin B. Chambolle-Musigny C. Vosne-Romanée ✓ D. Nuits-Saint-Georges E.
Morey-Saint-Denis
RATIONALE: Romanée-Conti Grand Cru is a monopole located in Vosne-Romanée, owned
exclusively by Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
Q13. What is the primary white grape variety of Chablis? A. Aligoté B. Chardonnay ✓ C. Pinot
Gris D. Sauvignon Blanc E. Melon de Bourgogne
RATIONALE: Chablis is made exclusively from Chardonnay on Kimmeridgian limestone
soils, producing high-acid, mineral-driven wines, often unoaked.
Q14. Which section of the Côte d'Or is renowned primarily for its white wines from
Chardonnay? A. Côte de Nuits B. Côte Chalonnaise C. Mâconnais D. Côte de Beaune ✓ E. Côte
des Bar
RATIONALE: The Côte de Beaune is famous for its white wines, including the Grand Crus of
Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, and Corton-Charlemagne.
, Q15. A 'négociant-éleveur' in Burgundy differs from a 'domaine' in what primary way? A. A
négociant ages wine exclusively in new oak barriques B. A négociant buys grapes or wine
from growers, blends, and sells under their own label ✓ C. A négociant owns all the vineyards
from which it produces wine D. A négociant exclusively produces Bourgogne Régionale wines
E. A négociant is prohibited from selling Grand Cru wines
RATIONALE: A négociant-éleveur purchases grapes or finished wine from multiple growers.
A domaine produces wine only from its own vineyards.
Q16. Which Chablis Premier Cru vineyard site is considered the most prestigious? A.
Fourchaume B. Montée de Tonnerre ✓ C. Vaillons D. Mont de Milieu E. Beauroy
RATIONALE: Montée de Tonnerre is widely regarded as Chablis' finest Premier Cru, often
producing wines that rival Grand Cru quality.
Q17. In Burgundy, what is the term for a vineyard that is entirely owned by a single producer? A.
Lieu-dit B. Climat C. Monopole ✓ D. Clos E. Domaine
RATIONALE: A 'monopole' refers to a vineyard wholly owned and worked by a single
producer. Romanée-Conti is the most famous example.
Q18. Which village in the Côte de Beaune gives its name to the only red Grand Cru in that
subregion primarily associated with red wine? A. Meursault B. Pommard C. Aloxe-Corton ✓ D.
Puligny-Montrachet E. Volnay
RATIONALE: Corton Grand Cru in Aloxe-Corton produces both red (Pinot Noir) and white
(Corton-Charlemagne) wines. Corton is the only red Grand Cru in the Côte de Beaune.
Q19. Which Beaujolais cru is generally considered the most full-bodied and age-worthy? A.
Chiroubles B. Fleurie C. Moulin-à-Vent ✓ D. Brouilly E. Régnié
RATIONALE: Moulin-à-Vent is the most powerful of the ten Beaujolais crus, capable of
significant ageing. Its soils contain high concentrations of manganese, contributing to firm
structure.
QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS |
COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE
WSET DIPLOMA D2 EXAM 2025 | 200 QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
FRANCE — BORDEAUX
Q1. Which of the following grape varieties is NOT permitted in the production of red Bordeaux
wines? A. Cabernet Sauvignon B. Merlot C. Pinot Noir ✓ D. Cabernet Franc E. Petit Verdot
RATIONALE: Pinot Noir is a Burgundy grape and is not an approved variety in the Bordeaux
appellation. Bordeaux red wines are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc,
Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Carménère.
Q2. In the 1855 Classification, which château was the only one classified as a Premier Grand
Cru not located on the Médoc peninsula? A. Château Margaux B. Château Latour C. Château
Pétrus D. Château Haut-Brion ✓ E. Château Mouton Rothschild
RATIONALE: Château Haut-Brion, located in the Graves region (now Pessac-Léognan), was
the only estate outside the Médoc to be included in the 1855 Classification as a First Growth.
Q3. What is the primary grape variety used in the production of Sauternes? A. Sauvignon Blanc
B. Muscadelle C. Sémillon ✓ D. Chenin Blanc E. Riesling
RATIONALE: Sémillon is the dominant grape in Sauternes, prized for its thin skin which
makes it highly susceptible to botrytis cinerea (noble rot). It is typically blended with Sauvignon
Blanc and a small amount of Muscadelle.
Q4. Which appellation on the Right Bank of Bordeaux is known for producing wines where
Merlot dominates on clay and limestone soils? A. Pauillac B. Saint-Estèphe C. Saint-Émilion ✓
D. Margaux E. Listrac-Médoc
RATIONALE: Saint-Émilion, on the Right Bank of the Gironde, is dominated by Merlot
planted on a mix of clay, limestone, and sandy soils. The plateau calcaire around the town
produces the most structured wines.
,Q5. Château Pétrus is located in which Bordeaux appellation? A. Saint-Émilion B. Pomerol ✓
C. Fronsac D. Canon-Fronsac E. Lalande-de-Pomerol
RATIONALE: Château Pétrus is located in Pomerol, one of the smallest and most prestigious
appellations on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. The estate sits on a unique 'buttonhole' of clay that
retains Merlot's aromatic complexity.
Q6. In which Médoc commune would you find Châteaux Léoville-Las Cases, Léoville-Barton,
and Léoville-Poyferré? A. Pauillac B. Margaux C. Saint-Julien ✓ D. Saint-Estèphe E. Moulis
RATIONALE: The three Léoville estates are all classified Second Growths located in Saint-
Julien. Saint-Julien has the highest proportion of classified growths of any commune in the
Médoc.
