WSET 2 Notes

Grape varieties

Grape	Climate	Acidity	Tannins	Sweetness	Body	Flavour	Oak	Characteristics	Aging
Pinot Noir	Cool Moderate	High	Low Medium			Red fruit: strawberry, raspberry, red cherry	Careful use of oak	Thin skin Typically single varietal Used to make sparkling wines Not easy to grow	Mushroom Forest floor
Zinfandel / Primitivo	Warm	Medium High	Medium High			Red fruits (strawberries, raspberries) Black fruits (plums, black cherries) Dried fruits(prune, raisin)	Red wines often oaked	High sugar levels Ripens unevenly Rose and red wines	Earth Meat
Riesling	Cool Moderate	High		Dry Off-dry Medium Sweet	Light Medium Full	Just ripe: green fruit (apple, pear), citrus (lemon lime) and floral (blossom) Extra ripe: stone fruit (peach, apricot), tropical fruit (mango, pineapple) and dried fruit (apricot)	Unoaked	Susceptible to botrytus/noble rot Aromatic variety Many harvest options	Honey Petrol
Chenin blanc	Cool Moderate Warm	High		Dry Off-dry Medium Sweet		Just ripe: green fruit (apple) and citrus (lemon) Extra ripe: stone fruit (peach) and tropical fruit (pineapple, mango)	Oaked or unoaked	Versatile: climates Susceptible to botrytis/noble rot Many harvest options	Dried fruit Honey
Sémillon / semillon	Moderate Warm	Medium High		Dry Off-dry Medium Sweet	Light Medium Full	Young: apple, lemon, grass Developed: honey, nuts, raisins	Oaked or unoaked	Susceptible to botrytis/noble rot Many harvest options Sometimes blended (sauvignon blanc)	Can age
Furmint	Moderate	High		Dry Off-dry Medium Sweet			Oaked or unoaked	Susceptible to botrytis/noble rot	Dried fruit Caramel Nuts
Chardonnay	Cool Moderate Warm	Cool:High Medium:Medium-High Warm:Medium			Cool:Medium Medium:Medium-Full Warm:Full	Cool: green fruit (apple, pear), citrus (lemon, lime) and wet stones Moderate: lemon, stone fruits (peach) and sometimes tropical fruit (melon) Warm: stone fruit (peach), tropical fruit (pineapple, banana)	Oaked or unoaked	Versatile: range of climats Range of winemaking techniques Used to make sparkling wines	Hazelnut Mushroom
Sauvignon blanc	Cool Moderate	High		Dry	Light Medium	Herbaceous, floral (grass, green bell pepper, asparagus) Just ripe: green fruits (apple, gooseberry), wet stones, citrus fruits(grape fruit) Ripe: tropical fruit (passion fruit), stone fruit(peach)	Typically unoaked	Aromatic variety Typically single varietal Sometimes blended with sémillon/semillon	For early drinking
Pinot grigio	Cool	High		Dry	Light	Green apple Lemon	Typically unoaked	Simple	For early drinking
Pinot gris	Moderate	Medium		Dry Off-dry Medium	Full	Lemon Stone fruit (peach) Tropical fruit (mango, banana)	Typically unoaked	Complex	Honey Ginger
Gewurztraminer	Cool Moderate	Low Medium		Dry Off-dry Medium Sweet	Full	Floral (rose) Stone fruit (peach, apricot) Tropical fruit (lychee)	Typically unoaked	Aromatic variety	Honey Dried fruit
Viognier	Moderate	Low Medium		Dry	Medium Full	Floral (blossom) Stone fruit (peach, apricot)	Oaked or unoaked	Single varietal or blended
Albariño	Moderate	High		Dry	Medium	Citrus (lemon, grapefruit) Stone fruit (peach, apricot)	Oaked or unoaked		For early drinking
