Other Fruit Spirits

Question 1

What is the most common grape variety used in Brandy de Jerez?

Answer 1

Arien

Question 1

What are the 3 classes of Brandy de Jerez and what are their distillation strengths?

Answer 1

Holandes (70% abv or less)
Aguardientes (between 70% and 86% abv) Destilados (86% abv or more)

Question 2

Are column stills permitted in Brandy de Jerez?

Answer 2

Yes, they can be used to make all three classes. Pot stills are only used to make Holandes.

Question 3

In law, at least 50% of Brandy de Jerez must be distilled to what strength or less?

Answer 3

86% abv. This means that Destilados cannot make up more than 50% of teh final spirit.

Question 4

What is the maximum barrel size permitted in Brandy de Jerez?

Answer 4

1000 litres.

Question 5

What is the maximum permitted sugar level when Brandy de Jerez is bottled?

Answer 5

35g/l

Question 6

The labelling term “Solera Gran Reserva” stipulates what?

Answer 6

Aged for at least 3 years

Question 7

In the Solera system, the groups of spirit that are the same age are called what?

Answer 7

Criaderas. (Except the oldest which is the Solera)

Question 8

In what two countries is Pisco made?

Answer 8

Chile and Peru.

Question 9

How many grape varieties are permitted in Peruvian Pisco

Answer 9

8

Question 10

In terms of grape varieties, what are the similarities between Peruvian and Chilean Pisco?

Answer 10

Both countries use a high percentage of aromatic grape varieties, especially Muscat.

Question 11

What is the maximum distillation strength of Chilean Pisco?

Answer 11

73% abv.

Question 12

What is the range of bottling strength of Peruvian Pisco?

Answer 12

38% to 48%abv. No water may be added to reduce strength.

Question 13

How many times is Peruvian Pisco distilled?

Answer 13

Once.

Question 14

What is Pisco Mosto Verde?

Answer 14

A Peruvian Pisco distilled whilst the wine has not completed fermentation.

Question 15

How many grape varieties are permitted in Chilean Pisco

Answer 15

11

Question 16

What is Pisco Puro?

Answer 16

A Peruvian Pisco made from a single grape variety. The grape variety will appear on the label.

Question 17

How long must Chilean Pisco be rested for?

Answer 17

A minimum of 60 days.

Question 18

Under Chilean law, the labelling terms are determined by the strength of the spirit. What are the respective strengths of Corriente/Tradicional, Especial, Reservado and Gran Pisco?

Answer 18

30%, 35%, 40% and 43% abv.

Question 19

What are the 3 classifications of South African Brandy?

Answer 19

Pot Still Brandy, Blended Brandy and Vintage Brandy.

Question 20

Under South African law, what is the minimum age of Vintage Brandy?

Answer 20

Eight years in oak barrels.

Question 21

What is the minimum pot still component of Blended Brandy is South Africa?

Answer 21

30% or more. This is based on absolute alcohol not total volume.

Question 22

Does Pomace from black grapes need to be fermented?

Answer 22

No. The grape skins were included in the wine fermentation and removed afterwards and therefore have an alcohol content that is ready to be distilled.

Question 23

Name the three seperate Calvados appelations?

Answer 23

Calvados, Calvados Pays D’Auge and Calvados Domfrontais

Question 24

What percentage of pears must be included in Pays D’Auge Calvados?

Answer 24

A maximum of 30% pears

Question 25

What percentage of pears must be included in Domfrontais Calvados?

Answer 25

A minimum of 30% pears

Question 26

Which one of the Calvados AOC’s prohibits cultured yeast?

Answer 26

Domfrontais

Question 27

What type of still is stipulated in the AOC of Domfrontais?

Answer 27

Double-column stills with a maximum of 28 plates heated by direct flame, similar to an Alambic Armagnacaise.

Question 28

What are the four categories of apples in Calvados?

Answer 28

Acidic/sour, bittersour, bittersweet and sweet.

Question 29

Calvados maturation is most typically carried out in what vessels?

Answer 29

Oak Foudres (1000l to 10,000l)

Question 30

What does Geist typically refer to?

Answer 30

Geist is a fruit spirit made by macerating the fruit and then re-distilling rather than fermenting the juice itself. It is popular in German speaking parts of Europe.

Question 31

A six year old Calvados would use what labelling term?

Answer 31

XO, Hors d’age, Tres Vielles Reserve, Tres Vieux, Extra or Napoleon.

Question 32

What is the maximum number of plates in a column still in Calvados?

Answer 32

31 plates in total (Domfrontais is less:28)

Question 33

What is the maximum permissable strength of newly made Calvados?

Answer 33

72% abv

Question 34

Calvados Pays D’Auge requires the use of what distillation method?

Answer 34

Double distilled in copper pot stills.

Question 35

What is the minimum maturation period for Calvados Domfrontais?

Answer 35

3 years in an oak conatiners.

Question 36

What is the minimum maturation period for Calvados?

Answer 36

2 years in oak containers.