Fortified Flashcards
When was the Douro first demarcated?
1756 Explanation: Under the Marquis of Pombal, vineyard classifications were implemented and wines were regulated for the English market.
What is the typical alcohol range of fortified wines in Portugal?
16–22% Explanation: This span covers most Portuguese fortified wines, including Port and Madeira.
Define Frasqueira Madeira.
A single-vintage Madeira aged at least 20 years in cask Explanation: These rare wines often show a specific varietal identity and can spend additional time in demijohn.
Which classic fortified wines underwent the ‘Torna Viagem’ practice?
Madeira and Setúbal Explanation: Barrels were historically sent on voyages, allowing the wine’s character to develop under heat and movement.
When does beneficio usually occur in Port production?
When about one-third of the sugar has fermented Explanation: The must is then fortified to retain natural sweetness.
In which part of the Douro Valley is the town of Pinhão located?
Cima Corgo Explanation: This central subregion is known for many top Port quintas.
Who makes the Vintage Port labeled ‘Nacional’?
Quinta do Noval Explanation: These ungrafted vines in the Cima Corgo produce one of the most famous Ports.
What is a Colheita Tawny?
A single-vintage Tawny Port aged at least seven years in cask Explanation: Often bottled to order, displaying vintage-specific characteristics.
Who produces Vintage Port from ‘Quinta do Bomfim’?
Dow’s Explanation: Located in the Cima Corgo, this is a Grade A vineyard source for Dow’s Ports.
How long must ‘Extra Reserve’ Madeira be aged?
15 years Explanation: This designation applies to a blended Madeira with extended cask aging.
Where can Madeira DOP wines be produced?
Madeira or Porto Santo Explanation: These two islands form the official production zone for Madeira DOP.
What is the process of Canteiro in Madeira winemaking?
Cask aging for a minimum of two years in warm lodge attics Explanation: This slow maturation method develops fine Madeira styles.
How sweet is ‘Meio Seco’ Madeira?
54–78 g/L residual sugar Explanation: This category offers moderate sweetness and balanced acidity.
How sweet are Extra Seco and Seco Madeira?
Extra Seco <40 g/L, Seco <65 g/L Explanation: These are the drier styles of Madeira, though still retaining some sweetness.
How sweet are ‘Meio Doce,’ ‘Doce,’ and ‘Muito Doce’ Madeira?
Meio Doce 78–100 g/L, Doce >100 g/L, Muito Doce >135 g/L Explanation: These are progressively sweeter Madeira categories.
Which grape in the Douro is notably adapted to heat and dryness?
Touriga Franca Explanation: Late-ripening, widely planted, and well-suited to warm sites.
Name the main red and white grapes of the Douro.
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca (red); Viosinho, Rabigato, Gouveio (white) Explanation: These core varieties define Port and Douro table wines.
Who makes the Vintage Port ‘A Capela’?
Quinta do Vesuvio Explanation: Sourced from very old vines in the Douro Superior, produced in select vintages.
Which Port vintages were declared in the 2010s?
2011, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020 Explanation: These standout harvests were widely declared by Port houses.
Which Port vintages were declared in the 2000s?
2000, 2003, and 2007 Explanation: These are recognized as top-quality declared vintages.
Which Port vintages were declared in the 1990s?
1991, 1992, 1994, and 1997 Explanation: Among these, 1994 is often considered legendary.
Which Port vintages were declared in the 1980s?
1980, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, and 1989 Explanation: The 1983 and 1985 are particularly prized.
Which Port vintages were declared in the 1970s?
1970, 1975, 1977, and 1978 Explanation: 1977 is widely recognized among collectors.
In what year was fascism overthrown and democracy installed in Portugal?
1974 Explanation: The Carnation Revolution ended the Estado Novo regime.
Which Port vintages were declared in the 1960s?
1960, 1963, 1966, and 1967 Explanation: These mid-century classics remain sought after.
