1.2 - Standard Options: Winemaking Flashcards
Why is whole bunch pressing advantageous for sparkling wine production? (2)
- It produces gentle, delicate juice that is low in solids and low in phenolics (tannin & anthocynins).
- The stems create channels for the juice to flow through meaning less pressure is required. (as long as the stems are ripe)
What are the challenges of whole bunch pressing?
It’s much slower as you can only get a small amount of fruit in the press at any one time.
What kind of press is typically used?
Traditionally a basket press with a wider, shorter basket. Pneumatic presses are now used widely also.
Why is it important to to press gently for sparkling wine production?
To minimise maceration and extraction, particularly with black skinned varieties. Too much phenolic matter can make the final wine taste bitter and feel course.
What are the two kinds of press fractions?
- Free run juice
2. Press juice
What are the key attributes of free run juice and press juice?
Free run - higher acidity, more delicate flavours
Press juice - can mature faster/good for early consumption, higher pH
Why is filtration not preferred before fermentation?
Because you need the nutrients in some solids for a healthy ferment.
What temperature should the primary ferment be and why?
14-20 degrees.
To retain fresh fruit flavours but not be too cold for the yeast to function.
What the disadvantage of higher acidity fruit in regards to fermentation?
Higher acid means a lower pH which is a really difficult environment for yeast to perform.
What are the advantages of using selected yeasts for primary fermentation in:
- Method Traditional
- Tank method
- Both
- Can select neutral strains that won’t compete with autolytic flavours
- Can select strains that highlight fruit flavours.
- Helps guarantee a healthy ferment that will complete to dryness in a stressful, low pH environment
What are the five factors that make secondary fermentation a stressful environment for yeast?
- I can be 9.5-11% alcohol already
- It’s still low pH (below 3)
- It needs to be kept at a low temperature (16C)
- Nutrients will be very low (already consumed, can only add so much in Liqueur de Tirage)
- High pressure as fermentation continues in bottle
What are two common kinds of selected yeast used for sparkling wine production?
- Prise de Mousse (EC1118)
2. Lallemand (Epernay Strain)
What is the name of the process of particles clumping together to form large solids?
Flocculation
Why might malolactic conversion be used in sparkling wine production?
To reduce acidity in excessively acidic wines, or enhance texture.
Why aren’t the buttery flavours generally associated with malolactic fermentation usually found in sparkling wine?
Because diacetyl (which gives this flavour) is metabolised by the yeast in the sencondary fermentation.
What would a producer do to inhibit malolactic conversion?
Why?
Sterile filter.
So that there is no risk of it starting the bottle.
What options are available to a producer when it comes to handling the base wine?
- Age on lees
- Age in oak
Why would a producer only use a small proportion of new oak to hold their base wine?
Because the flavours of new oak are heightened in sparkling wine.
What four different elements will producers be blending at the assemblage stage?
Different:
- vineyards
- vintages
- varieties
- vinification techniques
What are the eight reasons for blending in sparkling wine?
- Balance
- Consistency
- Style
- Rose
- Complexity
- Minimisation of faults
- Volume
- Price
What are the most common finishing options for base wines?
Traditional Method - stabilised for tartrates and proteins
All sparkling - clarification
What is the name of the addition that starts the secondary fermentation in the traditional method?
What does it consist of?
Liqueur de tirage. It consists of: 1. wine and/or must 2. sugar 3. cultured yeasts 4. yeast nutrients 5. a clarifying agent (such as bentonite/alginate)
What is the most common sugar level in the Liqueur de tirage?
What does it depend on?
24g of sucrose
The amount will depend on the level of effervescence desired
How much alcohol is generally created during the secondary fermentation with the traditional method?
What is the general level of pressure achieved?
1.5% 6 atmospheres (bar)