Fortified

Question 1

Racking in Port

Answer 1

Racking is carried out during the maturation process to remove lees that gradually accumulates at the bottom of the vessel to avoid potential off-flavours. The frequency of racking is another way the producer can control the amount of oxidation, as is the degree to which the vessels are topped up with wine.

Question 2

How are the vineyards of Jerez often planted and cultivated.

Answer 2

The vineyards are generally planted on gentle (10-15 per cent) slopes.
Vineyards are often located in areas rich with albariza soil.
After harvest each year, to catch winter rain, the soil is crafted into troughs and gullies between the rows of vines. This system is called aserpia.
Aserpia works by catching rainfall and increasing the surface area of the soil, so more water can be absorbed.
This system is now generally mechanised.
Winter pruning and harvesting are generally mechanised so vineyards are designed to accommodate mechanisation.

Question 3

Why is high sugar bad for bio aged sherries?

Answer 3

High sugar levels can make it hard to ferment the wine to dryness, which can have an impact on the development of flor.

Question 4

What is the alternative name for the Zona de Producción, the 7,000 hectare area where grapes used in the production of Sherry must come from (apart from Pedro Ximénez)?

Answer 4

Marco de Jerez

Question 5

Despite not falling within the Zona de Producción, Pedro Ximenez grapes are permitted to be grown in the district of ______________ and still labelled as Sherry.

Answer 5

Montilla

Question 6

The Zona de Producción is split into two sections: what are the names? Which is better? Why?

Answer 6

Jerez Zona and Jerez Superior. Jerez Superior is better because it’s all albariza.

Question 7

briefly explain how albariza soils are beneficial for the growing of grapes in Jerez.

Answer 7

This soil is made up of limestone, silica and clay. The clay content retains water from winter rainfall, making it available to the vine in the drier months of spring and early summer.

This soil type crusts when dry, which helps reduce water evaporation from the soil. This supports higher density planting and higher yields in an area that has relatively low annual rainfall.

This soil type is light in colour which reflects light back into the canopy, which in turn aids the ripening of a larger yield.

Question 8

The grapes used for Sherry production are usually picked at % potential alcohol

Answer 8

12%