Name a couple of classic old Port vintages before the 1960s.
1927 and 1931 Explanation: These are notable historical vintages; 1931 included Noval’s first ‘Nacional’ release.
Who makes ‘Quinta de Terra Feita’ Vintage Port?
Taylor Fladgate Explanation: The inaugural release was 1986, from a Cima Corgo estate.
Which Port house is known for bottling Colheita Port to order?
Calém Explanation: They often release older Colheita Ports on demand.
Which Ports are traditionally made by foot treading in lagares?
Niepoort Biomha Vinha Velha and Garrafeira, plus Noval Nacional Explanation: These producers maintain the traditional method for premium cuvées.
What was the minimum alcohol for Port wines reduced to in 2018?
18% ABV Explanation: It decreased from the previous standard of 19%.
What is Porto Branco Leve Secco?
A White Port with a minimum of 16.5% ABV Explanation: Typically lighter in style compared to standard White Port.
What is the typical residual sugar range in Port?
70–120 g/L Explanation: Most Vintage Ports fall around 100 g/L.
Which 1703 treaty boosted Port and Madeira exports to Britain?
The Methuen Treaty Explanation: It reduced tariffs on Portuguese wines, shifting allegiance from French wine.
How long is Ruby Port typically aged?
Two to three years in bulk Explanation: It is meant for youthful fruitiness and early consumption.
How long is Reserve (Vintage Character) Ruby Port aged?
Four to six years in bulk Explanation: Extended aging refines character beyond standard Ruby Port.
How long is LBV Port aged?
Four to six years in cask Explanation: Unfiltered examples may further state ‘bottle matured’ after three years in bottle.
How long can Vintage and Single Quinta Vintage Ports age in cask?
Up to three years Explanation: These are usually bottled after about 18–24 months.
What is the minimum aging requirement for a basic Tawny Port (no age indication)?
No minimum Explanation: Often blended from lighter or white Port to achieve a tawny hue.
How long must Reserve Tawny Port be aged in cask?
Seven years Explanation: These wines develop more complex nutty notes.
How long must Colheita Tawny Port be aged?
Seven years Explanation: Single-vintage Tawny that often remains in cask much longer.
Which Tawny categories are blended to represent an average indicated age?
10, 20, 30, or 40 Year Tawny Explanation: Producers top up and refresh barrels to maintain style consistency.
What does Touriga Nacional contribute to a Port blend?
Intensity Explanation: It adds deep color, structure, and concentrated fruit.
What does Tinta Cão generally add to a Port blend?
Freshness Explanation: It contributes acid structure and longevity to the blend.
What does Tinta Roriz typically bring to Port?
Succulence Explanation: This grape (Tempranillo) offers fleshy fruit and good aging potential.
How long does Port fermentation usually last?
Two to three days Explanation: Rapid, vigorous extraction precedes fortification.
What is the standard aguardente strength used in Port fortification?
77% ABV Explanation: Added at roughly one part spirit to four parts must.
What is the typical ratio of spirit to must during Port fortification?
Around 1:4 Explanation: This arrests fermentation when about a third of sugars remain.
What is the capacity of a traditional Douro ‘Pipe’ for aging in the Douro valley?
550 liters Explanation: In Vila Nova de Gaia, pipes are typically around 620 liters, and export pipes around 534 liters.
Which mountain ranges shield the Douro from Atlantic influences?
Marão and Montemuro Explanation: They create the Douro’s continental climate.
Name a few Douro tributaries flowing west to east.
Corgo, Tedo, Távora, Torto, Tua Explanation: These rivers shape microclimates in the Douro subregions.
What vineyard ranking corresponds to Class B in the Port beneficio system?
1,001–1,199 points Explanation: Vineyards are assessed for quality and assigned a letter from A to I.
List the main terroir factors in Port vineyard ranking denoted by ‘LAAGSM.’
Location, Aspect, Altitude, Gradient, Soil, Microclimate Explanation: These environmental components determine vineyard potential.
