Fruit Spirits Flashcards
What is pomace?
Mass of grape skins discarded by winemakers and used to make pomace brandy
What is macerated fruit spirit?
fruit spirit that is not fermented, instead macerated in a neutral spirit, then distilled.
What fruits can be used to make fruit spirit?
Any fruit
Most common grape for Cognac?
Ugni Blanc
Character of Cognac grapes
Not aromatic, spirit has aroma of raisin and violets
Cognac grape growing regions?
Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Borderies
What is Fine Champagne?
A blend of Grande champagne (min. 50%) and Petite Champagne
What type of condenser does Cognac require by law?
Worm Tub Condenser
Min age of VS(Very Special) Cognac
2 years
Min age of VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) Cognac
4 years
Min age of XO (Extra Old) Hors d’Age Cognac
10 years
Sub regions of Armagnac
Bas-Armagnac, and Armagnac-Tenareze
Two other commonly used grapes in Armagnac besides Ugni Blanc
Baco Blanc(prune char.) Folle Blanche (floral)
Min age of Blanche (Armagnac)
3 months (Stainless steel)
Min age of VS(Very Special) Armagnac
1 year (oak)
Min age VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) Armagnac
4 years (Oak)
Min age XO(Extra Old) or Hors d’Age, Vintage Armagnac
10 years
What is required to give Armagnac a vintage?
Made from grapes all harvested in same year
What is Blanche Armagnac
Not matured in Oak
What is Calvados?
France’s famous apple or pear spirit (made often in Normandy)
What is Calvados aged in?
Large oak vessels (less oak flavour)
What does Peru legally require of Pisco producers?
No aging
What sets Pisco apart from Cognac/Armagnac?
Pure, pronounced fruity and floral aromas.
What type of brandy is Grappa?
Pomace brandy
This fruit spirit can have a sharp texture, pronounced herbaceous flavours and is typically not matured in oak
Grappa
