Other Fruit Spirits Flashcards
What is the most common grape variety used in Brandy de Jerez?
Arien
What are the 3 classes of Brandy de Jerez and what are their distillation strengths?
Holandes (70% abv or less)
Aguardientes (between 70% and 86% abv) Destilados (86% abv or more)
Are column stills permitted in Brandy de Jerez?
Yes, they can be used to make all three classes. Pot stills are only used to make Holandes.
In law, at least 50% of Brandy de Jerez must be distilled to what strength or less?
86% abv. This means that Destilados cannot make up more than 50% of teh final spirit.
What is the maximum barrel size permitted in Brandy de Jerez?
1000 litres.
What is the maximum permitted sugar level when Brandy de Jerez is bottled?
35g/l
The labelling term “Solera Gran Reserva” stipulates what?
Aged for at least 3 years
In the Solera system, the groups of spirit that are the same age are called what?
Criaderas. (Except the oldest which is the Solera)
In what two countries is Pisco made?
Chile and Peru.
How many grape varieties are permitted in Peruvian Pisco
8
In terms of grape varieties, what are the similarities between Peruvian and Chilean Pisco?
Both countries use a high percentage of aromatic grape varieties, especially Muscat.
What is the maximum distillation strength of Chilean Pisco?
73% abv.
What is the range of bottling strength of Peruvian Pisco?
38% to 48%abv. No water may be added to reduce strength.
How many times is Peruvian Pisco distilled?
Once.
What is Pisco Mosto Verde?
A Peruvian Pisco distilled whilst the wine has not completed fermentation.
How many grape varieties are permitted in Chilean Pisco
11
What is Pisco Puro?
A Peruvian Pisco made from a single grape variety. The grape variety will appear on the label.
How long must Chilean Pisco be rested for?
A minimum of 60 days.
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?
30%, 35%, 40% and 43% abv.
What are the 3 classifications of South African Brandy?
Pot Still Brandy, Blended Brandy and Vintage Brandy.
Under South African law, what is the minimum age of Vintage Brandy?
Eight years in oak barrels.
What is the minimum pot still component of Blended Brandy is South Africa?
30% or more. This is based on absolute alcohol not total volume.
Does Pomace from black grapes need to be fermented?
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.
Name the three seperate Calvados appelations?
Calvados, Calvados Pays D’Auge and Calvados Domfrontais
What percentage of pears must be included in Pays D’Auge Calvados?
A maximum of 30% pears
What percentage of pears must be included in Domfrontais Calvados?
A minimum of 30% pears
Which one of the Calvados AOC’s prohibits cultured yeast?
Domfrontais
What type of still is stipulated in the AOC of Domfrontais?
Double-column stills with a maximum of 28 plates heated by direct flame, similar to an Alambic Armagnacaise.
What are the four categories of apples in Calvados?
Acidic/sour, bittersour, bittersweet and sweet.
Calvados maturation is most typically carried out in what vessels?
Oak Foudres (1000l to 10,000l)
What does Geist typically refer to?
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.
A six year old Calvados would use what labelling term?
XO, Hors d’age, Tres Vielles Reserve, Tres Vieux, Extra or Napoleon.
What is the maximum number of plates in a column still in Calvados?
31 plates in total (Domfrontais is less:28)
What is the maximum permissable strength of newly made Calvados?
72% abv
Calvados Pays D’Auge requires the use of what distillation method?
Double distilled in copper pot stills.
What is the minimum maturation period for Calvados Domfrontais?
3 years in an oak conatiners.
What is the minimum maturation period for Calvados?
2 years in oak containers.
