Standard Options in Sparkling Wine Flashcards
what type of climate is ideal for sparkling wines?
cool climates where grapes struggle to ripen
What are two characteristics of high quality grapes for sparkling wines
just ripe flavors
retain acidity
how does sugar accumulate in sparkling wines
-slowly which gives still-base wines low alcohol (9-11%)
Why is low alcohol base wine necessary for sparkling wine
the second fermentation used in many methods produces an additional 1-2% abv
Where do grapes for sparkling wines tend to be grown in the world?
regions that are at greater latitudes such as Champagne, England, or Tasmania or places with local cooling influences such as those near coast (Sonoma) or at high altitudes (Trentodoc)
What type of sparkling wines may be made in warmer climates? why?
short aged wines (tank method, or with short time on the lees in transfer or traditional methods)
grapes have riper flavors and will provide the only or dominant flavors
what is preferable to make elegant, balanced, long-lees-aged sparkling wines?
less intense fruit flavors
What are the most commonly used grape varieties for making premium and super premium sparkling wines
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
What style sparkling wine is Chardonnay grapes well suited for
autolytic styles
What type of aromas do autolytic styles of sparkling wines display
brioche, or biscuit (graham crackers)
what is yeast autolysis
breaking down of dead cells
What are the aromas and flavors of CHardonnay
apple, citrus
How is CHardonnay well suited for sparkling wines?
early ripening of fruit flavors is an asset in cool conditions
retains high acidity
low levels of alcohol
avoids underripe flavors
What is Chardonnay vulnerable to
due to early budding - spring frosts
coulure and millerandage
what is Chardonnay susceptible to?
powdery mildew, grapevine yellows, botrytis bunch rot in wet periods before the harvest
although its more disease resistant than Pinot Noir
Describe yields for Chardonnay
can be high in the best years without a loss of quality
Why is Pinot Noir suited for a cool climate
it is early budding and early ripening grape
What is Pinot Noir prone to?
spring frosts, coulure
Describe yields for Pinot Noir
more moderate than Chardonnay and quality drops if yield is too high
What type of skin does Pinot Noir have and what is the outcome of this?
thin-skinned
more prone to disease (mildew, powdery mildew, botrytis rot, fan leaf and leaf roll)
What does Pinot Noir lend to a blend?
body
What are examples of other grape varieties that are used for sparkling wines that are local to their regions?
Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada in Cava
Glera in Prosecco
What are some factors within the grape variety that can influence the style of the wine?
the intensity of aromas (aromatic vs neutral)
ability to retain acidity while ripening
how the base wine responds to autolysis where applicable (ex Chardonnay becomes creamy; Xarel-lo becomes toasty and smokey)
Name characteristics that are desirable for most sparkling wines. How are these achieved?
high acid levels, low potential alcohol, and delicate flavors
high yields
How are grapes used for sparkling wines typically trained or trellised
there are a range of techniques depending on region, its climate, and nutritional status of the soil
What priority is given to in all regions to grapes made into sparkling wine?
to obtain clean healthy fruit
When does harvesting occur for sparkling wine grapes and why?
earlier than for still wine production to achieve high acid, low alcohol profile
What can impact grapes of sparkling wines if left on the vine too long?
rainy weather in autumn starts increasing risk of fungal disease
How are sparkling wine grapes typically harvested
both hand and machine harvested depending on location and local wine laws
name the benefits of hand harvesting sparkling wine grapes
ability to collect in small crates
permits sorting
minimizes splitting and crushing of grapes and subsequent oxidation and extraction of phenloics
name the problems of hand harvesting sparkling wine grapes
labor intensive
slow
can be expensive
What can be enhanced by the effervescence in the wine?
perception of any off flavors from diseased fruit
What are the disadvantages of machine harvesting?
can rupture skins resulting in phenolic extraction and oxidation
while disease and or damaged grapes can be removed by hand right before machine harvest - this increases cost
What are the advantages of machine harvesting
faster
grapes more likely to be picked at the desired point of ripeness
cheaper
permits night-time harvesting (cooler grapes = slowed down oxidation)
What type of pressing is typically used for premium traditional method sparkling wine? why?
