Brandy Flashcards
What is the maximum distillation proof of Brandy?
190 proof
How are Cognac and Armagnac alike?
They both are considered to be protected Denomination of Origins, both produced from grapes and both pot distilled.
What is Slivovitz made from?
Fruid brandy made from plums, traditional to Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovinia, Serbia and Republic of Macedonia and Croatia.
What is Brandy made from?
Fruit or wine.
What is the minimum bottling proof for Brandy?
80 proof.
What are the 4 flavor areas for Brandy?
Brandy - FSSW
- Fruit
- Sweet Aromatics
- Spice
- Wood
How does the US classify Flavored Brandy?
Brandy that has been:
- Flavored with natural flavoring materials.
- Possibly sweetened with sugar.
- Bottled at no less than 60 proof.
- Bolstered with wine up to 15% by volume of finished produced provided at least 12% of the wine is derived from the base that corresponds to the labeled flavor.
Why was wine first distilled?
As a way to preserve it and make it easier for merchants to ship over long distances.
How does the EU define Brandy?
- Produced from wine spirit, whether or not wine distillate has been added.
- Distilled at less than 94.8% ABV provided distillate doesn’t exceed 50% of alcoholic content of finished product.
- Matured for at least 1 year in oak receptacles or for at least 6 months in oak casks/barrels.
- Bottled at a minimum of 72 proof.
- Free of any additional alcohol.
- Free of flavor additives.
- Colored only with added caramel.
What are the differences between Cognac and Armangac?
The regions where they’re produced. Armagnac is single distilled and Cognac is double-distilled. Armagnac offers vintage qualities.
What is the flavor of Kirschwasser?
Cherry
What is the traditional name of Hungarian Brandy?
Palinka
What does Fine Champagne mean on a Cognac bottle?
Must be a blend of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne with a minimum of 50% Grande Champagne.
When was the region of Cognac delimited?
May 1909.
What is “Tuica?”
Clear Romanian Brandy made from plums, apples, pears, apricots, etc.
What is “Immature Brandy?”
A US specific term for a brandy matured for less than 2 years.
What is “Pisco?”
Clear grape brandy produced in South America.
What do the following terms mean on a bottle of Cognac? VS, VSOP, XO
VS: Very Special
VSOP: Very Superior Old Pale
XO: Extra Old
What is the “Solera Process?”
Fractional blending program.
What are the 4 Flavor Souces for Brandy?
- Fruit/Grapes
- Fermentation
- Distillation
- Maturation
What is “Slivovice?”
Strong 140 proof + brandy made from plums in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, etc.
What is “Pomace Brandy?”
Brandy made from fermented grape pulp, seeds and stems.
What does “Hors d’Age” mean?
Napolean or XO Cognac aged for 10+ years.
What are the departments for Cognac?
Charante and Charante-Maritime
What are the 3 AOC designations used in Cognac?
Eau-de-vie de Cognac, Eau-de-vie de Charantes and Cognac.
What are the 6 areas of production for Cognac?
Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fin Bois, Bons Bois and Bons Ordinaires.
What are the primary grapes used in Cognac production?
Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard.
What are the 3 regions of Armagnac?
Le Bas Armagnac, Le Haut Armagnac and Le Tenareze.
What are the barrel aged specifications of Armagnac?
Armagnac - less than 6 years; Veil Armagnac more than 6 years; Vintage Armagnac - minimum of 10 years and may be aged at barrel proof.
How long must Cognac be aged?
VS - 2 years; VSOP - 4 years; XO - 10 years.
From where is the family name of “Brandy” derived?
The term “brandywine” which in the original Dutch “brandewijn” meant “burnt wine.”
The German term “Weinbrand” is equivalent to what English term?
Brandy
What are the two distinct types or families of Brandy flavor?
Grape wine based and fruit based.
What are the general flavor presentation styles of Brandy?
LFF
- Light and Gentle
- Flavorful and Fruity.
- Full-bodied and Robust
What generally is the alcohol concentration of the final distillate?
82% ABV
What are the 3 ways a Brandy can be matured?
- No aging
- Single barrel aging
- Solera process
What are the requirements of a vintage dated Brandy?
It must be stored in its original cask until the time it’s bottled with the label showing the vintage date on.
Where must oak casks used in Armagnac production come from?
Gascony or Limousin.
What is Brandy de Jerez?
Brandy originally from area of Jerez, Spain although it can be made in other regions.
What is Lourinha?
A Brandy made in western Portugal’s Estremadura region.
What is Pisco?
Brandy from South America.
Besides following Cognac rules of production, what is South African brandies aging requirement?
Minimum of 3 years.
What are the 3 grapes used in Cognac production?
Folle Blanche, Colombard and Ugni Blanc (Italy’s Trebbiano).
What is “brouillis?”
The first distillation in Cognac production.
What is “repasse?”
The second distillation in Cognac production.
What is the maximum alcohol at distillation for Cognac?
72 ABV
What must distillation be complete with Cognac?
March 31 following the harvest.
What types of barrels must be used in Cognac production?
Limousine or Troncais-style barrels.
What is minimum bottling proof for Cognac?
80 proof
How far do records go back for Armagnac production?
1500’s
What are the primary grapes for Armagnac production?
Folle Blanche, Colombard, Ugni Blanc and Baco Blanc.
What size barrels are used in Armagnac production?
400 liter barrels.
What is Blanche d’Armagnac?
Distilled spirit with no aging.
What 3 countries have a history of crafting apple based brandies?
US, UK and France.
What’s the name of an apple brandy from the French region of Lower Normandy?
Calvados
What are the 2 requirements of Applejack?
- Must be matured in oak containers for no less than 2 years.
- Must be bottled at no less than 80 proof.
What is “Eau-de-vie?”
General French term for fruit brandy.
What did brandy first begin to appear?
In the 12th century and became popular in the 16th century.
Why was wine originally distilled?
As a way to preserve it and make it easier for merchants to ship it over long distances.
In what century was Cognac introduced?
During the 17th century.
What are the name of Brandy made in Romania and Muldova?
Vinars and Divin.
