41. Sparkling Wine Production Flashcards
What should be the properties of the grapes used for making sparkling wines?
- Should be low in sugar to be able to produce a base wine with a 10-11 % alcohol (second fermentation adds 1.2-1.3 %)
- Should have high acidity for the refreshing style
- Despite low sugar and high acid, the grapes should be ripe with no herbaceous flavours
What is the advantage of whole-bunch pressing and fermentation for making sparkling wines? (E)
- The spaces created in bunches by the stems act as drainage channels within the press
- The grape juice picks up few of the phenolic compounds and potassium (which acts as a buffer to acidity) from the grape skins
- Unless hard pressure is applied, the juice remains relatively clear and very light
- Stems in the ferment also absorb color
What are the properties of the base wine?
- Completely dry
- High acidity
- Neutral flavours
In what aspects, blending is important in making sparkling wines?
- To achieve particular house style
- To balance (Chardonnay brings citrus fruit, finesse and longevity, Pinot Noir brings body and red fruit aromas)
- To increase the complexity (old reserve wines bring dried fruit flavours, oaked wines bring broader texture and spicy flavours)
What is the composition of “liqueur de tirage”?
- Wine
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Yeast nutrients
- Clarifying agent
How much is the alcohol percentage increase after second fermentation?
1.2-1.3 %
What is the pressure in the bottle after second fermentation?
5 - 6 athmospheres
What are the advantages of keeping the lees in contact with the wine? (E)
- Giving bread, biscuit and toasty notes
- Protection against oxidative effect (maintain wine’s freshness for years)
- Help prevent the formulation of sulphur-smelling compounds
What is riddling?
Moving the bottle very slowly from horizontal position to inverted vertical position
What is pupitre?
It is an A-shaped frame in which Champagne bottles are placed for riddling
What are the disadvantages of traditional riddling method?
- Labour intensive (more cost)
- Long (8 weeks)
What is the name of the device used for mechanized riddling?
Gyropalette
What are the advantages of using gyropalettes for riddling?
- Less labour intensive
- Short (a few days)
The fluid used to top up the sparkling wine after disgorgement is called:
Liqueur de expedition
What is the composition of liqueur de expedition?
Wine and sugar
