WSET 2 - Basic Grape Identification

WSET 2 – Basic grape identification

This practice box has been designed to help you learn to recognize the key grape varieties from WSET Level 2. The selection consists of single-varietal wines , allowing you to fully focus on the characteristics of a single grape per glass, without the influence of blends. The wines are from recognizable regions and made in a classic style, allowing aromas, structure, and grape-typical characteristics to fully emerge. The box is intended for students studying WSET Level 2 or SDIN, but is equally suitable for wine enthusiasts who want to deepen their basic knowledge and learn to taste more consciously.

Purpose and theme of this practice box

The goal of this box is to build a solid tasting framework for the key grape varieties within WSET Level 2. You'll learn to recognize the differences between white and red grapes, between aromatic and restrained styles, and between light and more powerful styles. Because all wines are single-varietal, you can focus entirely on grape identification based on aroma, flavor, and structure. This aligns perfectly with the focus of Level 2.

How can you use this box

This box is perfect for blind tasting. By first describing the appearance, nose, and palate without prior knowledge, you force yourself to really pay attention to grape characteristics. You can also group and compare the wines by color, for example, Sauvignon Blanc next to Riesling, or Pinot Noir next to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Another effective exercise is writing short tasting notes for each wine in the same fixed order, so you learn to taste consistently and better recognize differences. By only examining the grape and origin afterward, you can check whether your reasoning is sound.

Background information per wine

Haut Poitou Sauvion Sauvignon Blanc
Country: France.
Region: Haut-Poitou, Loire.
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc.

Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Riesling Trocken
Country: Germany.
Region: Mosel.
Grape: Riesling.

Le Vin Idéal Chardonnay de Limoux 2024 (AOP Limoux)
Country: France.
Region: Limoux, Languedoc.
Grape: Chardonnay.

Tiefenbrunner Merus Pinot Grigio
Country: Italy.
Region: Alto Adige.
Grape: Pinot Grigio.

Blanville Grande Reserve Pinot Noir
Country: France.
Region: Languedoc.
Grape: Pinot Noir.

Le Bonheur Stellenbosch Merlot
Country: South Africa.
Region: Stellenbosch.
Grape: Merlot.

Paul Mas Grande Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: France.
Region: Languedoc.
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cave de Tain Nobles Rives Crozes-Hermitage Rouge
Country: France.
Region: Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône.
Grape: Syrah.

Working with the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting

The WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting helps you evaluate wines consistently and objectively. You'll work step-by-step through appearance, nose, and palate to a well-founded conclusion. WSET Level 2 focuses on recognizing key grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. This practice box builds on this and helps you identify and confirm grape characteristics through systematic tasting.