Fortified Wines Flashcards
What is the process of adding alcohol to the wine before or while it is still fermenting and still has a significant amount of sugar in it?
Mutage
Fortification for a sweet style wine will typically take place when the remaining sugar level reaches the ….?
8% - 12% range
Relatively neutral white grapes are most appropriate for what style of fortified wines?
Dry style fortified wines - fortified after fermentation.
What are the 2 predominant grapes for dry style sherry?
Primary: Palomino
Secondary: Pedro Ximenez
Maderia’s dry fermented wines are made from what grape varieties?
Sercial or Verdelho
What are the two basic types of Sherry wine?
Fine and Oloroso
Describe the Biological aging process
the changes in the wine are largely due to the action of a living organism.
What unique organism is necessary for Fino Sherry?
The biological aging requires the action of a unique organism known as flor yeast during the aging process.
What does flor yeast survive & feed on?
survives in the presence of oxygen by consuming any remaining sugars and glycerol in the wine, as well as a acetic acid and small amounts of alcohol.
What ABV is fino sherry brought to for biological aging?
15-15.5%
What ABV are oloroso sherries fortified to?
17-18%, which is too high for the development of flor.
During this aging process, alcohol and acid levels increase, and the color of the wine deepens. The result is a fuller-bodied, darkened, flavorful wine dominated by oxidative and caramelized aromas.
Oxidative aging
Oloroso can rise in alcoholic strength to as high as____?
24%
Describe the Solera system
young wine is progressively blended together with a series of older, more complex wines.
What is the longest that flor may be maintained?
6-7 years
What is the minimum amount of time required by law for fino wines to be aged?
2 years