List the main vineyard factors in Port ranking denoted by ‘VPMAD.’
Varieties, Productivity, Maintenance, Age, Density Explanation: These viticultural aspects also affect the final letter grade.
How much of their stock can Port producers release annually under the lei do terço?
No more than one-third Explanation: This rule helps regulate supply and maintain quality.
Which Port house owns Quinta de Nápoles, Carril, and Passadouro?
Niepoort Explanation: Founded in 1842, known for distinctive Ports and table wines.
Who owns Quinta da Leda, source for Barca Velha since 2001?
Sogrape Explanation: Formerly based in Quinta do Vale Meão for the early Barca Velha wines.
Which Port house owns Quinta do Panascal?
Fonseca Explanation: Founded in 1815, part of the Fladgate Partnership.
Name two Taylor Fladgate quintas in the Cima Corgo.
Quinta de Vargellas and Quinta da Terra Feita Explanation: Both produce top-tier Vintage Ports.
Which quinta is associated with Quinta do Noval besides ‘Nacional’?
Quinta do Silval Explanation: Noval’s portfolio extends beyond the legendary ungrafted Nacional block.
Who owns Quinta dos Malvedos?
Graham’s Explanation: A premier Cima Corgo estate for the house’s Vintage Ports.
Who owns Quinta do Bomfim?
Dow’s Explanation: Key vineyard in Cima Corgo for Dow’s Vintage Ports.
Who owns Quinta do Bom Retiro?
Ramos Pinto Explanation: Established in 1880, known for distinctive packaging and styles.
Which house owns Quinta da Cavadinha?
Warre’s Explanation: Founded in 1670, one of the historic Port lodges.
Which Port house owns Quinta do Vau and Quinta do Seixo?
Sandeman Explanation: Both estates supply grapes for Sandeman’s top Ports.
Where is Quinta do Vesuvio located?
Douro Superior Explanation: Famous for its large vineyard holdings and quality Vintage Ports.
Who owns Quinta do Roêda?
Croft Explanation: Founded in 1678, recognized for its elegant Vintage Ports.
Which house owns Quinta dos Canais?
Cockburn’s Explanation: Established in 1815, part of the Symington family group.
Who owns Quinta das Carvalhas?
Real Companhia Velha (Royal Oporto) Explanation: Historically significant, the second-largest landholder in the Douro.
What percentage of grapes must come from a stated vintage in Colheita or Frasqueira Madeira?
At least 85% Explanation: The remainder may be from other vintages to adjust style.
What is the minimum aging for Colheita Madeira?
Five years Explanation: These single-vintage Madeiras may be bottled anytime after that period.
How sweet is Sercial Madeira?
Around 40–45 g/L residual sugar Explanation: Known for its high acidity and drier impression.
How sweet is Verdelho Madeira?
65–80 g/L residual sugar Explanation: Slightly sweeter and often shows smoky, honeyed notes.
How sweet is Bual Madeira?
80–96 g/L residual sugar Explanation: Offers rich chocolate and coffee tones with balanced sweetness.
How sweet is Malvasia Madeira?
Above 96 g/L residual sugar Explanation: Characteristically sweet with toffee and marmalade flavors.
State the minimum aging for a ‘Seleccionado’ or ‘Finest’ blended Madeira.
Five years Explanation: Often labeled as Finest, Choice, or Select.
State the minimum aging for a ‘Reserva’ blended Madeira.
Five years Explanation: Distinguishes it from younger blends of lower classification.
State the minimum aging for a ‘Reserva Especial’ blended Madeira.
Ten years Explanation: Offers deeper complexity and longer cask influence.
State the minimum aging for ‘Extra Reserve’ blended Madeira.
15 years Explanation: A step below Vintage or Frasqueira in extended cask time.
What is ‘Solera’ Madeira?