Cabernet sauvignon	Moderate Warm	High	High		Medium Full	Herbaceous (green ball pepper), mint Black fruit (blackcurrant, black cherry)	Oak maturation is common	Single varietal or blended Simple or complex	Dried fruit Earth Forest floor
Merlot	Moderate Warm	Medium	Medium		Light Medium Full	Just ripe: herbaceous (green ball pepper), red fruit (strawberry, red plum) Ripe: black fruit (cooked blackberry, black plum)	Oaked or unoaked	Single varietal or blended Simple or complex	Dried fruit Tobacco
Syrah / Shiraz	Moderate Warm	Medium High	Medium High		Medium Full	Black fruit (black cherry, blackberry) Herbal Black pepper	Oak maturation is common	Single varietal or blended(commonly blend with Grenache)	Dried fruit Leather Meat Earth
Gamay	Moderate	High	Low Medium		Light	Red fruit: raspberry, red cherry, red plum	Typically unoaked	Carbonic maceration give aromas and flavours of banana and candy	For early drinking
Grenache / Garnacha	Warm	Low	Low Medium			Red fruit: strawberry, red plum, red cherry Spice: white pepper, liquorice	Oaked or unoaked	Thin skin High sugar levels Often blended Red or rosé wine	Earth Meat Dried fruit Caramel
Tempranillo	Moderate Warm	Medium	Medium		Light Medium Full	Red fruit: strawberry, raspberry, red cherry Black fruit: blackberry, black plum	Oaked or unoaked	Simple or complex Blended or single varietal	Dried fruit Leather Mushroom
Carmenère	Warm	Medium High	High		Full	Herbaceous: green ball pepper Black fruit: blackberry	Often oaked	Blended or single varietal	Leather Earth
Malbec	Warm		High		Full	Black fruit: blackberry, black plum	Often oaked	Blended or single varietal	Dried fruit Meat
Pinotage	Warm	High	Medium		Medium Full	Red fruit: strawberry, raspberry, red cherry	Often oaked	Blended or single varietal Takes on strong flavours from oak: coffee, chocolate, smoke	Can age Earth
Cortese		High		Dry	Light	Floral: blossom Green fruit: apple, pear Citrus fruit: lemon	Unoaked		For early drinking
Garganega		High		Dry Sweet	Medium	Green fruit: apple, pear Citrus fruit: lemon Stone fruit: peach	Unoaked		Honey Almond
Verdicchio		High		Dry	Medium	Green fruit: apple, pear Citrus fruit: lemon Herbal: fennel	Unoaked		Honey Nuts
Fiano		Medium		Dry	Medium Full	Stone fruit: peach Tropical fruit: melon, mango	Oaked or unoaked	Can be aged on lees	Honey Nuts
Nebbiolo		High	High		Full	Red fruit: red cherry, red plum Floral: rose, violet Herbal: dried herbs	Oak maturation is common	Typically single varietal	Mushroom Tobacco Leather
Barbera		High	Low Medium			Red fruit: red cherry, red plum Spice: black pepper	Oaked or unoaked	Typically single varietal Simple or complex	Can be for early drinking Can age
Corvina		High	Low Medium		Light Medium Full	Red fruit: red cherry, red plum	Basic: usually unoaked	Often blended (local varieties) Appassimento method sometimes used	Can be for early drinking Can age
Sangiovese		High	High		Medium Full	Red fruit: red cherry, red plum Herbal: dried herbs	Often oaked	Often blended (local and international varieties)	Can be for early drinking Can age
Montepulciano		Medium	High			Black fruit: black plum, black cherry	Oaked or unoaked		For early drinking

Grapes and regions

By grape

Grape	Country	Region	Characteristics	Region Characteristics
Pinot Noir	Australia	Southeastern Australia, Mornington Peninsula	light and fragrant to riper with cooked-red-fruit flavours (red plum, strawberry) and medium tannins
	Australia	Southeastern Australia, Yarra Valley	light and fragrant to riper with cooked-red-fruit flavours (red plum, strawberry) and medium tannins
	Chile	Casablanca Valley	flavours of cooked strawberries, sometimes herbal notes
	France	Burgundy
	France	Burgundy
	France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Beaune	more flavour intensity, complexity and length
	France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Pommard	more flavour intensity, complexity and length
	France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin	more flavour intensity, complexity and length
	France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georges	more flavour intensity, complexity and length
	New Zealand	North Island, Martinborough
	New Zealand	South Island, Central Otago	ripest and most powerfully flavoured Pinot Noir in NZ; pronounced fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), medium to full body and medium tannins; often oaked and needs aging
	New Zealand	South Island, Marlborough
	South Africa	Western Cape, Walker Bay	vibrant red fruit
	USA	California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County	ripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
	USA	California, Northern California, Carneros	ripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
	USA	California, Northern California, Sonoma	ripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
	USA	Oregon	complex, fresh, red fruit flavours, subtle oak flavours (smoke, cloves), can develop bottle age(earth, mushroom)
Zinfandel / Primitivo	Italy	Puglia	soft, fruity, dry
Zinfandel / Primitivo	USA	California	medium-sweet rosé (White Zinfandel); red: pronounced aromas of black fruit (blackberry, black plum), dried fruit (raisin, prune) and oak (vanilla, coffee)
Riesling	Australia	South Australia, Clare Valley	dry, pronounced aromas of lime, peach, blossom and petrol
	Australia	South Australia, Eden Valley	dry, pronounced aromas of lime, peach, blossom and petrol
	France	Alsace, Alsace	dry, pronounced aromas and flavours (ripe citrus and stone fruit); medium body, high acidity
	Germany	Mosel	lighter in body; medium sweetness to balance very high acidity
	Germany	Pfalz	dry, medium-bodied
	Germany	Rheingau	drier and more body than Mosel
Chenin blanc	France	Loire Valley, Vouvray	dry: fresh apple flavours, off-dry, medium labelled Demi-Sec; sweeter made from extra-ripe or botrytis-affected grapes with stone fruit or tropical fruit aromas; unoaked
Chenin blanc	South Africa	Western Cape, Walker Bay	dry, medium-bodied and peach, pineapple, sometimes vanila; often blended
Sémillon / semillon	Australia	South Australia, Barossa Valley	Similar to Hunter Valley, full-bodies, oak-matured
	Australia	Southeastern Australia, Hunter Valley	dry, single-varietal, light body, light alcohol
	France	Bordeaux	commonly blended with Sauvingon Blanc
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Sauternes	sweet wines made from grapes affected by botrytis, pronounced flavour of stone fruits(apricot), oak-maturation(smoke, vanila)
Furmint	Hungary	Tokaj	Tokaji Aszú: sweet from grapes affected by botrytis
Chardonnay	Australia	South Australia, Adelaide Hills	medium, high acidity; carefully balanced with oak	Cooled by altitude
	Australia	Southeastern Australia
	Australia	Southeastern Australia, Yarra Valley	medium, high acidity; carefully balanced with oak	Cooled by ocean current from south
	Australia	Western Australia, Margaret River	medium to full body, ripe stone fruit (peach) and tropical fruit flavours (pineapple)
	Chile	Casablanca Valley	citrus(lemon) and stone fruits(peach) and vary level of oak	Sea breeze, morning fog
	Chile	Central Valley		High altitude
	France	Burgundy
	France	Burgundy	simple, apple and lemon, high acidity
	France	Burgundy, Chablis	dry, high acidity, light-to-medium bodies, flavours: apple, lemon, wet stones; unoaked
	France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Meursault	oak or aging on lees is common
	France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet	oak or aging on lees is common
	France	Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon	fruity, simple(lemon, peach, melon), unoaked
	France	Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé	concentrated, stone fruits, tropical fruits flavour, often oaked
	France	South of France, Languedoc-Roussillon	peach, pineapple, banana, often oaked
	New Zealand	New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay	full body; pronounced stone fruit flavours, high acid
	New Zealand	South Island, Marlborough	ripe lemon, peach, melon; high acidity, subtle oak	Sea breeze, plentiful rainfall
	South Africa	Western Cape	Sometime blend with white variaety, such as chenin blanc
	South Africa	Western Cape, Walker Bay	high acidity, ripe stone fruit, tropical fruit and oak	Sea breeze from south
	USA	California	peach, pineapple flavours
	USA	California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County	tropical fruit flavours, high alcohol, flavours from new oak
	USA	California, Northern California, Carneros
	USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley	full-bodied, pronounced tropical-fruit flavours; vanilla from new oak
	USA	California, Northern California, Sonoma
	USA	Oregon	high acidity, broad range of flavour from citrus to tropical notes
Sauvignon blanc	Australia	South Australia, Adelaide Hills	fresh and fruity, sometimes blended with Semillon	High altitude
	Australia	Western Australia, Margaret River	concentrated herbaceous aromas (grass); , sometimes blended with Semillon; some matured in oak
	Chile	Casablanca Valley		Sea breeze
	Chile	Central Valley
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves	more concentrated and complex; blends with Sémillon; often matured in oak
