))
Wine Educate: WSET Award in Wines, Education Resources and Certifications. Study tips and practical advice for wine Enthusiasts and Professionals. Wine Tasting Techniques, Food Pairing Tips, Wine Education Trips. Buying wine. Ordering wine in restaurants.
»
36. Testable VS Nontestable Wines - Wines That May Appear on the WSET Level 3 Tasting Exam
Manage episode 478845108 series 3618592
Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: Newsletter Signup | Wine Educate
Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: Launchpad: WSET Level 3 Prep - Zoom Course - May 11th | Wine Educate
In this episode, Joanne Close addresses a common concern among WSET Level 3 students: the difference between testable and non-testable wines. If you’ve ever second-guessed your tasting notes or stressed over wines that don’t match your expectations, this episode is meant to put your mind at ease.
Joanne explains what makes a wine “testable” for exam purposes—wines that show clear, predictable characteristics and represent textbook styles, like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are great for calibrating your palate and practicing structured tasting.
But not every wine poured in class is meant for the exam. Joanne discusses why it's important to include wines that may not be considered “testable” but are still valuable learning tools. Examples include wines that teach about lees aging, oak influence, regional styles, or variation within a grape variety—like a Pinotage or a Chianti Classico Riserva.
She reminds listeners that only about 20% of wines are truly “testable,” and the rest are included for context, discussion, and exposure to the real diversity of the wine world.
If you’re preparing for the Level 3 exam, check out the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course, which includes a list of ~20 testable wines for SAT practice—even without the bottle in front of you.
Related EpisodesEpisode 17: Tasting Walkthrough – New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
Episode 20: Tasting Walkthrough – Oaked Chardonnay
36 episodes
Share
