Sparkling Wine Production Flashcards
The requirements for growing sparkling wine are quite different than growing still wine. T or F
True
What should the sugar level in the grapes be of sparkling wines compared to still wines?
relatively lower in grapes used for sparkling wine than in still wine
What gives sparkling wines their bubbles and increases alcohol levels 1.2-1.3%?
the second fermentation
What is the base wine like that producers will attempt to make prior to the sparkling wine
a still dry base wine with alcohol levels of 10-11%
what type of acid level is often sought for sparkling wines?
high acid levels made in a refreshing style
What types of flavors should the grapes that are being used for sparkling wines not have?
ripe green herbaceous flavors - despite having relatively low sugar concentration and high acid levels
What type of climate do sparkling wines do best in? why?
cool climates - the changes to the acid and sugar levels occur slower
What is the only option for harvest when grapes for sparkling wines are grown in warm regions?
early harvest to get correct levels of sugar and acid. this sometimes means picking grapes that are overly green and herbaceous
What is an important element to handling the grapes used for sparkling wine?
handling the grapes with extreme care.
how are grapes used for sparkling wines typically harvested?
by hand in order to retain who bunches of unsplit grapes.
how are grapes used for sparkling wines typically harvested in warmer climates?
because of the warmer climate they will need to be harvested quicker and by machine before they accumulate too much sugar and lose their acidity
when should the grapes be pressed for sparkling wines?
as soon as they arrive at the winery
How pressing be done for sparkling wines?
gently in order to minimize the extraction of colors and tannins, especially when using red grapes. the use of whole bunches helps with this.
how does using whole bunches of grapes help minimize the extractions of colors and tannins in sparkling wine making?
by avoiding crushing contact between skins and juice is minimized.
What are the 5 main methods of making a sparkling wine?
- traditional
- tank
3 Asti method
4 Transfer - Carbonation
In Europe how is the method used for sparkling wines determined?
typically by wine law.
Outside of Europe how is the method used for sparkling wines determined?
informed by the style or quality the winemaker wants to make or costs involved.
What is the traditional method of making sparkling wine?
this is where the wine has undergone a second fermentation in the bottle that it is going to be sold in.
What method is often used for quality sparkling wines?
traditional method
what are cons of traditional method of making sparkling wine?
time consuming and costly.
After harvesting and pressing what are the next steps in traditional method sparkling wine making?
- making the base of the wine
- blending
- second alcoholic fermentation
- yeast autolysis
- Riddling
- Disgorgement and corking
- Bottle aging
Where does the first alcoholic fermentation typically take place for the base wine of sparkling wines?
large stainless steel vats that are temperature controlled. although some producers use oak vats or barrels for some or all of their wines.
What type of base wine results from first alcoholic fermentation when making sparkling wines?
dry with neutral flavors and high acidity
Will MLF and/or a time on oak be used before the second alcoholic fermentation of a sparkling wine
the winemaker will decide