Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

Which flavor is commonly described in the tasting notes for Gruner Veltliner?

1. Watercress

2. Peach

3. Banana

4. Berry

The correct answer is: Watercress

Grüner Veltliner is a white grape variety primarily grown in Austria, and its tasting notes are often characterized by a range of unique flavors. Watercress is a common descriptor in tasting notes for Grüner Veltliner due to the wine’s distinctive green and herbal qualities. This wine typically exhibits a vibrant acidity and minerality, which contribute to its fresh and somewhat peppery profile. The mention of watercress highlights the variety’s ability to evoke herbal and vegetal flavors, setting it apart from other white wines that may lean more towards fruity or floral notes. In contrast, while peach may occasionally be noted in certain expressions of Grüner Veltliner, the flavor is not as universally recognized as in other varieties like Riesling. Similarly, banana is more closely associated with specific types of white wines, particularly those made from varietals like Chardonnay when undergoing certain fermentation processes. Berry flavors are not a characteristic of Grüner Veltliner, as the grape does not typically produce wines that exhibit fruitiness akin to red berry fruits, which belong to other varietals.