Sparkling Wine Methods

Question 1

What are the 3 main methods of making sparkling wine?

Answer 1

Method Champenoise
Transfer Method
Tank Method

Question 2

Name 4 examples of sparkling wines made with Method Champenoise.

Answer 2

Champagne
Cremant
Cava
Franciacorta

Question 3

What is Transfer Method used for?

Answer 3

small format bottles (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 Methode Champenoise?

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

Method Champenoise wines remain in the same bottle until they’re consumed.

Question 6

In Tank Method, secondary fermentation takes place in a _______.

Answer 6

pressurized tank

Question 7

In Method 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 Methode Champenoise after the base wine has been bottled?

Answer 8

1. Tirage added (sugar and yeast to ignite secondary fermentation)
2. Secondary fermentation
3. Autolysis
4. Riddling
5. Disgorgement
6. Dosage

Question 9

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

Answer 9

1. Tirage added
2. Secondary fermentation
3. Autolysis
4. Bottles emptied into pressurized tanks
5. Filtration
6. Dosage
7. Rebottled

Question 10

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

Answer 10

1. Tirage added
2. Secondary fermentation
3. Short lees aging, if any
4. Filtered under pressure
5. Dosage under pressure.

Question 11

What are some benefits to making wines using Methode Champenoise?

Answer 11

extended lees contact

more pronounced lees flavors/aromas (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, fermentation finishes in 4-5 days

Best method for semi-aromatic/aromatic grapes (riesling)