A Canteiro-aged wine drawing off a maximum of 10% per year Explanation: Labeled with the original start date of the solera.
How are most blended Madeiras typically aged?
Estufagem in tank Explanation: Heated to develop Madeira’s signature maderized character.
What are poios in Madeira viticulture?
Terraces retained by dry stone walls Explanation: Necessary in mountainous vineyards for workable planting.
What are latadas in Madeira?
Low pergolas Explanation: Vines are trained overhead to keep fruit dry in humid conditions.
What are levadas in Madeira viticulture?
Irrigation canals Explanation: Channels carrying water from the mountains to terraced vineyards.
What is estufagem in Madeira production?
Heating wine to 45–50 °C for three months Explanation: Followed by a 90-day rest; used mainly for affordable styles.
What is the minimum total age for an estufagem wine before release?
Two years Explanation: Includes the heated period plus resting time.
What are armazéns de calor?
Heated warehouses Explanation: Alternative to direct estufa tanks for gentler maderization in Madeira.
What is the primary soil type for Port vineyards?
Schist Explanation: The vertical schist layers allow vine roots to access water deep underground.
Describe albariza soil in Sherry production.
Chalky limestone formed from ancient marine diatoms Explanation: High in active lime, crucial for acidity retention.
What is the size of a traditional Sherry butt?
600–700 liters Explanation: Large American oak casks used for biological or oxidative aging.
To what level are Sherry butts typically filled?
About 90% Explanation: Leaving headspace for flor or oxidative development.
What happens after the primary fermentation of Sherry?
Wines are racked and fortified to around 15% ABV Explanation: This kills unwanted bacteria and sets the stage for flor or oxidative aging.
What is ‘mitad y mitad’ in Sherry fortification?
A mix of spirit and mature Sherry Explanation: Used to gently raise the new wine’s alcohol level.
What is the ideal temperature range for flor yeast?
Around 60–70 °F Explanation: Moderate conditions help maintain a healthy flor veil.
What is the maximum fraction of solera wine that may be drawn off each year?
One-third Explanation: Ensures continuity of style and quality in the solera.
What is a ‘criadera’ in Sherry production?
A tier within the solera system Explanation: Younger criaderas feed the older wines below them.
How is Sherry sweetened and colored during ‘cabaceo’?
By adding mistela, dulce pasta, or vino de color Explanation: Components like arrope (reduced must) may adjust color and sweetness.
How sweet can a ‘Dry’ Sherry be?
5–45 g/L residual sugar Explanation: Despite ‘Dry’ on the label, some sweetness may be present.
Define ‘Medium Dry’ and ‘Medium Sweet’ Sherry ranges.
Medium Dry: 5–45 g/L, Medium Sweet: 45–115 g/L Explanation: Usually from Amontillado-based wines with added sweetening.
How sweet is Pale Cream Sherry?
45–115 g/L Explanation: A lighter, sweetened style typically based on Fino with added mistela.
How sweet is Cream Sherry?
Over 115 g/L Explanation: Often an Oloroso sweetened with PX or mistela.
What characterizes Fino Sherry?
Biological aging under flor at 15–17% ABV Explanation: Derived from the free-run primera yema (best juice).
How much juice is typically extracted from Palomino for Sherry?
72.5 liters per 100 kg of grapes Explanation: The must is then clarified and acidified.
What is Manzanilla Sherry?
A Fino aged in Sanlúcar de Barrameda Explanation: The coastal humidity fosters especially thick flor growth.
What is Amontillado Sherry?
A matured Fino that then undergoes oxidative aging Explanation: Flor dies off, and the wine is refortified to around 17%.
What is Palo Cortado Sherry?
A Fino redirected early to oxidative aging Explanation: Marked with a horizontal slash over the initial palo.
What is Oloroso Sherry?
An oxidative style from heavier-press wine Explanation: Fortified to around 18% to suppress flor growth.
Is Samos Nectar a fortified wine?
