Sparkling Wines Flashcards
Sparkling wine is made by one of 2 methods. Name the two methods.
Bottle-fermented method
Tank method
What makes sparkling wine fizzy
2nd fermentation
Sparkling wine starts with a light wine. Why?
The process will add 1-2% abv and carbon dioxide
What happens during the 2nd fermentation
The CO2, which cannot escape, dissolves in the wine.
During the fermentation, what happens to the yeast?
The dead yeast cells form a sediment called ‘lees’ and sink to the bottom.
What is yeast autolysis or self digestion
A period of ageing, during which the less slowly release flavours into the wine
Where does sparking wine gets is autolytic flavours from
Yeast autolysis
What is disgorge
Removing of the yeasty deposit
How is the yeast removed in the traditional method?
The bottle is slowly tipped and jiggled so the yeast slides into the neck of the bottle.
The plug of the yeast in the neck is then frozen and the pressures forces the yeast out when unsealed.
What is dosage
After yeast pushed out, bottled is topped up with wine and sugar
What does Brut mean?
Dry
Describe the transfer method
Empty the entire contents of the bottle into a tank under pressure, filter to remove the yeast, dosage then bottle.
Is the transfer method permitted in Champagne and cava?
No
What grapes make champagne
Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay
Meaning of non-vintage
Grapes blended from a variety of years
Meaning of vintage
Grapes all grown in the same year
Flavours of good quality champagne
Dry, high acidity, green and citrus fruit and autolytic
What does ‘Cremant’ indicate?
A sparkling wine made using the traditional method
What is Cava
Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional method
What is ‘Methode Cap Classique’?
South African sparkling wine made in the traditional method.
Tank method
Dry wine into a pressurised tank
Tank sealed
After 2nd fermentation, wine filtered and bottled under pressure
Does tank method produce autolytic character?
No
Sweet sparkling wine is fermented how many times?
Once
How is sweet sparkling wine made
Grape juice
Pressurised tank
CO2 allowed to escape and then trapped at the end
Fermentation interrupted by chilling the wine
Yeast removed by filtration
