Sparkling Flashcards
What is the Traditional Method of sparkling wine production?
Second fermentation in the bottle to produce CO2.
How does the Charmat Method differ from the Traditional Method?
aka Tank method. Second fermentation in tank under pressure instead of bottle. Resulting wine lacking autolytic flavours
What is the Ancestral Method, and how does it differ from other production methods?
Bottling occurs prior to end of fermentation trapping the CO2 in the bottle
What are the key advantages and disadvantages of the Charmat Method?
- Advantages - cheaper, faster, no riddling, no disgorging
- Disadvantages - no lees complexity flavours/texture, larger mousse
In what ways does the Ancestral Method influence the final wine style?
- Can remain cloudy due to yeast in bottle
- Lower alcohol
- Softer bubbles
- More pronounced fruit
What term is used in Spain for the Traditional Method?
Cava
How is the Traditional Method referred to in Italy?
metodo classico
What are some examples of countries that use their own terminology for the Traditional Method?
South Africa, Spain
What does Crémant mean, and where is it produced?
Creamant is traditional method sparkling wine inside France but not Champagne AOC
What are the regulations for labeling a wine Cava?
Traditional method from the delimited (non-contiguous) Cava DO
How does the production of Cava differ from Champagne?
Grapes used and often less aging
Which regions in France produce Crémant, and how do their styles vary?
Alsace
Burgundy
Southern France (de Limoux)
Loire
Bordeaux
Jura
Savoie
Rhone (de Die)
Outside France - Luxembourg (in the Moselle district)
What are the key sparkling wine styles of Germany?
Sekt - majority tank fermented
Deutscher Sekt - German grapes
Winzersekt (winegrower’s Sekt)
What is the main sparkling wine of Austria, and how is it classified?
Sekt Austria (PDO) - all methods
Sekt Austria Reserve (PDO) - traditional method
Sekt Austria Grosse Reserve (PDO) - traditional method
What are the primary grapes used in Franciacorta, and how does it compare to Champagne?
Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. More body, richness due to climate
What are the leading Australian sparkling wine regions?
Tasmania
Which grape varieties are commonly used in Cava?
Parellada, Macabeo and Xarel-lo
What are the typical grape varieties found in Prosecco?
Glera + up to 15% ‘other’