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Pessac-Léognan	more concentrated and complex; blends with Sémillon; often matured in oak
	France	Loire Valley, Pouilly–Fumé	dry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
	France	Loire Valley, Pouilly–Fumé	dry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
	France	Loire Valley, Sancerre	dry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
	France	Loire Valley, Sancerre	dry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
	France	Loire Valley, Touraine	fruity, inexpensive
	France	Loire Valley, Touraine	fruity, inexpensive
	France	South of France	dry, high acidity, tropical fruit flavours (passion fruit) and herbaceous notes (grass)
	New Zealand	South Island, Marlborough	all styles, experimental approach
	South Africa	Western Cape, Constantia	refreshing with ripe-tropical-fruit and herbaceous aromas	Sea breeze
	South Africa	Western Cape, Elgin	green fruit flavours (apple) and sometimes wet stones	High Altitude
	USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley	oak to add body and flavour (smoke)
Pinot grigio	Italy	Friuli-Venezia Giulia	more complex, fuller-body
	Italy	Veneto, Veneto	short finish, acceptable to good quality, simple and inexpensive
	Italy	Veneto, delle Venezie	short finish, acceptable to good quality
Pinot gris	France	Alsace, Alsace	extra-ripe, medium acidity, medium to full body, pronounced flavour
Gewurztraminer	France	Alsace, Alsace
Viognier	France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu	single-varietal, ligh flavours of oak (vanilla)
Albariño	Spain	Rías Baixas
Cabernet sauvignon	Australia	South Australia, Coonawarra	distinctive herbal (mint), black fruit and oak (smoke and cedar)
	Australia	Western Australia, Margaret River	ripe black-fruit aromas, subtle oak
	Chile	Central Valley, Colchagua Valley	distinctive herbal (mint) and herbaceous (green ball pepper), black fruit, oak
	Chile	Central Valley, Maipo Valley	distinctive herbal (mint) and herbaceous (green ball pepper), black fruit, oak
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Margaux
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pauillac
	France	South of France
	New Zealand	New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay
	South Africa	Western Cape, Stellenbosch	used in Cape Blend
	USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley	ripest and full-bodied
	USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley, Calistoga	ripest and full-bodied
	USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley, Oakville	ripest and full-bodied
	USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley, Rutherford	ripest and full-bodied
	USA	California, Northern California, Sonoma	ripest and full-bodied
Merlot	Australia	Western Australia, Margaret River
	Chile	Central Valley	soft, medium-bodied
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Margaux
	France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pauillac
	France	Bordeaux, Right Bank, Pomerol
	France	Bordeaux, Right Bank, Saint-Émilion
	France	South of France
	New Zealand	New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay	from light and fruity to full-bodied
	South Africa	Western Cape, Stellenbosch	complex, age-worthy
	USA	California	oak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
	USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley	oak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
	USA	California, Northern California, Sonoma	oak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
Syrah / Shiraz	Australia	South Australia, Barossa Valley	old vines, concentrated fruits, full-bodied, high, ripe tannins, cooked-black-fruit flavours (blackberry, black cherry), black peppery, oak (vanilla, coffee)
	Australia	Southeastern Australia
	Australia	Southeastern Australia, Hunter Valley	medium-bodied, medium to high tannins, fresh-black-fruit flavours
	France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône
	France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage	less intense, cheaper
	France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rotie	complex and peppery, sometimes small amounts of Viognier
	France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage
	France	South of France, Minervois AOC	blended
	France	South of France, Pays d'Oc IGP	single-varietal
Gamay	France	Beaujolais
Gamay	France	Beaujolais, Fleurie
Grenache / Garnacha	Australia	South Australia, Barossa Valley	old vines: concentrated red-fruit and spice flavours
	Australia	South Australia, McLaren Vale	old vines: concentrated red-fruit and spice flavours
	France	Côtes du Provence	rosé wine
	France	Côtes du Rhône
	France	Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape	full-bodied, high alcohol levels
	France	South of France, Minervois AOC	blended, entry-level
	Spain	Catalunya, Priorat	old vines: the most powerful full-bodied, good quality
	Spain	Navarra	dry rosé wines
	Spain	Rioja	Inexpensive
Tempranillo	Spain	Catalunya	from simple fruity and light to powerful oak-aged
	Spain	Ribera del Duero	full-bodied, fresh black-fruit flavours, good quality	High altitude
	Spain	Rioja	sometimes blended with Garnacha
Carmenère	Chile	Central Valley
Malbec	Argentina	Mendoza
Pinotage	South Africa	Western Cape
Cortese	Italy	Piemonte, Gavi
Garganega	Italy	Veneto, Recioto di Soave	sweet, appassimento
Garganega	Italy	Veneto, Soave
Verdicchio	Italy	Marche, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
Fiano	Italy	Campania, Fiano di Avellino
Nebbiolo	Italy	Piemonte, Barbaresco
Nebbiolo	Italy	Piemonte, Barolo
Barbera	Italy	Piemonte, Barbera d'Asti
Corvina	Italy	Veneto, Amarone della Valpolicella	partially dried fruits; dry to off-dry, high alcohol, high tannins, pronounced flavours and dried fruit (prunes, raisins, figs)
	Italy	Veneto, Recioto della Valpolicella	sweet from partially dried grapes
	Italy	Veneto, Valpolicella
Sangiovese	Italy	Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino	powerful, full-bodied, very high tannins - must mature in oak
Sangiovese	Italy	Tuscany, Chianti
Montepulciano	Italy	Tuscany, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