Q7. Which type of oak barrel is traditionally used for ageing Bordeaux red wines, and what is its
typical volume? A. Foudre – 500 litres B. Barrique – 225 litres ✓ C. Demi-muid – 300 litres D.
Hogshead – 300 litres E. Puncheon – 500 litres
RATIONALE: The Bordeaux barrique is the standard 225-litre oak barrel used for maturing
classified Bordeaux wines.
Q8. What distinguishes 'En Primeur' as a method of purchasing Bordeaux wine? A. Wines are
purchased after a minimum of 5 years' bottle ageing B. Wines are purchased while still in
barrel, before bottling ✓ C. Only wines from Premier Grand Cru estates may be sold this way
D. Wines are purchased directly from the winery without a négociant E. Wines are sold
exclusively through the Bordeaux wine exchange
RATIONALE: En Primeur (also called 'futures') is the practice of buying wine while it is still
ageing in barrel, typically 18 months before release.
Q9. Which subregion of Bordeaux is classified as Cru Bourgeois? A. Pomerol B. Saint-Émilion
C. Pessac-Léognan D. Médoc and Haut-Médoc ✓ E. Sauternes and Barsac
RATIONALE: The Cru Bourgeois classification applies exclusively to châteaux in the Médoc
and Haut-Médoc appellations, revised in 2020 with three tiers.
,Q10. Botrytis cinerea thrives under which specific climatic conditions in Sauternes? A. Hot, dry
days and cold nights throughout the ripening season B. Cool, wet springs followed by very hot,
arid summers C. Morning mists from the Ciron river followed by warm, sunny afternoons ✓
D. Consistent rainfall and high humidity throughout October E. Freezing temperatures that
concentrate sugars in the grape
RATIONALE: In Sauternes, the Ciron river creates morning mists that favour botrytis spore
germination, while warm afternoon sunshine prevents excessive rot and allows selective picking.
FRANCE — BURGUNDY
Q11. In the Burgundy classification system, which is the HIGHEST rank a vineyard can hold? A.
Premier Cru B. Commune/Village AC C. Grand Cru ✓ D. Bourgogne Régionale E. Cru Classé
RATIONALE: The Burgundy hierarchy ascends from Régionale to Village to Premier Cru,
with Grand Cru at the apex. Grand Cru vineyards have their own appellation.
Q12. Which village in the Côte de Nuits is home to the Grand Cru vineyard Romanée-Conti? A.
Gevrey-Chambertin B. Chambolle-Musigny C. Vosne-Romanée ✓ D. Nuits-Saint-Georges E.
Morey-Saint-Denis
RATIONALE: Romanée-Conti Grand Cru is a monopole located in Vosne-Romanée, owned
exclusively by Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
Q13. What is the primary white grape variety of Chablis? A. Aligoté B. Chardonnay ✓ C. Pinot
Gris D. Sauvignon Blanc E. Melon de Bourgogne
RATIONALE: Chablis is made exclusively from Chardonnay on Kimmeridgian limestone
soils, producing high-acid, mineral-driven wines, often unoaked.
Q14. Which section of the Côte d'Or is renowned primarily for its white wines from
Chardonnay? A. Côte de Nuits B. Côte Chalonnaise C. Mâconnais D. Côte de Beaune ✓ E. Côte
des Bar
RATIONALE: The Côte de Beaune is famous for its white wines, including the Grand Crus of
Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet, and Corton-Charlemagne.
, Q15. A 'négociant-éleveur' in Burgundy differs from a 'domaine' in what primary way? A. A
négociant ages wine exclusively in new oak barriques B. A négociant buys grapes or wine
from growers, blends, and sells under their own label ✓ C. A négociant owns all the vineyards
from which it produces wine D. A négociant exclusively produces Bourgogne Régionale wines
E. A négociant is prohibited from selling Grand Cru wines
RATIONALE: A négociant-éleveur purchases grapes or finished wine from multiple growers.
A domaine produces wine only from its own vineyards.
Q16. Which Chablis Premier Cru vineyard site is considered the most prestigious? A.
Fourchaume B. Montée de Tonnerre ✓ C. Vaillons D. Mont de Milieu E. Beauroy
RATIONALE: Montée de Tonnerre is widely regarded as Chablis' finest Premier Cru, often
producing wines that rival Grand Cru quality.
Q17. In Burgundy, what is the term for a vineyard that is entirely owned by a single producer? A.
Lieu-dit B. Climat C. Monopole ✓ D. Clos E. Domaine
RATIONALE: A 'monopole' refers to a vineyard wholly owned and worked by a single
producer. Romanée-Conti is the most famous example.
Q18. Which village in the Côte de Beaune gives its name to the only red Grand Cru in that
subregion primarily associated with red wine? A. Meursault B. Pommard C. Aloxe-Corton ✓ D.
Puligny-Montrachet E. Volnay
RATIONALE: Corton Grand Cru in Aloxe-Corton produces both red (Pinot Noir) and white
(Corton-Charlemagne) wines. Corton is the only red Grand Cru in the Côte de Beaune.
Q19. Which Beaujolais cru is generally considered the most full-bodied and age-worthy? A.
Chiroubles B. Fleurie C. Moulin-à-Vent ✓ D. Brouilly E. Régnié
RATIONALE: Moulin-à-Vent is the most powerful of the ten Beaujolais crus, capable of
significant ageing. Its soils contain high concentrations of manganese, contributing to firm
structure.
