For many people, taking the WSET Level 3 exam is the first time they experience a wine tasting component in an exam, and so it can be intimidating! But did you know that it is actually the part of the exam that more people pass? Take a look at some common errors below to make sure you also pass the tasting exam with flying colours!
If you want to delve deeper into the world of wines, the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines provides a detailed understanding of grape growing and winemaking.
Common errors in the tasting exam:
Not commenting on all points of the Systematic Approach to Tasting®
Remember to write notes for all categories of the SAT, such as ‘development’ on the nose, and ‘sweetness’ on the palate.
Not using the correct wording
‘Lemon’ would get a mark for colour but ‘yellow’ would not, and ‘pronounced intensity’ would get a mark for aroma but ‘high intensity’ would not.
Not completing the ‘Readiness for drinking’ part of the question with enough detail
Responding only ‘Drink now’ will not gain a mark; you have to add the additional part of the answer such as ‘has potential for ageing’ or ‘not suitable for ageing’.
Giving ranges where one response is required
‘Medium (+) to high acidity’ would not get a mark, even if the wine fits in this range. Students much choose one option.
Not giving at least five accurate descriptors for aromas
There are five marks for aroma characteristics per wine. Write at least five specific descriptors and you can secure these marks. If you do not write enough descriptors, or they are not precise enough (e.g. ‘berries’ instead of ‘raspberries’, or ‘spice’ instead of ‘black pepper’) marks may be lost. And remember to include primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas where relevant.
Not writing at least three accurate descriptors on palate
There are three marks available for flavours. Make sure you write at least three specific descriptors to get these marks, including secondary and tertiary if required. Writing ‘same as nose’ will not get you any marks.
Forgetting to state if a wine is ‘simple’
If it is a simple wine, mention it! Make sure to write ‘simple’ on both the nose and palate.
Writing medium (+) or medium (-) for alcohol or colour intensity
These categories are judged on a three-level scale rather than a five-level scale.
WSET's top tips for students:
- Memorise the SAT.
- Go into the exam with a clean palate – no lingering coffee, toothpaste or spice!
- Don’t try and identify the wine; just evaluate what’s in front of you and try not to be led by what you think it might be.
- Trust yourself!
Students based in the UK can now blind taste six wine samples and complete three mock tasting exams in their own time with WSET School London’s tasting packs. Click here for more information and to order a home delivery or collection from WSET School London.