By region

Country	Region	Grape	Characteristics
Argentina	Mendoza	Malbec
Australia	South Australia, Adelaide Hills	Chardonnay	medium, high acidity; carefully balanced with oak
Australia	South Australia, Adelaide Hills	Sauvignon blanc	fresh and fruity, sometimes blended with Semillon
Australia	South Australia, Barossa Valley	Grenache / Garnacha	old vines: concentrated red-fruit and spice flavours
		Syrah / Shiraz	old vines, concentrated fruits, full-bodied, high, ripe tannins, cooked-black-fruit flavours (blackberry, black cherry), black peppery, oak (vanilla, coffee)
		Sémillon / semillon	Similar to Hunter Valley, full-bodies, oak-matured
Australia	South Australia, Clare Valley	Riesling	dry, pronounced aromas of lime, peach, blossom and petrol
Australia	South Australia, Coonawarra	Cabernet sauvignon	distinctive herbal (mint), black fruit and oak (smoke and cedar)
Australia	South Australia, Eden Valley	Riesling	dry, pronounced aromas of lime, peach, blossom and petrol
Australia	South Australia, McLaren Vale	Grenache / Garnacha	old vines: concentrated red-fruit and spice flavours
Australia	Southeastern Australia	Chardonnay
Australia	Southeastern Australia	Syrah / Shiraz
Australia	Southeastern Australia, Hunter Valley	Syrah / Shiraz	medium-bodied, medium to high tannins, fresh-black-fruit flavours
Australia	Southeastern Australia, Hunter Valley	Sémillon / semillon	dry, single-varietal, light body, light alcohol
Australia	Southeastern Australia, Mornington Peninsula	Pinot Noir	light and fragrant to riper with cooked-red-fruit flavours (red plum, strawberry) and medium tannins
Australia	Southeastern Australia, Yarra Valley	Chardonnay	medium, high acidity; carefully balanced with oak
Australia	Southeastern Australia, Yarra Valley	Pinot Noir	light and fragrant to riper with cooked-red-fruit flavours (red plum, strawberry) and medium tannins
Australia	Western Australia, Margaret River	Cabernet sauvignon	ripe black-fruit aromas, subtle oak
		Chardonnay	medium to full body, ripe stone fruit (peach) and tropical fruit flavours (pineapple)
		Merlot
		Sauvignon blanc	concentrated herbaceous aromas (grass); , sometimes blended with Semillon; some matured in oak
Chile	Casablanca Valley	Chardonnay	citrus(lemon) and stone fruits(peach) and vary level of oak
		Pinot Noir	flavours of cooked strawberries, sometimes herbal notes
		Sauvignon blanc
Chile	Central Valley	Carmenère
		Chardonnay
		Merlot	soft, medium-bodied
		Sauvignon blanc
Chile	Central Valley, Colchagua Valley	Cabernet sauvignon	distinctive herbal (mint) and herbaceous (green ball pepper), black fruit, oak
Chile	Central Valley, Maipo Valley	Cabernet sauvignon	distinctive herbal (mint) and herbaceous (green ball pepper), black fruit, oak
France	Alsace, Alsace	Gewurztraminer
		Pinot gris	extra-ripe, medium acidity, medium to full body, pronounced flavour
		Riesling	dry, pronounced aromas and flavours (ripe citrus and stone fruit); medium body, high acidity
France	Beaujolais	Gamay
France	Beaujolais, Fleurie	Gamay
France	Bordeaux	Sémillon / semillon	commonly blended with Sauvingon Blanc
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves	Cabernet sauvignon
		Merlot
		Sauvignon blanc	more concentrated and complex; blends with Sémillon; often matured in oak
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Pessac-Léognan	Cabernet sauvignon
		Merlot
		Sauvignon blanc	more concentrated and complex; blends with Sémillon; often matured in oak
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Graves, Sauternes	Sémillon / semillon	sweet wines made from grapes affected by botrytis, pronounced flavour of stone fruits(apricot), oak-maturation(smoke, vanila)
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc	Cabernet sauvignon
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc	Merlot
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc	Cabernet sauvignon
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc	Merlot
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Margaux	Cabernet sauvignon
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Margaux	Merlot
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pauillac	Cabernet sauvignon
