Ready, WSET, Go!

What an incredible evening!

On Tuesday night I stepped into what by day was a corporate boardroom, but by night (at least for the next 9 Tuesdays) will be where I study for my WSET L2 Award in Wine qualification!

I rocked up feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. The room was awash with quiet chatter from fellow wine enthusiasts. The long table was neatly set, gleaming glasses, study packs and workbooks and an introduction to WSETs Systematic Approach to Tasting or SAT for short. This was it – my next step into the world of formal wine education.

Our instructor, Anastasia, a warm and friendly woman with a big smile, called the class to order. "Welcome to your first WSET Level 2 class," she announced. "Tonight, we're diving into the art and science of wine tasting." What fun!

Anastasia introduced us to the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. The mysterious ritual of swirling and sniffing suddenly became a structured, almost scientific process. We learned to assess appearance, nose, and palate methodically, using a precise vocabulary that felt both foreign and familiar.  Ripe apple, soft strawberry and silky tannins - just wonderful!

As we approached our first wine, an Italian Pinot Grigio, Anastasia encouraged us to trust our senses. "There are no wrong answers," she reassured us, "only observations." The pale lemon wine sparkled in the glass. I sniffed, swirled and sniffed again.  Subtle pear, soft lemon, a hint of spring.  These wonderful aromas were just there, slight but unmistakable., On the palate, it was light-bodied with high acidity, leaving a refreshing, citrusy finish that made me crave a plate of fresh seafood!

Next up was the most sublime Australian Chardonnay - Domaine Naturaliste Discover, 2022.  It too was a pale lemon. The nose was a revelation – ripe apple, a hint of peach and this beautifully soft pastry. The palate was equally smooth, dry, medium acid and body with this exquisite finish.  For me this wine had balance, length and increasing complexity.  Very good indeed.

The French Gewürztraminer was a game-changer. Its pale gold colour belied the explosion of aromas – lychee, rose petals, and mandarin danced in my nose. "This is what we call an 'aromatic' variety," Anastasia noted.  Hell yes it is! The medium sweet palate was a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and gentle acidity, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for aromatic whites.  Beautiful balance, length, intensity and complexity - outstanding.

As we transitioned to reds, the French Beaujolais provided a stark contrast. Its ruby colour and vibrant red fruit aromas – think strawberries and raspberries – were a departure from the bold reds I often drink. On the palette though there were sour cherries and a spicey / bitterness I wasn’t expecting or wanting.  This was the first wind that was just acceptable in my opinion.

The final wine, an Italian Barolo, was the pièce de résistance. Its garnet colour hinted at age, while the nose was a complex mix of red cherries, cranberries, sweet spice, leather and fresh forest floor. Anastasia encouraged us to really focus on the palate. The high tannins and acidity coupled with its full body created a structure that screamed for food. "Imagine this with a rich mushroom risotto," Anastasia suggested, and suddenly I was planning my next dinner party.

As the class wound down, I realised how much my perception had shifted in just a few hours. Wines I might have previously dismissed now held new interest. The Gewürztraminer, a variety I'd never been that interested in, now intrigued me with its complexity. The Pinot Grigio, which I'd written off as too light, now represented a classic summer tipple.

Anastasia concluded the class with something I’m taking seriously :-): "Wine tasting is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice." I left the classroom that evening with a spring in my step and a determination to practice, practice, practice!

As I drove home, the evening replayed in my mind. The WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting wasn't just a method – it was a key to unlocking the stories each wine had to tell.

That night, as I drifted off to sleep, my mind danced with images of sun-drenched vineyards and cool, dark cellars. I knew this was just the beginning of a fascinating journey into the world of wine, and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.