Aging Flashcards
What oak barrel is commonly used for aging and what size?
American Oak (Bota Bodeguera), 600L.
How much wine is lost in Ullage?
3-4% per year.
How much wine can an oak cask absorb in its staves?
15 1/4 gallons (envinado).
What is Aspillado?
An inventory check for the amount of wine in the casks.
What is the difference between a ‘solera’ and ‘criaderas’?
The ‘solera’ is the most aged wine and the ‘criaderas’ are barrels in decreasing age.
What is the minimum amount of aging for Sherry based on rules from the Consejo Regulador?
2 years.
Does vintage aging happen with Sherry?
Yes, but only for oxidative and sweet sherries.
What temperature and humidity does the ‘velo de flor’ require for development and survival?
68 degrees F and greater than 65% humidity.
What is the range of aging for Sherry?
2 years (minimum) to 30 years (VORS), with 4 years being the industry average.
What is the main difference between Palo Cortado and Amontillado?
Palo Cortado biologically ages for no more than a year, Amontillado on the other hand ages for a minimum of two years.
What are ‘acetaldehydes’?
The element that causes the sharpness on the nose of Finos and Manzanillas.
What effect does biological aging have on the various wine parameters?
Lower alcohol, sugar content, acidity and glycerin, but higher acetaldehydes.
What are the ranges in alcohol for biological, oxidative and sweet wines?
Biological: 15-17%, oxidative: 17-22% sweet: 15-22%.
How old must a wine be to get VOS and VORS labels?
20 years for VOS and 30 years for VORS.
What is ‘En Rama’?
It means ‘on the vine’ or straight from the barrel in a literal sense. It aims to bring the purest example of the wine from the barrel to the glass.