No Explanation: It is a sun-dried sweet wine (unfortified) from the island of Samos.
Which Greek fortified wine blends Mavrodaphne with Mavri Korinthiaki?
Mavrodaphne of Patras Explanation: A sweet red wine traditionally produced by houses like Achaia-Clauss.
Where did mutage likely originate for vin doux naturel wines?
Rivesaltes in Roussillon Explanation: Arnaldus de Villa Nova perfected the process in the 13th century.
What is the most common fortified Muscat of the Languedoc?
Muscat de Frontignan Explanation: Granted AOC in 1936, known for sweet, aromatic wines.
What does ‘Rimage’ indicate in Banyuls?
A vintage-dated, fruit-forward red VDN Explanation: Bottled within one year, often called ‘Banyuls Rimage.’
Which Corsican appellation is exclusively for fortified wines?
Muscat du Cap Corse Explanation: Produces sweet VDN from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.
Match the following regional mistelles: Champagne, Jura, Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados.
Ratafia, Macvin, Pineau des Charentes, Floc de Gascogne, Pommeau de Normandie Explanation: Each region fortifies grape must (or apple must for Calvados).
Which style of Marsala permits ‘concia’?
Marsala Ambra Explanation: ‘Concia’ refers to the addition of cooked must (mosto cotto) for color and sweetness.
What are the first two classification symbols for Sherry after fermentation?
Palo (slash) and Gordura (circle) Explanation: Palo = Fino route, Gordura = Oloroso route.
What grapes are authorized for producing Pico DOP Licoroso?
Verdelho, Arinto, and Terrantez Explanation: These fortified wines come from the Azores archipelago.
Name the two main Vino de Licor styles in Tarragona DOP.
Garnatxa de Tarragona (white or red Grenache) and Moscatel de Tarragona (Muscat) Explanation: Both may have rancio or vimblanc expressions.
What is the minimum residual sugar for varietally labeled PX (VDN) from Jerez?
212 g/L Explanation: Even higher (272 g/L) applies in Montilla-Moriles for PX wines.
Describe Muscat of Rutherglen (entry-level) style.
Aged 3–5 years, 180–240 g/L RS Explanation: Shows prominent Muscat fruit with some complexity.
What is the Classic Rutherglen Muscat style?
Aged 6–10 years, 200–280 g/L RS Explanation: Greater depth and a touch of rancio character.
What is Grand Rutherglen Muscat?
Aged 11–19 years, 270–400 g/L RS Explanation: Displays mature rancio aromas and deep concentration.
What is Rare Rutherglen Muscat?
Aged 20+ years, 270–400 g/L RS Explanation: Intensely rich, viscous, and profoundly complex.
What is Cape Vintage in South African Port-style wines?
A single-year wine matured briefly in oak Explanation: Typically bottled for longer cellaring.
What is Cape LBV?
A red Port-style wine aged 3–6 years Explanation: Must spend at least two years in oak and carry a vintage date.
What is Cape Tawny?
A red Port-style wine aged oxidatively in barrel Explanation: Gains nutty, amber tones over extended time.
What is Cape Dated Tawny?
A single-vintage Tawny matured in wood Explanation: No blending of white and red allowed, showing oxidative finesse.
What is Cape White in Port-style wines?
A fortified wine from non-Muscat grapes Explanation: Typically Chenin or Colombard, aged six months minimum in wood.
Name a PDO in the Aegean Islands producing VDN Grand Cru wines.
Samos Explanation: Select high-elevation vineyards can label their Muscat as ‘Grand Cru.’
Can Fino Sherry carry an age designation (VOS or VORS)?
No Explanation: Only Amontillado, Oloroso, Palo Cortado, and PX can be age-certified.
Name the subzone of Montilla-Moriles known for albariza soils.
Montilla-Moriles Superior Explanation: High chalk content akin to Jerez’s best pagos.
What is ‘Hanepoot’ in South Africa?
