Page | 1
WSET L4 - D4 SPARKLING WINES
BRAND NEW OFFICIAL QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS.
Describe the topography and soils of Côte de Sézanne - correct
answer -Côte de Sézanne continues on from the Côte des Blancs
but the soil is dominated by clay and clay/silt with only small
pockets of chalk. There are no Grand Cru Villages unlike the
previous mentioned sub-regions and the quality of the grapes are
rated lower as the soil types have an influence on the ripeness of
the fruit. Chardonnay is planted on the warmer south-east facing
slopes.
Describe the topography and soils of Côte des Bar - correct
answer -Côte des Bar is dominated by Pinot Noir. The soils are
Kimmeridgian calcareous marls, the same as what is found in
Chablis and Sancerre. The steep slopes include limestone which
aids ripening and drainage.
This system is widely recognized as the best for Chardonnay. It
usually has 3-4 cordons (old wood), to a maximum of five. It is a
form of spur pruning. - correct answer -Taille Chablis
, Page | 2
This system is used for Pinot Noir and Meunier. The vine has a
single cordon that is spur-pruned, and the shoots are vertically
positioned. - correct answer -Cordon du Royat
This replacement cane system with vertical shoot positioning is
permitted in lesser-rated vineyards for all three varieties. - correct
answer -Guyot
The method is similar to the one above, but with a higher number
of buds. It is being used less now than in the past. - correct
answer -Vallee de Marne
Why high yields can be beneficial to the production of grapes for
Champagne, and how high yields might be achieved - correct
answer -High acid levels with low potential alcohol and light fruit
flavors are preferred for grapes destined for Champagne
production. This is easier achieved with higher yields in a cool
climate like Champagne. For the black grape varieties the tannins
and color do not play a huge part in most Champagne styles, so
the grapes do not have to be fully ripe either. Planting density is
relatively high at approximately 8000 vines per hectare and the
average number of fruiting buds per vine must not exceed 18 per
square meter which allows for a high crop load.
, Page | 3
All pruning methods in Champagne are limited to a maximum
average number of fruiting buds per square meter. What is the
maximum number of buds per square meter? - correct answer -18
6 primary climatic hazards, pests and diseases that may hinder
grape growing in the Champagne region - correct answer -1.
Severe winter frost, which can kill vines or parts of vines.
2. Spring frosts, which can destroy new buds and reduce yields.
3. Rainy or cold weather can disrupt flowering and fruit set. Yields
can also reduce or the grapes may be unripe / unhealthy.
4. Downy mildew, which can also significantly reduce crop levels.
5. Violent storms and hails in summer, which can damage grapes
and vines.
6. Hot and humid weather in summer, especially after heavy
rainfall, leading to the rapid spread of botrytis.
Traditionally, Champagne production involves loading whole
bunches of grapes onto basket presses in a unit known as a
marc. How many kilos are in a marc? - correct answer -4000
Name the two fractions of press juice in sparkling winemaking and
describe the characteristics/use for each fraction - correct answer
-Cuvée
WSET L4 - D4 SPARKLING WINES
BRAND NEW OFFICIAL QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS.
Describe the topography and soils of Côte de Sézanne - correct
answer -Côte de Sézanne continues on from the Côte des Blancs
but the soil is dominated by clay and clay/silt with only small
pockets of chalk. There are no Grand Cru Villages unlike the
previous mentioned sub-regions and the quality of the grapes are
rated lower as the soil types have an influence on the ripeness of
the fruit. Chardonnay is planted on the warmer south-east facing
slopes.
Describe the topography and soils of Côte des Bar - correct
answer -Côte des Bar is dominated by Pinot Noir. The soils are
Kimmeridgian calcareous marls, the same as what is found in
Chablis and Sancerre. The steep slopes include limestone which
aids ripening and drainage.
This system is widely recognized as the best for Chardonnay. It
usually has 3-4 cordons (old wood), to a maximum of five. It is a
form of spur pruning. - correct answer -Taille Chablis
, Page | 2
This system is used for Pinot Noir and Meunier. The vine has a
single cordon that is spur-pruned, and the shoots are vertically
positioned. - correct answer -Cordon du Royat
This replacement cane system with vertical shoot positioning is
permitted in lesser-rated vineyards for all three varieties. - correct
answer -Guyot
The method is similar to the one above, but with a higher number
of buds. It is being used less now than in the past. - correct
answer -Vallee de Marne
Why high yields can be beneficial to the production of grapes for
Champagne, and how high yields might be achieved - correct
answer -High acid levels with low potential alcohol and light fruit
flavors are preferred for grapes destined for Champagne
production. This is easier achieved with higher yields in a cool
climate like Champagne. For the black grape varieties the tannins
and color do not play a huge part in most Champagne styles, so
the grapes do not have to be fully ripe either. Planting density is
relatively high at approximately 8000 vines per hectare and the
average number of fruiting buds per vine must not exceed 18 per
square meter which allows for a high crop load.
, Page | 3
All pruning methods in Champagne are limited to a maximum
average number of fruiting buds per square meter. What is the
maximum number of buds per square meter? - correct answer -18
6 primary climatic hazards, pests and diseases that may hinder
grape growing in the Champagne region - correct answer -1.
Severe winter frost, which can kill vines or parts of vines.
2. Spring frosts, which can destroy new buds and reduce yields.
3. Rainy or cold weather can disrupt flowering and fruit set. Yields
can also reduce or the grapes may be unripe / unhealthy.
4. Downy mildew, which can also significantly reduce crop levels.
5. Violent storms and hails in summer, which can damage grapes
and vines.
6. Hot and humid weather in summer, especially after heavy
rainfall, leading to the rapid spread of botrytis.
Traditionally, Champagne production involves loading whole
bunches of grapes onto basket presses in a unit known as a
marc. How many kilos are in a marc? - correct answer -4000
Name the two fractions of press juice in sparkling winemaking and
describe the characteristics/use for each fraction - correct answer
-Cuvée
