Standard Options In Sparkling Wine Flashcards
What is the ideal growing environment for grapes used for sparkling wine?
Cool climates, where grapes struggle to ripen are ideal for sparkling wines.
What is the preferred ripeness level for cool climate sparkling wines?
Grapes that are ‘just ripe’ in flavor, but retain acidity are key for high-quality sparkling wines.
What is the major benefit for picking sparkling wine grapes when they are ‘just ripe?’
Sugar accumulates slowly, giving still, base wines with low alcohol (around 9-11% ABV). This is necessary because the 2nd fermentation will produce an additional 1-2% ABV.
Name 3 cool climate regions for growing high quality sparkling wine?
Champagne, England, Germany, Tasmania, Sonoma County USA, Trentodoc, South Africa.
What are some of the characteristics of grapes grown in warmer regions for sparkling wine?
Grapes tend to have riper fruit flavors and lower acidity compared to grapes grown in cooler sites. These wines are typically destined for short-aged production as the fruit will provide the only dominant flavors (no autolytic character).
What type of growing environment is common for ‘less expensive’ sparkling wine?
Grapes for lower quality sparkling wines are typically grown in areas where land is cheaper and easier to cultivate. These areas are typically flat, fertile plains.
What are the two most common grapes for growing high quality sparkling wine?
Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
Chardonnay: As it relates to sparkling wine production?
Chardonnay is well suited to the production of autolytic styles of sparkling wines. Its subtle apple and citrus aromas and flavours compliment rather than compete with biscuit or pastry aromas from yeast autolysis. Its early ripening of flavours is an asset in cool conditions and it also retains the high levels of acidity and low levels of alcohol needed in sparkling wines, while avoiding under-ripe flavours.
Pinot Noir: As it relates to sparkling wine production?
Pinot Noir is an early budding and early ripening variety, and is therefore suited to cool climates. Yields are a moderate compared to chardonnay, and the quality drops if yield is too high.
What are some factors in grape varieties that can influence the style of sparkling wine they are creating?
Intensity of aromas, ability to retain acidity while ripening, and how the base wine responds to autolysis where applicable.
Vineyard Management: As it pertains to sparkling wine production:
Grapes for sparkling wines are often grown at higher yields then for still wines. High acid levels, low potential alcohol levels and delicate flavours are desirable in most sparkling wines. Many of these characteristics are better achieved under higher yields. This also helps in regions (Champagne) where yields are susceptible to poor weather and disease pressure. There are a wide range of trellising techniques used depending on the region where the grapes are grown. However, the Guyot training method shows up in almost every single module for Vineyard Management in all regions covered in the WSET Diploma.
Harvesting: As it pertains to sparkling wine production:
Harvest occurs earlier then for still wine production in order to achieve the high acid, low alcohol profile desired for sparkling wine. Early picking means grapes are less likely still to be on the vine as rainy autumn weather starts. This reduces the risk of fungal disease. Both hand harvesting and machine harvesting are popular for different styles/quality levels of sparkling wine. Hand harvesting is slower, but provides for higher quality fruit ending up in the winery. Machine harvesting is faster, and requires less labour, but lowers the quality of fruit entering the winery.