A fortified Muscat of Alexandria wine Explanation: Unfortified versions are typically labeled ‘Muscadel.’
What is the aging requirement for Málaga versus Málaga Transañejo?
6–24 months vs. 60+ months Explanation: Extended cask time intensifies concentration and complexity.
What is arrope in Málaga?
Grape must reduced to one-fifth its original volume Explanation: Used to color and sweeten traditional wines.
What is ‘Pajarete’ in Málaga wines?
A traditional vino de licor or vin doux naturel without arrope Explanation: Shows natural sweet fruit character.
What does ‘Lágrima’ indicate in Málaga?
A wine made without mechanical pressing Explanation: Only free-run juice is used.
Which Languedoc Muscat AOC has the highest minimum RS requirement?
Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois Explanation: At least 125 g/L, higher than others at 110 g/L.
Must Maury VDN Blanc be vintage dated?
Yes Explanation: Also, Maury Grenat requires a vintage date, highlighting single-year identity.
Name all four Maury VDN styles.
Blanc, Ambré, Grenat, Tuilé Explanation: Each indicates a grape color and/or aging method.
What is considered the best Marsala grape?
Grillo Explanation: Its natural structure and acidity suit oxidative aging.
Which Andalusian DO shipped wines to the West Indies as early as 1502?
Condado de Huelva Explanation: Historically important for transatlantic trade.
What is ‘Jerepigo’ in South Africa?
A sweet vin de liqueur usually from Muscat Explanation: Must reaches 160 g/L before fortification.
Which three towns form the Zona de Crianza for Sherry?
Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María Explanation: Must be aged in one of these locales.
What is the difference between ‘Pálido’ and ‘Dorado’ in DO Condado de Huelva?
Pálido is biologically aged; Dorado is oxidatively aged Explanation: Pálido requires at least 3 years, Dorado at least 4.
What is ‘trasiego’ in Sherry?
Transferring wine within the solera system Explanation: Carefully done to avoid disturbing the flor.
What is ‘mitad y mitad’ also called in Sherry?
Vino borracho or combinado Explanation: Terms for the half-wine, half-spirit blend used in fortification.
What is ‘desfangado’ in Sherry?
Must clarification by racking Explanation: Removes heavy lees before fermentation.
What does ‘saca’ refer to in Sherry?
A portion withdrawn for bottling Explanation: Producers can only remove a set fraction per year.
What is ‘barro’ in Jerez soils?
A darker, clay-rich soil Explanation: Contains less limestone than albariza, resulting in heavier wines.
What is ‘soleo’ in Jerez?
Sun-drying grapes on esparto mats Explanation: Typically used for PX or Moscatel to concentrate sugars.
What is ‘alumbra’ in Sherry vineyards?
Digging rectangular pits to capture rainwater Explanation: Practiced on albariza hillsides after harvest.
Name three iconic pagos in Jerez.
Macharnudo, Añina, and Balbaina Explanation: These large vineyards are known for high-quality Palomino.
What is the minimum aging for Cape LBV?
Three years Explanation: At least two in oak and typically bottled with a vintage date.
How long must Biscoitos Licoroso age?
Two years Explanation: This Azorean fortified wine must be at least 16% ABV.
List five grapes used in Rivesaltes AOC VDN.
Grenache Blanc, Gris, Noir; Macabeu; Tourbat Explanation: Muscats may also feature in blends.
Which appellations may produce ‘Muscat de Noël’?
Muscat de Lunel, Muscat de Rivesaltes, Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois Explanation: Must be bottled before December 1 of the harvest year.
What is the minimum aging for Banyuls Grand Cru?
30 months in barrel Explanation: Must include at least 75% Grenache Noir.
What is Commandaria?
A sun-dried wine from Cyprus Explanation: Made predominantly from Mavro and Xynisteri, often unfortified nowadays.
What is Para Liqueur and its unique point?
A single-vintage fortified Australian wine Explanation: Produced by Seppeltsfield, typically aged in seasoned oak for decades.
