Sparkling Wines

Question 1

What basic formula is needed to make Sparkling Wine?

Answer 1

• sugars in grapes + yeast = alcohol + carbon dioxide

Question 2

How is a second fermentation created for sparkling wine and by what 2 methods?

Answer 2

CO₂ created by fermentation is trapped and dissolved in wine either by:

• bottle fermentation

or

• tank fermentation

Question 3

What grape varieties are used to make Champagne in France?

Answer 3

• Pinot Noir
• Chardonnay
• Meunier

Question 4

What grape variety is used to make Asti in Italy?

Answer 4

• Moscato (Muscat)

Question 5

What grape varieties are used to make Cava in Spain?

Answer 5

• local varieties
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir

Question 6

What grape varieties are used to make Prosecco in Italy

Answer 6

• Glera

Question 7

What steps are used to make Sparkling Wine by Tank Method?

Answer 7

• dry base wine
• yeast + sugar added
• sealed tank
• second fermentation
• lees removed (filtration)
• bottled under pressure
• dry sparkling wine

Question 8

What steps are used to make Sparkling Wine by Bottle Fermentation (Traditional Method)?

Answer 8

• Second Fermentation and Yeast Autolysis (in bottle)
  
  • base wine + yeast + sugar
• Riddling (for moving yeast deposits)
  
  • Gyropalates
  • Hand -riddling
• Disgorgement (for yeast removal)
  
  • frozen wine and yeast being ejected
• Dosage
  
  • Wine and Sugar added
• Resealing

Question 9

What are some labeling terms associated with sparkling wine?

Answer 9

• Brut
• Demi-Sec
• Non-Vintage/Vintage
• Traditional Method/ Méthode traditionnelle
• Méthode Cap Classique (South Africa)

Question 10

What are the Main Characteristics of the grape variety Glera (for Prosecco)?

(ie: Sweetness, Body, Flavor/Aroma)

Answer 10

• light- or medium-bodied
• dry or off-dry
• fruit flavours:
  
  • apple
  • melon

Question 11

What steps are used to make Sparkling Wine by Asti Method of tank fermentation?

Answer 11

• grape juice
• partial fermentation in pressurised tank
• tank sealed to retain CO₂
• fermentation stopped by filtration before fermentation is complete
• low-alcohol sweet sparkling wine

Question 12

What are the Main Characteristics of the grape variety Moscato (Muscat) for Asti?

(ie: Sweetness, Body, Flavor/Aroma)

Answer 12

• sweet
• light-bodied
• pronounced floral and fruit flavours:
  
  • grape
  • pear
  • peach
  • blossom