Brandy de Jerez Flashcards

1
Q

How long is Solera Reserva aged?

A

At least 1 year.

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2
Q

How long is Solera aged?

A

At least 6 months.

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3
Q

How does the wine made from airén compare with the wines made for the distillation into Cognac and Armagnac?

A

It is higher in alcohol and lower in acidity.

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4
Q

Is blending within a solera system the only way of blending Brandy de Jerez?

A

No, the product of two or more soleras can be blended.

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5
Q

What can ex-fino barrels impart?

A

Aromas/flavours of grilled nuts.

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6
Q

What are the four rules regarding the maturation of Brandy de Jerez?

A
  1. it must be aged in a solera system.
  2. it must be aged in barrels of 1,000 litres or less.
  3. it must be aged in ex-sherry barrels.
  4. it must be aged in the region of Jerez (the sherry triangle).
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7
Q

What stills are used to produce the three strengths of spirit used to make Brandy de Jerez?

A

All may be made in column stills but only Holandes can be made in a pot still.

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8
Q

What percentage of grapes used for Brandy de Jerez are arién?

A

95%.

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9
Q

What is the traditional pot still in Jerez called?

A

An alquitara.

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10
Q

Who owns Lepanto brandy?

A

Gonzalez Byass.

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11
Q

What are the usual proportions of spirit in the three Brandy de Jerez styles?

A

Solera: 50% Holandes/ 50% Destilado.
Solera Reserva 75% Holandes.
Solera Gran Reserva 100 % Holandes.

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12
Q

What is main grape used in Brandy de Jerez

A

Airén.

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13
Q

Which grape variety does Lepanto brandy de Jerez use?

A

Palomino, grown in vineyards owned by Gonzalez Byass in Jerez Superior.

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14
Q

Is airén grown in Jerez?

A

No, in La Mancha.

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15
Q

What is the advantage of using a solera in the production of Brandy de Jerez?

A

It allows blending to take place throughout the maturation process.

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16
Q

Is brandy defined in Spanish law?

A

Yes, but only Brandy de Jerez.

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17
Q

Does double distillation happen in Jerez?

A

No, one distillation is enough.

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18
Q

What is the abv of Aguardientes?

A

Between 70 and 86%.

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19
Q

What 2 things is Brandy de Jerez particularly notable for?

A
  1. use of high-strength spirit.

2. use of solera system.

20
Q

What is the bottom level of a solera system called?

A

The solera.

21
Q

Are grape varieties set by law for Brandy de Jerez?

A

No.

22
Q

What is an ALQUITARA ?

A

The name for the traditional pot still in Jerez. The same as an alembique.

23
Q

Do the barrels in used for Brandy de Jerez soleras impart oak flavours and aromas?

A

No. Only flavours from previous sherry content.

24
Q

What does the law say about how much high alcohol spirit is allowed in a blend?

A

A minimum of 50% must be spirit which is distilled to less than 86% abv, i.e. only 50% can be destilados.

25
Q

What are the three towns of the sherry triangle?

A

Jerez de la Frontera
El Puerto de Santa Maria
Sanlúcar de Barrameda

26
Q

When was the Lepanto company established?

A

1886.

27
Q

Where is most Brandy de Jerez distilled?

A

In La Mancha (some is done in Jerez).

28
Q

How long is Solera Gran Reserva aged?

A

At least 3 years.

29
Q

What is the key to flavour intensity in Brandy de Jerez?

A

The amount of Holandes used. Solera Gran Reserva is often 100% Holandes.

30
Q

What is the abv of Holandes?

A

70% or less.

31
Q

What can ex-Oloroso barrels impart?

A

Aromas/flavours of walnut, plums, and figs.

32
Q

What are the three labelling categories of Brandy de Jerez? And what do they mean?

A
  1. Solera; aged at least 6 months. 50% Holandes and 50% spirits.
  2. Solera Reserva; aged at least 1 year. 75% Holandes and 25% spirits.
  3. Solera Gran Reserva; aged at least 3 years. 100% Holandes.
33
Q

What are the names of the three classes of spirit produced for the making of Brandy de Jerez? What are their abvs?

A
  1. Holandes; from 40% to 70% abv maximum.
  2. Aguardientes; between 70 and 86% abv.
  3. Destilados; 86% abv or above (i.e. up to 94.8%)
34
Q

What are all levels of the solera system, except the bottom one, called?

A

A criadera.

35
Q

What is the abv of Destilados?

A

86% or above.

36
Q

What can former Pedro Ximénez barrels impart?

A

Aromas/flavours of raisins.

37
Q

What is the role of sweetening?

A

This is sometimes done with Pedro Ximénez to the cheaper brandies.

38
Q

Which is the only brandy to be distilled in the city of Jerez?

A

Lepanto.

39
Q

Where is the airén used in Brandy de Jerez grown?

A

La Mancha.

40
Q

The wine fermented from airén is of what abv?

A

11 - 13%

41
Q

What is the typical size and origin of barrels used for maturing Brandy de Jerez?

A

500 litres; American oak.

42
Q

What are the advantages of the solera system for Brandy de Jerez?

A
  1. perfect homogenisation during ageing process.
  2. regular movement leads to aeration and oxidation.
  3. allows small amounts of very old brandy to be included.
43
Q

At what strength is the brandy aged?

A

Usually at 50 - 60 % abv. this allows better extraction from the wood.

44
Q

What evaporates during ageing and how much?

A

Alcohol; 7% a year.

45
Q

Describe Lepanto Gran Reserva.

A

9 years in ex-Tio Pepe barrels followed by three years in ex-Oloroso barrels.