France	Bordeaux, Left Bank, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pauillac	Merlot
France	Bordeaux, Right Bank, Pomerol	Merlot
France	Bordeaux, Right Bank, Saint-Émilion	Merlot
France	Burgundy	Chardonnay
		Chardonnay	simple, apple and lemon, high acidity
		Pinot Noir
		Pinot Noir
France	Burgundy, Chablis	Chardonnay	dry, high acidity, light-to-medium bodies, flavours: apple, lemon, wet stones; unoaked
France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Beaune	Pinot Noir	more flavour intensity, complexity and length
France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Meursault	Chardonnay	oak or aging on lees is common
France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Pommard	Pinot Noir	more flavour intensity, complexity and length
France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet	Chardonnay	oak or aging on lees is common
France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Nuits, Gevrey-Chambertin	Pinot Noir	more flavour intensity, complexity and length
France	Burgundy, Côte d'Or, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georges	Pinot Noir	more flavour intensity, complexity and length
France	Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon	Chardonnay	fruity, simple(lemon, peach, melon), unoaked
France	Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé	Chardonnay	concentrated, stone fruits, tropical fruits flavour, often oaked
France	Côtes du Provence	Grenache / Garnacha	rosé wine
France	Côtes du Rhône	Grenache / Garnacha
France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône	Syrah / Shiraz
France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu	Viognier	single-varietal, ligh flavours of oak (vanilla)
France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage	Syrah / Shiraz	less intense, cheaper
France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rotie	Syrah / Shiraz	complex and peppery, sometimes small amounts of Viognier
France	Côtes du Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage	Syrah / Shiraz
France	Côtes du Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape	Grenache / Garnacha	full-bodied, high alcohol levels
France	Loire Valley, Pouilly–Fumé	Sauvignon blanc	dry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
France	Loire Valley, Pouilly–Fumé	Sauvignon blanc	dry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
France	Loire Valley, Sancerre	Sauvignon blanc	dry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
France	Loire Valley, Sancerre	Sauvignon blanc	dry, high acidity, green fruit (apple), herbaceous notes (asparagus, grass), sometimes wet stones
France	Loire Valley, Touraine	Sauvignon blanc	fruity, inexpensive
France	Loire Valley, Touraine	Sauvignon blanc	fruity, inexpensive
France	Loire Valley, Vouvray	Chenin blanc	dry: fresh apple flavours, off-dry, medium labelled Demi-Sec; sweeter made from extra-ripe or botrytis-affected grapes with stone fruit or tropical fruit aromas; unoaked
France	South of France	Cabernet sauvignon
		Merlot
		Sauvignon blanc	dry, high acidity, tropical fruit flavours (passion fruit) and herbaceous notes (grass)
France	South of France, Languedoc-Roussillon	Chardonnay	peach, pineapple, banana, often oaked
France	South of France, Minervois AOC	Grenache / Garnacha	blended, entry-level
France	South of France, Minervois AOC	Syrah / Shiraz	blended
France	South of France, Pays d'Oc IGP	Syrah / Shiraz	single-varietal
Germany	Mosel	Riesling	lighter in body; medium sweetness to balance very high acidity
Germany	Pfalz	Riesling	dry, medium-bodied
Germany	Rheingau	Riesling	drier and more body than Mosel
Hungary	Tokaj	Furmint	Tokaji Aszú: sweet from grapes affected by botrytis
Italy	Campania, Fiano di Avellino	Fiano
Italy	Friuli-Venezia Giulia	Pinot grigio	more complex, fuller-body
Italy	Marche, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi	Verdicchio
Italy	Piemonte, Barbaresco	Nebbiolo
Italy	Piemonte, Barbera d'Asti	Barbera
Italy	Piemonte, Barolo	Nebbiolo
Italy	Piemonte, Gavi	Cortese
Italy	Puglia	Zinfandel / Primitivo	soft, fruity, dry
Italy	Tuscany, Brunello di Montalcino	Sangiovese	powerful, full-bodied, very high tannins - must mature in oak
Italy	Tuscany, Chianti	Sangiovese
Italy	Tuscany, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo	Montepulciano
