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
Where can Brandy age tradings be used?
Brandy ageing can be used for any brandy around the world
The specifics of V.S. Brandy ageing
It is “Very Special”
or Three stars
The youngest brandy is at least 2 years in the cask
When was Brandy first distilled?
France 1313 - as a medicine
What is Alembic?
ALEMBIC - Word for a small pot still - where we get the word alcohol from
How do we slow down evaporation in casks?
Evaporation rate slowed down by removing ullage - topping up the barrel (every 1-2 months)
What is Angels share?
Angels Share - evaporating at rate of 3% approx. each year, losing alcohol & water
Why so much French Oak during 18th and 19th Century?
Used to build war ship building
Why is American Oak so popular?
American more popular since there is need for lots of new oak, bourbon barrels reused for brandy
The specifics of V.S.O.P. Brandy
Means Very Superior Old Pale
Or Reserve
Or 5 stars
The youngest brandy is at least 4 years old
The specifics of Napoléon Brandy age
The youngest brandy is at least 6 years
The specifics of XO aged brandy
Stands for Extra Old
The youngest brandy is stored for at least 10 years
The specifics of Hors d’Age (Beyond Age)
The XO equivalent for Armagnac
At least matured for 10 years
Armagnac distillation specifics
Column still or traditionally alembic stills heated by direct firing
Only distilled once, resulting in 52% alcohol content. The result is a more fragrant and flavourful spirit
Maturation of oak
Can Armagnac be vintage
Armagnac can be vintage and must be aged for at least 10 years
Cognac cannot be vintage and must be blended
Calvados specifics
From Normandy France
Distilled from selected apples
Double distilled in a traditional alembic pot still or continous still
Minimum of 2 years ageing in oak barrels
