Fortified Wines Flashcards
definition of a fortified wine
Wines either fully or partially fermented with alcohol (primarily grape spirit) added
What are the flavour differences in something that is fortified during fermentation and something fortified after. Give examples of each.
During fermentation=sweet (Port) After fermentation=dry (Sherry)
What is the Method Mistelle and 4 examples
Grape must is fortified PRIOR to fermentation. Previously known as vin de liqueur not included in fortified. Eg. Champagne, Ratafia ; Cognac, Pineau des Carentes; Armagnac, Floc de Gascogne ; Jura, Macvin du Jura
What is Rafatia ?
A fortified with using the method mistelle. Made from the third press of Champagne grapes (“stemyness” disappears with distillation)
When did Jerez become a DO?
1933 – oldest DO in Spain, one of oldest in Europe
What is the governing body in Jerez that insures integrated control systems from vineyard to shelves ? What does it guarantee?
El Consejo Regulador – guarantees quality and origin
What are the 5 things El Consejo Regulador are responsible for?
1 – Industry’s interperfessional organization
- Established the operating rules of the D.O.
- Guarantees the authenticity of the wines produced
- Acts as custodian of the collective assets of the D.O. Sherry
- Promotes in a wide sense: product quality, training, sales…
Sherry is the ______ most wine region in Europe
Southern
What are the 3 cities of the Sherry triangle?
Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Sanlucar de Barrameda
How many hectars does Sherry DO have?
10,500 ha
What are the 2 winds that blow in Jerez?
Levante (East) – hot winds that shrivel grapes Poniente (West)- bring yeast in
Which of the three main cities has the most delicate and yeasty sherries?
Sanlucar de Barrameda – the Poniente wind blows from here
How many registered Bodegas in Jerez?
- 64-Bodegas de crianza y expedicion, 20-Bodegas de criana y almacenado, 19-Bodegas de zona de production
How many growers, co-ops and wine making plants does Jerez have?
2,800 growers, 7 co-ops, 45 wine-making plants
How many days of sunshine does the sherry region get?
300
What kind of soil does the Sherry region have?
albariza soil – chalky (high Calcium carbonate content)- creates crusty layer so water does not evaporate. High porosity to help keep the humidity. Other soils: arenas (coastal areas), barros (valleys)
What are the 3 main grapes in Sherry production
Palomino, Pedro Ximenez, and Moscatel
Which grapes makes the highest quality sherry?
Palomino Fino – large bunches, med sized fruit, pale green colour, colourless juice. Neutral grape
What pruning method do they use to to make in Jerez?
Vara y Pulgar (thumbs up)
Describe the harvesting of grapes for sherry. Timing, brix, how they are picked.
Grapes are early ripeners and picked in September. 11-12.5 Baume , 90% hand picked because tractors would ruin albariza soil
How are grapes for Sherry pressed?
Quick, whole bunch pressing, avoid oxidation, allows separation of juice qualities
Describe the fermentation process for Sherry
cool ferment, 22-26 C, stainless steel with cooling jackets. Slow or fast fermetnation.
Describe the base wine for Sherry?
aka Deslio made by the end of Nov. Dry white wine, 11-12.5%alc. Stored in 600L barrels that are 500L full to allow for oxygen to feed floor, but protect the rest of the wine from oxidation.
What is Flor?
veil of natural (local) yeast – different strains of Saccharomices Ellipsoideus. Protects wine from oxidation, perminant interaction with the wine. Requires precise living conditions b/t temp, humidity, aeration, alc content