Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:54 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Evaluate wines (standard)

Evaluate wines (standard)

Unit of competency
National Code
FDFCD2003A
State Code
S7866
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
01/05/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/06/2012
Field of Education
019905 - Food Science And Biotechnology
Original Release Date
13/06/2012
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This specialist unit has been developed for the cellar door sales stream of the wine sector. It covers the skills and knowledge required to complete a standard sensory evaluation of wine.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Implement appropriate tasting conditions
  • 1.1 Each wine style is tasted under the most favourable conditions for that style
  • 1.2 Tasting area and equipment are prepared to facilitate tasting
  • 1.3 Appropriate precautions regarding personal preparation are completed
  • 1.4 Wines are tasted in the most favourable order to show characters of each wine
2. Identify key styles and grape varieties using sensory evaluation techniques
  • 2.1 Correct tasting procedures using sight, smell and taste are followed
  • 2.2 The four key taste sensations of the tongue are identified
  • 2.3 Characteristics of the key wine styles and grape varieties with regards to sight, smell and taste are explained
  • 2.4 Wine is identified according to style and grape variety
  • 2.5 The quality and characteristics of the wine style are evaluated and described
  • 2.6 Evaluation conditions are as favourable as possible to minimise impact on outcomes
3. Identify basic wine faults
  • 3.1 Basic wine faults are recognised and reported
  • 3.2 The cork is inspected and faults identified
4. Communicate basic information about wine styles
  • 3.3 Characteristics of a range of basic wine styles are verbally outlined
  • 3.4 Distinctions between similar wine styles are verbally outlined
  • 3.5 Questions are dealt with appropriately
  • 3.6 Key factors contributing to the style and flavour of wine are stated and explained
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Policies and procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with workplace procedures, licensing requirements and legislative requirements
Workplace information
Workplace information may include:
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
workplace policy and procedures in regard to evaluating wine
specifications
work notes
instructions or verbal direction from manager, supervisor or senior staff
Information systems
Information systems may be:
print or screen based
Equipment
Equipment may vary and should include that which is required to evaluate wine according to workplace policies and procedures, and may include:
spittoons
glasses
corkscrews
Materials
Materials may vary and should include that which is required to evaluate wine according to workplace policies and procedures, and may include:
product information sheets
tasting notes
Key wine styles
Key wine styles include:
white
rosé
red
fortified
sparkling
still
light-bodied, medium-bodied and full-bodied
dessert
dry and medium
Wine faults
Wine faults may include:
deposits
haze
tartrates
crystals
oxidation
cork taint
excessive sulphur dioxide
Key grape varieties
Key grape varieties include:
Shiraz
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Grenache
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Riesling
Semillon
Wines may be single varietals or a blend of two or more varieties
Wine characteristics
Wine characteristics include:
clarity
colour type and intensity
alcohol (light, medium, high) intensity
aroma and flavour
sweetness
acidity
body
weight
mouth feel
tannin
balance
length
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
consistently establish appropriate conditions for tasting wines
evaluate wines in an appropriate manner for sight, smell and taste, and explain results
correctly identify wines for style, grape variety and quality, and evaluate and explain characteristics
identify basic wine faults
communicate basic information about wine styles.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
personal protective clothing and equipment as required
work procedures, including advice on company practices, safe work practices, food safety, quality and environmental requirements
instructions, information, specifications and schedules as required
equipment, services and corresponding information as required
products and materials as required
internal and external customers and suppliers as required
cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required
documentation and recording requirements and procedures.
Method of assessment
This unit should be assessed together with other units of competency relevant to the function or work role.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W0883 FDFCDSEWB Evaluate wines (standard) Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAM90 FBPWIN2003 Conduct sensory evaluation of wine Unit of competency