SPARKLING WINE/PORT/SHERRY/MUSCAT Flashcards
What does Chardonnay contribute to sparkling blends?
Light body, high acidity, floral and citrus fruit character
Chardonnay is known for its bright acidity and aromatic profile, enhancing the freshness of sparkling wines.
What does Pinot Noir contribute to sparkling blends?
Body, structure, red fruit character & colour
Pinot Noir adds depth and complexity, making it a vital component in sparkling wine blends.
What does Meunier contribute to sparkling blends?
Fruity flavours
Meunier is appreciated for its fruity character, which adds a lively element to blends.
What are the ideal conditions for storing wine?
10°C - 15°C, on its side, away from strong light, away from vibrations
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining wine quality and longevity.
What aromas are found in a tank method sparkling wine?
Primary aromas
Tank method wines often retain their fresh and fruity characteristics.
In which Champagne sub-region is the Pinot Meunier grape mainly grown?
Vallée de la Marne
Vallée de la Marne is recognized for its favorable conditions for growing Pinot Meunier.
What is the minimum length of maturation required for Non-Vintage Champagne?
15 months, including at least 12 months on lees
The lees aging contributes to the complexity and texture of the wine.
What is the minimum length of maturation required for Vintage Champagne?
36 months, including at least 12 months on lees
Vintage Champagne is aged longer to develop more intricate flavors.
What is the minimum length of maturation required for Cap Classique?
12 months on the lees
Cap Classique is a South African sparkling wine method requiring this maturation period.
What is the minimum length of maturation required for Sparkling Saumur?
9 months on the lees
This maturation is essential for developing flavor and texture.
What is the minimum length of maturation required for Sparkling Vouvray?
9 months on the lees
Similar to Sparkling Saumur, this time on lees enhances the wine’s profile.
What is the minimum length of maturation required for Cava?
9 months on the lees
Cava must undergo this aging process to achieve its characteristic style.
True or False, In Champagne, the Grand Cru status is given to the vineyard.
False
Grand Cru status is designated to specific villages, not the vineyards themselves.
Which 2 regions are known for more premium sparkling wine production in California?
Los Carneros AVA & Anderson Valley AVA
Both regions are recognized for their cool climates suitable for sparkling wine production.
If a label states “bottle-fermented”, which method of production is typically used?
Transfer
Transfer method allows for efficient production while retaining quality.
What traditional white grapes are used in Cava?
Macabeo (viura), Xarel-lo and Parellada
These grapes are integral to the unique character of Cava.
What traditional red grapes are used in Cava?
Garnacha + Monastrell
These red varieties contribute complexity and color to Cava.
What style is traditional Cava?
Dry, medium acidity, some character from yeast autolysis
The aging process adds depth and richness to the flavor profile.
Why do they use Pinot Noir & Chardonnay in Cava?
For extra acidity and fruitiness
These grapes enhance the freshness and balance of the blend.
How is an Oloroso made/aged?
Entirely oxidative aging without the presence of flor
Oloroso develops a rich, complex profile through this aging method.
How is an Amontillado aged?
Aged oxidatively after a period of biological aging under flor
This unique aging process gives Amontillado its distinct character.
Is Pale Cream sweet or dry?
Sweet
Pale Cream is a style of Sherry that has added sweetness.
Which Sherry term indicates the longest ageing?
VORS
VORS stands for ‘Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum’, indicating very old and rare Sherries.
What colour is an Oloroso Sherry?
Brown
The color comes from the oxidative aging process.
A Vintage Port must be bottled no later than which year after the harvest?
Two
This timeframe ensures the wine retains its quality and characteristics.
The fortification of Port happens when the alcohol reaches what level?
5–9% abv
Fortification stops fermentation and preserves natural sugars.
What are the classic aromas of the Muscat grape?
Orange blossom, rose and grape
These aromatic qualities are distinctive to Muscat wines.
What region in California is known for high quantity sparkling wine , and with what processes?
Central valley, tank method or carbonation
