03/25/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/25/2022 10:02
[Link] In today's world, identifying a wine in a blind tasting-or, in the context of SWE's Certified Wine Educator (CWE) exam, a semi-blind tasting-seems to be losing relevance as an accurate gauge of the skillset involved in the sensory evaluation of wine.
As such, we have decided to revise the format of the varietal/appellation identification portion of the CWE exam and rename it as simply the CWE Tasting Exam.
The reality is this: we are seeing definitive changes in what was once considered to be the benchmark or typical style in many iconic wines. Good examples of this shift-in-progress include Rioja, Oregon Pinot Noir, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, and even Bordeaux. Soon, the wine world may need to accept that many regions are seeing such changes due to regulatory revisions, advances in wine making technology, adaptations in viticulture, stylistic development, and/or climate change.
SWE acknowledges the diversity of human sensory perception and will accept a range of descriptive vocabulary in candidate answers. We are looking for responses that are demonstrative, logical, consistent, and appropriate for each specific wine.
Note: The format of this exam may be modified for use in a virtual setting, which may involve verbal assessments in place of-or in addition to-the written exercises.
If you have any questions, please contact Jane Nickles at [email protected].