Name the largest producer of Marsala and a smaller artisanal label.
Cantine Florio (largest) and De Bartoli (smaller) Explanation: Florio dominates production, while De Bartoli focuses on craft Marsala.
Name four fortified styles produced in Sardinia.
Vernaccia di Oristano, Giro di Cagliari, Moscato di Sorso-Sennori, Cannonau di Sardegna Explanation: They vary from sherry-like to sweet Muscat-based wines.
Give two PDO fortified wines from Greece with a pairing suggestion.
Mavrodaphne of Patras or Monemvasia-Malvasia Explanation: Both pair well with Greek pastries like baklava or savory cheese dishes.
Name three fortified wines that may be made in a ‘rancio’ style.
Rutherglen Muscat, Maury, Madeira Explanation: Extended oxidative aging imparts the rancio character.
Where might you find fortified Verdejo?
Rueda Dorado or Pálido Explanation: Traditional fortified or oxidatively aged wines from the region.
Define VOS vs. VORS in Sherry labeling.
VOS: 20-year average age, VORS: 30-year average age Explanation: Applies only to Amontillado, Oloroso, Palo Cortado, and PX.
List four conditions favoring flor development in Sherry.
Humidity, 15–15.5% ABV, moderate temperature (60–70 °F), no residual fermentable sugars Explanation: These factors keep the yeast layer healthy.
Name the main Marsala grapes used for Oro or Ambra styles.
Grillo, Inzolia, Catarratto, Damaschino Explanation: These white varieties form the base for light and amber Marsala.
Name the main Marsala grapes used for Rubino style.
Perricone, Calabrese (Nero d’Avola), Nerello Mascalese Explanation: A red-based Marsala with deeper color.
Who introduced Marsala to the British market?
John Woodhouse in 1773 Explanation: He fortified local wines to stabilize them for export.
What are the Superiore-level Marsala labeling terms?
SOM (Superior Old Marsala), Garibaldi Dolce, London Particular Explanation: They indicate higher quality and longer aging.
What Fine IP (Italy Particular) label exists in Marsala?
Marsala Fine IP Explanation: An older term with no official legal significance today.
How is Muscat of Rutherglen typically produced?
Fortified and barrel-aged under hot tin roofs Explanation: Yields sweet, rich wines with oxidative notes.
What is the minimum residual sugar for each Muscat VDN in France?
Muscat du Cap Corse: 90 g/L, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise: 100 g/L, Muscat de Rivesaltes/Languedoc: 110 g/L, Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois: 125 g/L Explanation: Each appellation sets its own threshold.
Maury VDN Blanc must be vintage-dated. True or false?
True Explanation: Similarly, Maury Grenat is also vintage-specific.
What are the five main styles of Maury VDN?
Blanc, Ambré, Grenat, Tuilé, Hors d’Âge (or Rancio) Explanation: Each denotes color and/or aging method.
What is the best quality Marsala grape?
Grillo Explanation: Valued for structure and complexity, especially in Vergine Marsalas.
What is the primary wine region in Andalusia besides Jerez?
Condado de Huelva Explanation: Historically significant for early transatlantic wine shipping.
What is Jerepigo in South Africa?
A vin de liqueur from partially fermented or unfermented must Explanation: Frequently from Muscat with very high residual sugar.
Which zones form the official crianza area of Jerez-Xérès-Sherry?
Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Jerez de la Frontera, and El Puerto de Santa María Explanation: Aging must occur in one of these three towns.
What is the difference between Pálido and Dorado in Rueda or Condado de Huelva?
Pálido is biologically aged, Dorado is oxidatively aged Explanation: Each requires specific minimum cask times.
What does ‘trasiego’ mean in a Sherry solera?
Moving wine from one criadera to the next Explanation: Helps combine younger wines with older stocks.
What is ‘combinado’ in Sherry fortification?