Italy	Veneto, Amarone della Valpolicella	Corvina	partially dried fruits; dry to off-dry, high alcohol, high tannins, pronounced flavours and dried fruit (prunes, raisins, figs)
Italy	Veneto, Recioto della Valpolicella	Corvina	sweet from partially dried grapes
Italy	Veneto, Recioto di Soave	Garganega	sweet, appassimento
Italy	Veneto, Soave	Garganega
Italy	Veneto, Valpolicella	Corvina
Italy	Veneto, Veneto	Pinot grigio	short finish, acceptable to good quality, simple and inexpensive
Italy	Veneto, delle Venezie	Pinot grigio	short finish, acceptable to good quality
New Zealand	New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay	Cabernet sauvignon
		Chardonnay	full body; pronounced stone fruit flavours, high acid
		Merlot	from light and fruity to full-bodied
New Zealand	North Island, Martinborough	Pinot Noir
New Zealand	South Island, Central Otago	Pinot Noir	ripest and most powerfully flavoured Pinot Noir in NZ; pronounced fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), medium to full body and medium tannins; often oaked and needs aging
New Zealand	South Island, Marlborough	Chardonnay	ripe lemon, peach, melon; high acidity, subtle oak
		Pinot Noir
		Sauvignon blanc	all styles, experimental approach
South Africa	Western Cape	Chardonnay	Sometime blend with white variaety, such as chenin blanc
South Africa	Western Cape	Pinotage
South Africa	Western Cape, Constantia	Sauvignon blanc	refreshing with ripe-tropical-fruit and herbaceous aromas
South Africa	Western Cape, Elgin	Sauvignon blanc	green fruit flavours (apple) and sometimes wet stones
South Africa	Western Cape, Stellenbosch	Cabernet sauvignon	used in Cape Blend
South Africa	Western Cape, Stellenbosch	Merlot	complex, age-worthy
South Africa	Western Cape, Walker Bay	Chardonnay	high acidity, ripe stone fruit, tropical fruit and oak
		Chenin blanc	dry, medium-bodied and peach, pineapple, sometimes vanila; often blended
		Pinot Noir	vibrant red fruit
Spain	Catalunya	Tempranillo	from simple fruity and light to powerful oak-aged
Spain	Catalunya, Priorat	Grenache / Garnacha	old vines: the most powerful full-bodied, good quality
Spain	Navarra	Grenache / Garnacha	dry rosé wines
Spain	Ribera del Duero	Tempranillo	full-bodied, fresh black-fruit flavours, good quality
Spain	Rioja	Grenache / Garnacha	Inexpensive
Spain	Rioja	Tempranillo	sometimes blended with Garnacha
Spain	Rías Baixas	Albariño
USA	California	Chardonnay	peach, pineapple flavours
		Merlot	oak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
		Zinfandel / Primitivo	medium-sweet rosé (White Zinfandel); red: pronounced aromas of black fruit (blackberry, black plum), dried fruit (raisin, prune) and oak (vanilla, coffee)
USA	California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County	Chardonnay	tropical fruit flavours, high alcohol, flavours from new oak
USA	California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County	Pinot Noir	ripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
USA	California, Northern California, Carneros	Chardonnay
USA	California, Northern California, Carneros	Pinot Noir	ripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley	Cabernet sauvignon	ripest and full-bodied
		Chardonnay	full-bodied, pronounced tropical-fruit flavours; vanilla from new oak
		Merlot	oak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
		Sauvignon blanc	oak to add body and flavour (smoke)
USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley, Calistoga	Cabernet sauvignon	ripest and full-bodied
USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley, Oakville	Cabernet sauvignon	ripest and full-bodied
USA	California, Northern California, Napa Valley, Rutherford	Cabernet sauvignon	ripest and full-bodied
USA	California, Northern California, Sonoma	Cabernet sauvignon	ripest and full-bodied
		Chardonnay
		Merlot	oak (vanilla, coconut, smoke)
		Pinot Noir	ripe red-fruit flavours (strawberry, red cherry), notable flavours from oak (vanilla)
USA	Oregon	Chardonnay	high acidity, broad range of flavour from citrus to tropical notes
USA	Oregon	Pinot Noir	complex, fresh, red fruit flavours, subtle oak flavours (smoke, cloves), can develop bottle age(earth, mushroom)

