Episodes 10–12 form a complete, distinction-grade walkthrough of Vin Doux Naturels as assessed in the WSET Diploma D5 Fortified Wines unit.
Episode 10 covers the growing environment and grape growing, explaining how warm Mediterranean climates, the Tramontane wind, grape variety choice, low yields, canopy management, and harvest timing work together to achieve high sugar levels while retaining acidity.
Episode 11 focuses on winemaking and maturation, detailing early fortification, extraction choices for Muscat and Grenache, fermentation temperatures, residual sugar requirements, and the contrast between youthful, unaged styles and oxidatively aged VDNs.
Episode 12 maps appellations, styles, and wine business, covering Rhône, Languedoc, and Roussillon VDNs, the full range of labelling terms (Grenat, Rimage, Tuilé, Ambré, Hors d’âge, Rancio), and the category’s small, predominantly domestic market.
All content is drawn directly from the WSET Diploma D5 specification and is designed for exam recall: clear cause-and-effect logic, style differentiation, and commercially relevant detail.
If you’re preparing for D5, these episodes are intended to be listened to together as a set.