A mix of new wine and spirit Explanation: Also called mitad y mitad.
What is ‘desfangado’ after pressing Palomino?
Clarifying must by racking Explanation: Removes heavy sediment before fermentation.
What does a ‘saca’ refer to in Sherry?
A portion drawn from the solera for bottling Explanation: Legally capped to preserve solera integrity.
What is ‘barro’ soil in Jerez?
A clay-rich soil lower in limestone Explanation: Produces heavier, less fine base wines.
Explain the ‘soleo’ process in Jerez.
Sun-drying grapes on straw mats Explanation: Typically done with PX or Moscatel to concentrate sugars.
How do growers practice ‘alumbra’ in Jerez vineyards?
Digging pits between vines to catch rainwater Explanation: Conserves moisture on albariza hills.
Name three notable pagos in Jerez.
Macharnudo, Añina, Balbaina Explanation: Known for superior Palomino grapes and distinct flor profiles.
What is the minimum aging for Cape LBV Port-style wines?
Three years Explanation: At least two in oak before bottling.
How long must Carcavelos, Pico, Biscoitos, or Graciosa fortificados age?
Two years Explanation: These Portuguese island and mainland DOPs specify a 24-month minimum.
What is the minimum aging for Banyuls ‘Traditionnel’?
Three years Explanation: Typically refers to oxidatively aged red, dominated by Grenache Noir.
What is the minimum aging for Ambre styles in Banyuls, Maury, or Rivesaltes?
Three years Explanation: Oxidative aging in cask transforms color and flavor.
What is the minimum release date for ‘Blanc’ or ‘Rimage’ Banyuls/Maury?
May 1 of the year following harvest Explanation: These fresher styles see shorter aging.
How long must Fine Marsala age?
One year Explanation: The entry-level category before Superiore and beyond.
How long must Marsala Superiore and Superiore Riserva age?
Superiore: two years, Superiore Riserva: four years Explanation: Extended cask aging deepens complexity.
How long must Marsala Vergine age?
Five years Explanation: A drier style, typically without sweeteners, also called Solera.
How long must Marsala Vergine Stravecchio (Riserva) age?
Ten years Explanation: The apex of Marsala aging, often highly complex.
What is ‘concia’ in Marsala production?
Adding mosto cotto Explanation: Alters color and sweetness, used only in Ambra.
What is ‘sifone’ in Marsala production?
A mistelle of fresh must Explanation: Used to sweeten certain Marsala styles.
Which style of Marsala is made from red varieties?
Marsala Rubino Explanation: Uses Perricone, Calabrese, Nerello Mascalese.
Who ‘discovered’ Marsala for the British market?
John Woodhouse in 1773 Explanation: He fortified local wines for safe travel.
What does ‘SOM’ (Superior Old Marsala) indicate?
A term for higher-quality Superiore-level Marsala Explanation: Usually indicates longer aging.
What is the largest volume Marsala category?
Ambra Dolce Explanation: Most frequently produced for broader markets.
How is Muscat à Petits Grains Rouges known in Rutherglen?
Rutherglen Brown Muscat Explanation: A red-skinned mutation of Muscat Blanc.
What is Apera in Australia?
Sherry-style fortified wine Explanation: Undergoes either flor or oxidative aging, then sweetened if desired.
What does ‘Tawny’ mean in Australian fortified wines?
Port-style wines aged oxidatively from various grapes Explanation: Classified with terms like Classic, Grand, and Rare.
Name a key fortified wine from Penfolds.
Father, Grandfather, or Great Grandfather Tawny Explanation: Blended, barrel-aged styles from South Australia.
Which historic Australian producer is famed for Para Liqueur?
Seppeltsfield Explanation: Produces vintage-dated Shiraz-based fortifieds aged in small barrels.
In which Australian regions have fortified wines historically thrived?
McLaren Vale, Riverland, and Riverina Explanation: Known for producing Port-style and other fortified wines.