whole bunch pressing
one of gentlest forms of pressing, providing delicate juice that is low in solids and phenolics
stems also help to create a network of channels through which juice can flow easily (min pressure required)
What is a disadvantage of whole bunch pressing?
fewer bunches can be pressed at a time = more time consuming
How should pressing be performed for sparkling wine grapes? Why?
as quickly and gently as possible (esp for black skin varieties)
minimizes maceration with and extraction from the skins which would bring unwanted colors and tannins
What do phenolic compounds do to sparkling wine?
can make the wine taste bitter and feel course on the palate
What type of presses are typically used for sparkling wines? why?
Pneumatic and basket presses -
ability to press very gently
Is it common to split the juice into different press fractions?
YES - in some regions max amount of press juice (vs free run juice) that can be used is controlled
What is the benefit of having different press fractions
give useful blending options
higher in phenolics, solids and Ph
faster maturing making these fractions can be useful for wines with a short maceration that are made for immediate consumption
What occurs after pressing but before fermentation?
the juice is clarified
What method of clarification is used ?
can be any method available for still white wines
if excessive color of tannin fining may be used to amend the juice
What temps are sparkling wines fermented at? Why?
14-20 C
retain fruit flavors but ensure temps are not too cold for yeast
what makes the environment stressful for the yeast during fermentation?
low pH
In what vessels does primary fermentation take place? why?
mostly stainless steel tanks
allows large vols to be fermented with temp control and for ease of cleaning the tanks before and after fermentation
What is a priority for sparkling winemaking?
reliable healthy ferment
What type of yeasts are typically used for sparkling wine fermentation
cultured yeasts that are able to ferment reliably to dryness in high-acid low pH conditions
What type of yeasts are sometimes used for tank method sparkling wines? why?
some yeast strains that promote certain flavors such as thiols or esters
sometimes neutral yeasts used not to enhance primary fruit flavors
What is not wanted in autolytic styles of sparkling wine? why?
pronounced primary fruit flavors
they may compete with autolytic flavors
What kind of yeast is used for first fermentation vs second fermentation in sparkling wines?
common for same type of yeast to be used.
what must yeast be able to do during second fermentation
start fermenting in alcoholic conditions (10% abv too high for many yeasts) with low pH and continue fermenting through low temperatures in high pressure and with poor availability of nutrients
what is flocculation?
process of fine particles clumping together
What is desirable for traditional method wines during fermentation?
rapid autolysis and easy flocculation
What is one of the most common cultured yeasts used for sparkling wine production?
EC1118 - Prise de mousse
What does malolactic conversion used to do in sparkling wines?
reduce acidity in excessively acidic wine
enhance texture
lactic acid produced in malolactic conversion seen as a creamier texture than other acids such as tartaric
Why are the buttery flavors typically found with malolactic conversion not found in sparkling wines?
diacetyl is metabolized by the yeast in the second fermentation
If malolactic conversion does not take place after fermentation what is the risk for sparkling wines?
it could take place during 2nd fermentation leading to haziness in the wine especially for traditional method wines
what is the other option if malolactic conversion is not desired?
sterile filtering
What commonly used yeast is know for its claim to work on low pH, high total SO2 and low temp situtation as well as its neutral character enables subtle primary fruit to be clearly expressed?
LALVIN DV10
How do producers handle the base wine before 2nd fermentation
some mature in oak or leave wine on lees
new oak only used in small proportions
most often seasoned barrels will be used
oak will not be used at all for fruity styles (Prosecco or Asti)
What flavors are typically magnified in sparkling wines
oak - vanilla, toast, spice
What is assemblage?
blending of wines from different vineyard sites, grape varieties, vintages, and wines that have undergone different winemaking techniques
what is the purpose of blending for sparkling wines
balance
consistency
style
rose wines
complexity
minimisation of faults
volume
price