Fruit Spirits Flashcards
Fruits for spirit production are grown __ to reduce spoilage
Locally
What are the 2 ways fruits are processed for spirit making?
- Crushed and/or pressed that is fermented and distilled
- Maceration in a neutral spirit then re-distilled
What type of grape is most commonly used in spirit making?
White grapes
What French region is biggest on grape spirits?
Congnac
What types of grapes do producers in Cognac prefer to use and why?
•Highly acidic white grapes with minimal aroma
•Distillation concentrates the floral and fruity aromas
What is Pomace and how is it used to make Brandy?
•Discarded grape skins (white grapes skins are usually discarded before fermentation)
•skins are mixed with water which can be fermented
What do the skins of the grapes add to pomace brandy?
Herbaceous and spicy aromas
What types of stills are used in fruit spirits?
•Different types but most in high quality comes from pot stills
France is home to what 3 types of fruit spirits?
•Cognac
•Armagnac
•Calvados
What is the most recognized grape brandy in the world?
Cognac
What grape is used by the majority in Cognac?
Ugni Blanc
Grapes of Cognac must be grown
Just north of Bordeaux in southwest France bordering Cognac.
What are the characteristics of the Ugni Blanc grape in spirits?
•Signature aromas of raisins and violets
Harvesting and distillation process of Cognac?
•Harvested in autumn
•Double Distilled by March in copper pot stills
What are the 2 rare features that are strictly followed in distillation of Cognac?
•Directly heated with flame (gas burners)
•Use of Worm Tub condenser
What are the features of the worm tub condenser?
•Is big as the pot still with a single coiled copper pipe where vapors pass through it immerced on constantly refreshed cold water
Parts of a Cognac Pot Still?
•Still head
•Direct Heat source
•Swan Neck
•Worm Tub condenser