Chapter 41 - Sparkling Wine Production Flashcards
The grapes used to make sparkling wines should be relatively high in sugar compared with those use for still wines, True or False?
False. They should be relatively low in sugar
How much is alcohol increased in sparkling wine through the secondary fermentation process?
The secondary fermentation process increases the alcohol levels of the wine by a further 1.2 to 1.3% abv.
Due to the added alcohol from the secondary fermentation process, what alcohol level to winemakers generally aim to produce the still dry base wine?
10-11%
High acid levels are desired for many sparkling wines, True or False?
True
Should there typically be any green herbaceous flavors in the dry base wine used for sparkling wine?
No, despite the relatively low sugar concentrations and high acid levels.
How are the grapes for the best sparkling wines typically harvested?
They are hand-picked to retain whole bunches of unsplit grapes.
What are the five methods to produce sparkling wine?
1) Traditional Method
2) Transfer Method
3) Tank Method
4) Asti Method
5) Carbonation
What is the key characteristic of sparkling wine made in the Traditional Method?
The wine has undergone a second fermentation in the bottle in which it is later sold.
After harvesting and pressing, what are the principal steps of the traditional method to make sparkling wine?
- Making the base wine
- Blending
- Second alcoholic fermentation
- Yeast autolysis
- Riddling
- Disgorgement and corking
- Bottle ageing
What are the main purposes of blending in the production of sparkling wines?
- Blending wines from different vineyards, varietals and/or vintages can help to achieve a House Style year over year despite vintage variation
- Improve the balance of the wine
- Enhance the complexity of the wine
What is “Liqueur de tirage”?
A mixture of wine, sugar, yeast, yeast nutrients and a clarifying agent, which is added to the base wine for secondary fermentation.
What is the pressure in the bottle during secondary fermentation?
Five to six atmospheres.
What is Yeast Autolysis?
As part of secondary fermentation, dead yeast cells start to break down releasing chemical compounds into the wine.
What is Riddling?
Riddling involves moving the bottle very slowly from a horizontal to an inverted vertical position.
What is a “Pupitre”
An A-Frame rack used to hold bottles as they are riddled.
