Fruit Spirits Flashcards
What are the two different ways fruit spirits are made?
By either fermenting the fruit or macerating it in a neutral spirit
What river was used historically for trade in Cognac?
Charente
Who are the 4 major Cognac producers?
Remy Martin, Hennessey, Martell and Courvoisier
How many grape varietals are allowed in Cognac & which is the most used?
Ugni Blanc (Colombard, Folle Blanche, Semillon, Montils, Folignan (10% max) 6 in total
What are the 6 Crus of Cognac
Grand Champagne, Petit Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires
What 3 Crus is most Cognac grown?
Two Champagnes and Borderies
What are the 4 main factors that determine quality of Cognac?
Soils (chalk and clay), condition of the grapes & location of the vineyards
Can grapes be treated with SO2 during harvesting in Cognac?
No, it would be very difficult to reduce level of sulfur for acceptable levels for distillation. They rely on speeding handling and high acidity to counteract microorganisms
What type of distillation is used for Cognac?
Double pot still distillation
What is the product called after first distillation?
Brouillis- 27-30% alcohol
What happens after it is distilled a second time?
The heads and tails are redistilled with either wine or the brouillis
What is the design of the still that must be used?
Charentais stills- must be copper, directly heated and use a worm tub condenser
What are the two different methods called for the lees?
- Remy method- distill all wine with lees (creates a richer mouthfeel and greater complexity)
- Martell method- distill some of the wines with lees
What does distilling with lees contribute to cognac?
Richer mouthfeel, greater complexity, the congeners that are introduced are instrumental in the creation of rancio
Where does the Martell method put the heads and tails and what effect does this have on the final product?
They put it back into the wine, which raises the alcohol level significantly, and it doesn’t need to be as concentrated to produce the final spirit. As a result, there is less concentration of congeners and a lighter flavoured spirit is produced.
What is the Law for maturation of Cognac?
Must be aged in oak for minimum 2 years. May use oak chips, caramel and sweeteners in limited quantities.
What are the two types of oak used?
Q. rober - Limousin forest
Q. sesiliflora - Troncais forest
What is the glass container cognac is transferred to after the barrels to save and stop further aging?
Demijohn
What level can oak chips be used?
VS
How is Cognac reduced to bottling strength?
Some very aged spirits to not need to be reduced as evaporation has done it, but others are reduced in sections to avoid a soapy taste with petite faux or faibles- low strength blend of water and Cognac
What is prohibited in winemaking in cognac(3 things)
Screw presses, must enrichment and use of SO2 (same for Armangac except screw presses are allowed)
What is Fine Champagne?
A blend of spirits from Grande Champagne and Petit Champagne
What is 3 star or VS Cognac?
Youngest spirit is at least 2 yrs old
What is VSOP?
Very Special Old Pale- Youngest spirit in the blend is 4 yrs