Important Notes

Alcohol

Low	below 11%
Medium	11% - 13.9%
High	14%+

Fortified wines

Low	15% - 16.4%
Medium	16.5% - 18.4%
High	18.5%+

Climate

Cool	16.5°C (62°F) or below
Moderate	16.5°C - 18.5°C (62°F - 65°F)
Warm	18.5°C - 21°C (65°F - 70°F)

Fermentation

White or rosé wines	12°C - 22°C (54°F - 72°F)
Red wines	20°C - 32°C (68°F - 90°F)
Rosé wines	Short maceration then follow by 12°C - 22°C

Food and wine paring

sweet	more dry and bitter, more acidic, less sweet amd fruity
umami	more dry and bitter, more acidic, less sweet amd fruity
salty	less dry and bitter, less acidic, more fruity and body
acidic	less dry and bitter, less acidic, more sweet and fruity
highly flavoured	overwhelmed by the food flavours
fatty/oily	less acidic
Hot(chilli heat)	alcohol more noticeable

Serving temperatures

Name	Temperature	Style of wine
Well chilled	6°C - 8°C (43°F - 46°F)	Sweet wine
Well chilled	6°C - 10°C (43°F - 50°F)	Sparkling wine
Chilled	7°C - 10°C (45°F - 50°F)	Light-, medium-bodied white or rosé
Lightly chilled	10°C - 13°C (50°F - 55°F)	Full-bodied white
Room temperature or lightly chilled	13°C - 18°C (55°F - 64°F)	Light-bodied red
Room temperature	15°C - 18°C (59°F - 64°F)	Medium-, full-bodied red

Sparkling Wine

	Champagne	Cava	Prosecco	Asti
Climate	Cool	Warm
Region	Champagne region	Spain, mostly Catalunya	Veneto/Fruili	Piedmont
Aging Duration	Minimum 12 months	Minimum 9 months
Grape	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, local grape	Glera, Pinot Noir	Moscato
Sweetness	Brut, Demi-sec		Dry to sweet	Sweet
Alcohol			12%	5-9%
Flavour	Green fruits, citrus, bread, dough, pastry	Green fruits, citrus, bread	Green apple, peach, white flower	Flower, peach
Characteristic	Vintage and Non-vintage		2 rounds of fermentation	1 round of fermentation

Sparking Wine Country

Country	Type	Grape Varieties
France	Champagne	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Spain	Cava	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, local grape
South Africa	Cap Classique	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc
Others	USA, Australia, New Zealand	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, local grape

PDO and PGI

Country	PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)	PGI (Protected Geographical Indication)
France	AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) and AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée)	IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée)
Italy	DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)	IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica)
Spain	DO (Denominación de Origen) and DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada)	Vino de la Tierra
Germany	Qualitätswein and Prädikatswein	Landwein

Labelling in Spain

Labeling in Spain	Joven	Crianza	Reserva	Gran Reserva
Aging	No aging	Short aging	5 months	Long aging
Flavor Profile	Red fruit	Vanilla	Dried fruit	Mushroom

Sweetness Labeling in Germany

Prädikat Level	Description
Kabinett
Spätlese	Late harvest
Auslese	Selected harvest
Eiswein	Concentrated by freezing
Beerenauslese (BA)	Selected branch or berries
Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)	Selected berries

Other Labeling	Description
Trocken	Dry wine
Halbtrocken	Wine with some sweetness

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Acknowledgments

Prepared based on Wines: Looking behind the label and WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines Workbook by WSET. And this is a fork from @luksow and I further validate some data and add in my own note in for WSET Level 2 Exam.

Brought to you with ❤️ by Too

Grape varieties

Pinot Noir

Zinfandel / Primitivo

Riesling

Chenin blanc

Sémillon / semillon

Furmint

Chardonnay

Sauvignon blanc

Pinot grigio

Pinot gris

Gewurztraminer

Viognier

Albariño

Cabernet sauvignon

Merlot

Syrah / Shiraz

Gamay

Grenache / Garnacha

Tempranillo

Carmenère

Malbec

Pinotage

Cortese

Garganega

Verdicchio

Fiano

Nebbiolo

Barbera

Corvina

Sangiovese

Montepulciano

Grapes and regions

By grape

Pinot Noir

Zinfandel / Primitivo

Riesling

Chenin blanc

Sémillon / semillon

Furmint

Chardonnay

Sauvignon blanc

Pinot grigio

Pinot gris

Gewurztraminer

Viognier

Albariño

Cabernet sauvignon

Merlot

Syrah / Shiraz

Gamay

Grenache / Garnacha

Tempranillo

Carmenère

Malbec

Pinotage

Cortese

Garganega

Verdicchio

Fiano

Nebbiolo

Barbera

Corvina

Sangiovese

Montepulciano

By region

Malbec

Chardonnay

Sauvignon blanc

Grenache / Garnacha

Syrah / Shiraz

Sémillon / semillon

Riesling

Cabernet sauvignon

Riesling

Grenache / Garnacha

Chardonnay

Syrah / Shiraz

Syrah / Shiraz

Sémillon / semillon