How hard is the WSET 3?
The WSET 3 is one of the hardest exams in the world globally – with a pass rate of only 50%. A mix of three core exam components – multiple choice, blind tasting, and the hardest aspect, the short written answers – must have a pass rate of 55% each.
Moreover, the exam content is vast – covering most major wine regions in the world. Rather than being organised by grapes, like the WSET 2, this exam focuses on the wine regions of the world. There is a lot of content to learn, I cannot stress this enough. The text book for the WSET 3 is almost four times the length of the WSET 2 – with far fewer pictures if you catch my drift.
What is the exam format for the WSET 3 exam?
So let’s break down the WSET 3 exam structure. There are three components to be aware of:
- Blind tasting – the blind tasting component assesses one red and one white wine. You have 30 minutes to accurately assess various components of the wine, as well as describe aromas and flavours.
- Multiple choice – a relatively straight forward multiple choice. This is similar to the WSET 2, but with a far wider wealth of content covered.
- Short written answer questions – four 25-mark questions that can cover several areas of the content. There will always be one question of sparkling or fortified wines though – this is guaranteed.
What is the hardest part of the WSET 3 exam?
The short written questions are infamously the hardest part of the exam. They can cover so much content and rely primarily on a mix of recall but also the ability to cross reference various parts of the textbook.
For example, look at the sample written question for the WSET 3 on Australia below:
- Name the region in South Australia known for making premium Cabernet Sauvignon. [1 mark]
- Describe the style of this wine. [4 marks]
- Name two other wine region that make premium Cabernet Sauvignon throughout the world? [2 marks]
- Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for being full-bodied, tannic and powerful – name two methods that can be employed in the winery to achieve this style, and describe them. [6 marks]
Answers:
- Coonawarra
- Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra is concentrated, structured with black fruits (blackberry, black cherry, cassis), with eucalyptus and menthol aromas.
- Napa Valley, California and Maipo Valley, Chile
- In the winery, Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes rigorous cap techniques (pushing down/pumping over/rack and return) to extract as much tannin, colour and flavour as possible. This will create especially tannic wines that are typical of a premium Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to this, wine makers can either ferment or mature Cabernet Sauvignon in oak to add complexity and structure to the wine – and better integrate the tannins. This will create complex, powerful and well-structured Cabernet Sauvignons.
Let’s break this down…
This means that students not only need to be familiar with the Australia section of the textbook (Chapter 39), but also be familiar with the other premium Cabernet Sauvignon areas (Chapter 33 – California and Chapter 36 – Chile). As well as Chapter 9 – ‘Red and Rose Winemaking’). Much like a fine wine, there is a better integration of knowledge needed to get the highest marks possible.
One of the best approaches to take is also to have a good integration in your notes. Once you’ve made notes on individual chapters, begin to make notes on grapes, ie, Cabernet Sauvignon (like above). Within this, consider the grape variety itself (late ripening/tannic/acidic/cassis/etc), the winemaking processes to employ various styles, the major wine growing regions for Cabernet Sauvignon and its styles, and lastly, any tidbits of knowledge (ie, Coonawarra is grown on Terra Rossa soil over limestone).
It’s complex but it’s a great approach and will certainly prepare you for the more the short answer questions. Especially as often most questions build on one another. For example, as above, you needed to know the answer to Question 1 to be able to answer Question 2.
What can I do to prepare for the WSET 3 exam?
Although the WSET 3 exam is particularly difficult to prepare for, don’t worry. At Vinspiration, we have you covered.
- See our best revision tips here.
- For WSET 3 revision notes, click here.
- To have access to a range of sample questions and answers – coming soon!
Good luck studying, fellow oenophiles.