Winemaking Flashcards
What is the waxy layer on the outside of grape skins called? It is also where naturally occurring yeasts are found.
Bloom
What is the name of the fermentation process that changes harsh malic acids into softer, lactic acids?
Malolactic fermentation
Where are tannins found in grapes?
Grape stalks, skins and seeds
What is the process of pumping red wine up from the bottom of the tank and over the top of the fermenting must known as?
Pumping over
What is the usual temperature range for red wine fermentation?
Between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F)
A wine region is considered to have a ‘cool’ climate if the mean temperature during the growing season is below what degree Celsius?
16°C
Which sparkling wine region legally allows the blending of red and white wine to create a rosé?
Champagne
A wine region is considered to have a ‘hot’ climate if the mean temperature during the growing season is above what degree Celsius?
21°C
What is sugar converted to, through yeast action, during fermentation?
Alcohol
Which grape is grown under a variety of names, two of which are Black Prince and Blue Imperial?
Cinsault
By what other name is the grape variety Zinfandel known in Italy?
Primitivo
Do malic acids change and become softer or more harsh during malolactic fermentation?
They become softer, lactic acids
During the fermentation process, yeasts will usually die out when the alcohol level reaches what percentage?
15% abv (or somewhere between 10 and 20%)
From which storage source do some white wines receive tannins?
Oak barrels
Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Syrah and Tannat are grape varieties notably high or low in tannins?
High
What process is induced when grapes are sealed in a vessel and carbon dioxide is added?
Carbonic maceration
What kind of wine is traditionally associated with carbonic maceration?
Beaujolais Nouveau
What style of white wine is made where grape skins are not removed and remain present during fermentation for days or sometimes months?
Skin contact white wines that are made like red wines
When making red wine all the solids - skins, seeds, stems and pulp rise to the surface of the fermentation vessel creating a ‘cap’ - one method to help integrate the cap back into the wine is pumping over, what is other?
Punching-down
What is known as the ‘cap’?
A layer of solids, including skins, seeds, stems and pulp, that have all risen to the surface inside a red wine fermentation vessel
Name the process that consists of stirring dead yeast cells back into wine?
Bâtonnage
What is the term used for sediment made up of dead yeast?
Lees
Depending on the species of yeast, most cells will do what at alcohol concentrations somewhere between 10 and 20%?
Die off
What is the French term for punching down?
Pigéage
What does punching down extract from the grape solids?
Color, tannins, flavor and aromas
What does the French term Pigéage mean?
Punching down?
What’s V.A.?
Volatile Acidity. Acetic acid formed by bacteria during or after fermentation
What’s débourbage?
Juice setting. Process of allowing solid particles to settle out of the pressed grape juice or newly made wine
What are sulfites?
Sulfites are natural compounds found in most grapes. Winemakers add sulfites to the must in the form of Sulfur Dioxide
How many grapes are in a bottle of wine?
Approx. 2 1/2 pounds. Roughly 600 - 800 grapes
What’s délestage?
Rack-And-Return. It’s a fermentation and maceration technique. Délestage is a two-step “rack-and-return” process in which fermenting red wine juice is separated from the grape solids by racking and then returned to the fermenting vat to re-soak the solids. This step is then repeated daily.
What’s chaptalization?
It’s the act of adding sugar to a low alcohol wine before and/or during fermentation.
What are sulfites for?
Sulfites act as a preservative. Slow oxidation and inhibit the growth of bacteria and wild yeast
What gives red wine their red or purple hue?
Anthocyanins, which are a group of naturally occurring phenolic-compounds that are responsible for the red, purple and blue colours found in many fruits, vegetables and wine grapes
What are the methods used to create sparkling wine?
Méthode Champenoise (or Traditional), Charmat Method (or Tank), Transfer Method, Force Carbonation
What’s the scientific name for the most common yeast used in wine fermentation?
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
What are the major methods of clarification in winemaking?
Racking, Fining, Filtering
What’s liqueur de tirage?
It’s a mixture of yeast and sugar added to the bottle to start second fermentation
What’s liqueur d’expédition?
It’s a mixture of still wine and sugar that’s added to the bottle after disgorgement
