04
Section 4 of 34
Red wine production
This chapter covers how red wines are made, plus the two grape varieties WSET uses as worked examples for the Level 2 syllabus: Pinot Noir and Zinfandel (also called Primitivo). Production factors first, then the grapes that bring them to life.
In this chapter:
- Red production factors: the cap, punching down vs pumping over, vessel choice, and the maturation decisions that shape every red.
- Pinot Noir: thin-skinned, cool-climate, and the grape behind red Burgundy.
- Zinfandel (Primitivo): warm-climate, two names, two countries, two distinct styles.
Work through the sub-sections in order. The chapter flashcard deck appears under the last sub-section and tests both the production process and the grape profiles together.