Wine Educate: Wine Tasting, Wine Tips, Wine Enthusiast, WSET
22. Tasting a Full-Bodied Red Wine Using the WSET SAT
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Website: www.wineeducate.com
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Email: joanne@wineeducate.com
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Episode Description
In this episode of Wine Educate, host Joanne Close leads a guided tasting of a full-bodied red wine using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT). This episode builds on the Structural Components Series, helping students apply what they’ve learned to a real-world tasting scenario.
Joanne walks through the tasting process at WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3, explaining how assessment evolves with each level. She discusses Carménère from Chile, a highly testable wine known for its distinctive structure and flavor profile, and shares valuable tips for calibrating your palate.
Follow along with Level 3 Bootcamp: Instagram @wineeducate (#L3Boot2025)
What’s in This Episode? 1. WSET Level 3 Bootcamp Update-
Joanne and her students are in France for an intensive Level 3 study session at Château Camplazens.
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The group will take a full-length practice exam to refine their time management and essay writing skills.
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After the exam, they’ll celebrate with lunch at La Cranquette in Gruissan.
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Follow along on Instagram @wineeducate for study tips and updates.
2. Introduction to the Tasting Exercise
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This tasting applies everything covered in the Structural Components Series.
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The wine selected is the 2020 Apaltagua Envero Gran Reserva Carménère from Colchagua Valley, Chile.
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Carménère is a highly testable wine at WSET Levels 2 and 3.
3. Understanding Carménère
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Originally from Bordeaux, Carménère thrives in Chile, where it produces full-bodied, high-tannin wines.
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Key characteristics include:
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High tannins, high acidity, and high alcohol
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Black fruit (blackberry, black plum, black currant)
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Herbaceous notes (green bell pepper, eucalyptus)
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Oak influence (smoke, cedar, coffee, cocoa)
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For many years, Chilean Carménère was mistaken for Merlot due to its similar appearance and structure.
4. Tasting at WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3 WSET Level 1 Tasting Note
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Appearance: Red wine
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Nose: Black fruit, oak, and an herbaceous note
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Palate: Dry, high acidity, high tannins, high alcohol, full-bodied
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Appearance: Medium ruby
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Nose: Pronounced intensity of black fruit, green bell pepper, eucalyptus, smoke, cedar, coffee, chocolate
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Palate:
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Dry, high acidity, high tannins, high alcohol, full-bodied
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Pronounced flavor intensity with a long finish
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Appearance: Medium ruby
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Nose: Pronounced aromas of green bell pepper, eucalyptus, blackberry, black plum, black currant, smoke, cedar, coffee, cocoa
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Additional aromas: Petrol, rubber (e.g., tennis ball can, bicycle tire), red currant, red apple skin
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Palate:
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Dry, high acidity, medium-plus to high tannins, high alcohol, full-bodied
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Pronounced flavor intensity
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Medium-plus to long finish
5. BLIC Analysis (Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity)
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Balance: Well-balanced structure
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Length: Medium-plus to long finish
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Intensity: Pronounced flavors
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Complexity: Mostly primary and secondary characteristics, not yet complex
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Final Assessment: Very good, can drink now but has potential for aging
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Practice your tasting regularly—calibrate your palate by tasting different wines side by side.
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Trust your instincts and your tasting note—confidence comes with repetition.
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Don’t get discouraged—tasting skills improve with time and experience.
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Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup
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Website: www.wineeducate.com
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Email: joanne@wineeducate.com
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Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate