WSET 2 - Old vs. New World

WSET 2 – Old vs. New World

This practice box has been created to help you better recognize the difference between Old World and New World wines. The selection consists of single-varietal wines , allowing you to focus on grape characteristics by the glass, without the influence of blends. By tasting the same grapes from different countries and styles side by side, you'll discover how origin, climate, and wine tradition influence aroma, flavor, and structure. The box is designed for students pursuing WSET Level 2 or SDIN and is also ideal for wine enthusiasts who want to deepen their tasting skills.

Purpose and theme of this practice box

The goal of this box is to learn how the same grape can express itself differently in the Old and New World. You'll practice recognizing differences in ripeness, aroma intensity, and structure, and learn to connect these to origin and style. This aligns directly with WSET Level 2, where understanding regional and stylistic differences is a key component.

How can you use this box

This box lends itself well to blind tastings in pairs. For example, taste two Chardonnays side by side first, then compare two Sauvignon Blancs and two Syrahs. By tasting first without prior knowledge and only then considering the origin, you train yourself to reason based on what you observe in the glass. Another effective approach is to taste in two rounds: first comparing grape varieties and then continent-by-continent, so you learn to recognize patterns. By maintaining the same tasting order in your notes for each wine, it becomes easier to spot differences and similarities.

Background information per wine

d'Astruc Limoux Chardonnay
Country: France.
Region: Limoux, Languedoc.
Grape: Chardonnay.

Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay
Country: United States.
Region: California.
Grape: Chardonnay.

Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Country: New Zealand.
Region: Hawke's Bay.
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc.

Gibault Touraine Chenonceaux Le Graal
Country: France.
Region: Touraine Chenonceaux, Loire.
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc.

La Grange Terroir Syrah
Country: France.
Region: Languedoc.
Grape: Syrah.

Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz
Country: Australia.
Region: Barossa Valley.
Grape: Shiraz.

Working with the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting

The WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting helps you evaluate wines in a structured and objective way. By systematically working through appearance, nose, and palate, you'll learn to substantiate differences in style and origin. WSET Level 2 emphasizes comparing Old and New World wines and recognizing grape-typical characteristics in different contexts. This practice box builds directly on this and helps you consciously taste and analyze these differences.

Product details

Varietal(s)	Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Shiraz