Methods of Production Flashcards
Traditional Method (white wines): Overall process
Harvest; Whole-bunch pressing; First fermentation; Blending; Bottling and Tirage; Second fermentation; Lees ageing; Riddling; Disgorging; Topping up and Dosage
How are grapes harvested under the traditional method?
By hand
Why are grapes harvested by hand under the traditional method?
To ensure whole, healthy berries which minimizes phenolic extraction and oxidation
What is the desired must weight for grapes harvested under the traditional method?
Lower must weights than still wines to ensure a lower alcohol base wine (typically 10.5% to 11%)
What are the best sites for premium sparkling wine?
Cool but produce grapes with no unripe green flavours, low levels of sugar and high acidity
Does yield determine quality for sparkling wine?
Within limits, no
What is whole-bunch pressing and how does it work?
Gentle extraction of juice with minimal phenolics–pressing with stems provides channels for juice to escape minimizing pressure required
Important for red grapes
How are levels of extraction determined?
Determined by winemaker but also limited by law
How does sparkling first fermentation compare to white wine fermentation?
Usually rapid and warmer than most while wine fermentations
Some producers use oak vessels
What type of vessels are used for first fermentation and why?
Typically occurs in large temperature controlled stainless steel vats > dry, high acidity, neutral flavors
Some producers use oak vessels
Does MLF occur in first fermentation?
Some producers encourage MLF to reduce excessive acidity and produce certain aromas
How long is first fermentation?
Depends on producer
Describe blending in sparkling production
May blend several base wines, including wines from different vineyards, grape varieties and fermentation processes
Reserve wines from past vintages may be added
What are non-vintage blends?
Blends made every year and designed to reflect house style
What are vintage blends?
Blends made in certain years that reflect character of the year
What is tirage?
Mixture of wine, sugar, yeast, yeast nutrients, clarifying agent
Approx. 24 g sucrose per litre
What is typical source of sugar for tirage?
Beet, case or grape base
What type of yeasts are used for tirage?
Specific strains of inoculated yeasts for both first and second fermentation to minimize off-aromas and achieve consistent result in unfavorable fermentation conditions
Saccharomyces can function at alcohol level, SO2 concentration, low pH and low temperature of second fermentation
How is bottling done?
Bottle closed with crown cap with plastic cup insert and stacked horizontally