Sparkling Wine Methods

Question 1

What are the 3 main methods of making sparkling wine?

Answer 1

Méthode Champenoise
Transfer Method
Tank Method

Question 2

Name 4 examples of sparkling wines made with Méthode Champenoise.

Answer 2

Champagne
Crémant
Cava
Franciacorta

Question 3

What is Transfer Method used for?

Answer 3

Small format bottles, e.g. 187mL

Large format bottles (bigger than magnums)

Question 4

Name 3 examples of Tank Method sparkling wine.

Answer 4

Prosecco
Lambrusco
Moscato d’Asti

Question 5

What are the similarities and differences between Transfer Method and Méthode Champenoise wines?

Answer 5

Similarity:

both are made the same way up through the step of yeast autolysis
Differences:

Transfer Method wines are emptied into pressurized tanks to be filtered, dosaged, and then rebottled into their small or large formats
Méthode Champenoise wines remain in the same bottle until they’re consumed.

Question 6

In Tank Method, secondary fermentation takes place i

Answer 6

pressurized tank

Question 7

In Méthode Champenoise, secondary fermentation takes place in ___.

Answer 7

the same bottle in which it will later be sold

Question 8

What is the order of steps for Méthode Champenoise AFTER the base wine has been bottled?

Answer 8

Tirage added (sugar + yeast to ignite secondary fermentation)
Secondary fermentation
Autolysis
Riddling
Disgorgement
Dosage

Question 9

What is the order of steps for Transfer Method AFTER the base wine has been bottled?

Answer 9

Tirage added (sugar + yeast to ignite secondary fermentation)
Secondary fermentation
Autolysis
Bottles emptied into pressurized tanks
Filtration
Dosage
Rebottled
Note: there is no riddling in Transfer Method

Question 10

What is the order of steps for Tank Method AFTER the base wine has been moved sealed in a pressurized tank?

Answer 10

Tirage added (sugar + yeast added to ignite secondary fermentation)
Secondary fermentation
(Short lees aging, if any)
Filtered under pressure
Dosage under pressure

Question 11

What are some benefits to making wines using Méthode Champenoise?

Answer 11

Extended lees contact

More pronounced lees aromas/flavors (bread, biscuit)

Question 12

What are some benefits to making wines using Transfer Method?

Answer 12

Autolytic flavors from lees contact (bread, biscuit)

No riddling

Question 13

What are some benefits to making wines using Tank Method?

Answer 13

Cheaper than Transfer and Champenoise methods – no riddling, no disgorgement
Quicker, too – fermentation finishes in 4-5 days
Best method for semi-aromatic/aromatic grapes, e.g. Riesling