Brandy and other Fruit-Based Spirits

Question 1

Brandy is a _____ based spirit

Answer 1

fruit

Question 2

Pomace and non grape fruit brandies are generally… (dark or clear)

Answer 2

clear - no oak aging

Question 3

min abv of brandy (USA)

Answer 3

40% - 80 proof

Question 4

origin of brandy

Answer 4

distillation first applied to wine in the 1500s by traders - they would distill the wine and then add water upon their arrival. cut their taxes and saved room on board

Question 5

Cognac is located just north of this major wine region

Answer 5

Bordeaux

Question 6

the 6 crus of Cognac

Answer 6

Grande Champagne
Petite Champagne
Borderies
Fins Bois
Bons Bois
Bois Ordinaires

Question 7

“fine Champagne” meaning on Cognac label

Answer 7

cognac produced with a combo of grapes from Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne

Question 8

2 highest quality crus of Cognac

Answer 8

Grande Champagne
Petite Champagne

Question 9

origin of word “Champagne”

Answer 9

derives from latin word “champ” - meaning open plain

Question 10

lead variety of cognac

Answer 10

ugni blanc

Question 11

name 3 other permitted varieties for Cognac

Answer 11

folle blanche
colombard
semillon

Question 12

t/f: ugni blanc is the sole grape used for most of Cognac production

Answer 12

true

Question 13

define “boise”

Answer 13

a liquid oak extract used in Cognac - allowed under AOC laws

Question 14

Cognac minimum aging req in cask

Answer 14

2 yrs