Sparkling Wine Production (173)

Question 1

What are the three requirements for growing grapes for sparkling wines?

Answer 1

1. grapes low in sugar compare to still wines
2. high acid levels - refreshing style
3. grapes must be ripe - no longer have herbaceous flavour

Question 2

What is the EU law on Pressing for sparkling wines?

Answer 2

1. determines the max pressure used during pressing

2. amount of juice that can be extracted from the grapes

Question 3

Name the 5 methods for making sparkling wines in Europe

Answer 3

1. Traditional method
2. Transfer method
3. Tank method
4. Carbonated
5. Asti method
   * choice of method may be determined by local laws

Question 4

1. What is ‘liqueur de tirage’?

2. Which methods use it and when is it conducted in the process of making a sparkling wine?

Answer 4

1. mixture of :
2. wine
3. sugar
4. yeast
5. yeast nutrients
6. clarifying agent
7. Traditional and Transfer method
   
   • during the second alcoholic fermentation