53. Brandy and other fruit spirits Flashcards
What is the world’s biggest selling brandy?
the Mexican brand Presidente, using distilled surplus wine from international market
What is definition of brandy?
spirit distilled from wine
What is Grappa?
spirit distilled from the pomace (residue of skins, pips and pulp)
What is distinctive of Marc de Bourgogne?
spirit distilled from pomace and then aged in oak
What is the most important grape for Cognac?
Ugni Blanc
What are the 2 most important grapes for Armagnac?
Ugni Blanc and Baco 22A
What is the effect of cool vintage year for Cognac?
desirable (more acid and lower alcohol)
What kind of still is used for Cognac?
only the (relatively small) copper Charentais pot still
What is ageing requirement for VS Cognac?
youngest spirit in the blend is 2 years old
What is ageing requirement for VSOP Cognac?
youngest spirit in the blend is 4 years old
What is ageing requirement for XO Cognac?
youngest spirit in the blend is 6 years old
What is ageing requirement for Hors d’Age Cognac?
youngest spirit in the blend is 6 years old
What is ageing requirement for Napoleon Cognac?
youngest spirit in the blend is 6 years old
What soil type is correlated with best quality Cognac?
high chalk content
What are the 6 crus of Cognac?
Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, Bois Ordinaires
What is the largest cru of Cognac?
Fins Bois
What is the role of sulfur in Cognac production?
none (high acid protects base wine)
What is the role of blending across vintages for Cognac?
very common
What is the role of oak ageing for Cognac?
all are aged in French oak for a minimum of 2 years
What is the role of blending across crus for Cognac?
Fine Champagne is a blend of Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne
What hybrid grape has a significant role in French viticulture?
Baco 22A for Armangnac production
Which is larger Cognac or Armangnac production?
Cognac
Describe the distillation process for Armangnac.
one distillation in a single column
What is ageing requirement for *** Cognac?
youngest spirit in the blend is 2 years old
What is ageing requirement for *** or VS Armagnac?
1-3 years
What is ageing requirement for VSOP Armagnac?
4-9 years
What is ageing requirement for Napolean Armagnac?
6-9 years
What is ageing requirement for Hor’s d’Age or XO Armagnac?
10-19 years
What is ageing requirement for XO premium Armagnac?
20+ years
Vintage products are more common for Cognac or Armangnac?
Armagnac