General

Question 1

Name two fortified muscats.

Answer 1

Muscat de Beaumes-de-venise and Rutherglen

Question 2

What is yeast autolysis?

Answer 2

In sparkling wine production, after the second fermentation, dead yeast cells break down and release a chemical compound that contributes bread, biscuit and toast notes to the wine.

Question 3

What is riddling?

Answer 3

The first step in the process of removing the lees sediment in sparkling wine after maturation. The bottles are slowly moved from horizontal to an inverted position so the lees sediment slide down to collect in the cup insert in the crown cap.

Question 4

What is a pupitre?

Answer 4

An A frame rack where bottles of sparkling wine are held during hand riddling. This is traditional and not used much.

Question 5

What is a gyropalette?

Answer 5

A machine for riddling that is a cage holding 500 bottles on a hydraulic arm and completes the job in a few days. Has replaced the traditional pupitre.

Question 6

What is Liqueur d’expedition?

Answer 6

A mixture of wine and sugar put into sparkling wine after disgorgement before corking. The amount of sugar will determine the final sweetness of the wine. Also Called dosage.

Question 7

How is Sparkling with no added sugar labeled?

Answer 7

Brut nature or zero dosage

Question 8

What is liquor de tirage?

Answer 8

A mixture of wine, sugar, yeast, yeast nutrients and a clarifying agent added to the bottle before the second fermentation.

Question 9

Name three reasons winemakers would blend in sparkling wines.

Answer 9

1. Achieve a consistent House style despite vintage variations.
2. Improve the balance of the wine.
3. Enhance the complexity of the wine.

Question 10

Why might a winemaker choose to blend Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for a sparkling wine?

Answer 10

Chardonnay adds citrus fruit, finesse and longevity. Pinot Noir adds body.

Question 11

Why should grapes for sparkling wine be low in sugar?

Answer 11

1. The second fermentation increase alcohol levels by 1.2-1.3 abv so the still base wine should be 10-11%. Less sugar means less alcohol.
2. Grapes with lower sugar have retained high acidity and will make the wine more refreshing.

Question 12

Why is sparkling wine made in cool regions?

Answer 12

The grapes should be ripe enough and also have with low sugar and high acidity. In warm climates the grapes ripen too quickly and early picking means they will have herbaceous flavors.

Question 13

What does gentle pressing do?

Answer 13

It minimizes the extraction of tannin and color. It is important when using black grapes for sparkling wine. Whole bunches helps with this.

Question 14

Name 6 methods for producing sparkling wine with an example.

Answer 14

1. Traditional - champagne
2. Transfer -
3. Ancestral -pet nat
4. Tank -Prosecco
5. Asti - asti sparkling
6. Carbonation - sauv blanc

Question 15

Name two ways to make a rose sparkling.

Answer 15

1. Blending red and white base wines
2. Short maceration

Question 16

What is cuvée?

Answer 16

The first liquid to come off the press

Question 17

What is taille?

Answer 17

The liquid that comes out of the press after the cuvée.

Question 18

In champagne, non vintage wines must be aged for how long? Vintage?

Answer 18

1. Minimum of 15 months with 12 on the lees
2. Minimum 36 months with 12 on the lees

Question 19

What is sobretabla?

Answer 19

In making sherry, it’s The period after wines have been classified and fortified and before they enter the solera system. The sobretabla lasts a few months.

Question 20

What is edelzwiker or gentil?

Answer 20

Blended wines made with juice not selected for varietal wines in Alsace

Question 21

What are the flavors of noble rot?

Answer 21

Honey, apricot, citrus zest and dried fruit.