Brandy Brandy Brandy Flashcards
What is Brandy?
Brandy is spirit produced from fermentation of grape juice (must)
What fruit juice is fermented to produce brandy?
Grapes
What are the brandies called that are made from the grape skins after fermentation?
“Pomace” Brandy (Includes grappa and Marc)
Why was wine distilled before transport?
To reduce the volume of the wine for transportation to save space and to avoid taxes based on volume.
Which Yeast type is used in fermenting Brandy?
Both. Wild and cultured can be used
What ratio of wine to brandy is typical in high quality double distilled brandies?
9:1
9 Parts wine to 1 part Brandy
What ABV% is from the brandy first and second distillation?
1st distillation 27-31% (8 hours)
2nd distillation 71.5%
What vessel is brandy matured in?
Casks :
Always allows maturation = gentle evaporation, creating headspace “Ullage”
What flavours do French Oak barrels provide?
Spicy, Vanilla, delicate
They are also air dried
What flavour does American Oak barrels provide?
“Sweet” coconut, overt
They are also dried in a kiln
What grape varieties is cognac made from?
White wine: 90% Ugni blanc, Folle blanche and Colombard, the a range of other varieties. (NB all White grapes).
Grapes are considered poor quality grapes for table wine, very neutral
The wine produces is dry, high in acid and little flavour, i.e. thin almost undrinkable wine!
How many distillations is necessary for it to be a cognac?
A Double distillation
and the first distillation must be in a small pot still
How long does cognac need to be matured for?
At least 2 years in French Oak Barrels
Are Cognacs Blended?
Yes all Cognacs are blended and then classified by age/quality
What are the 6 regions/Crus within Cognac for cognac production?
Lower quality: Bons Ordinaires, Bons Bois, Fins Bois
Smaller (Higher Quality): Grand Champagne, Petit Champagne, Borderies
