Sensory Flashcards
(14 cards)
How is traditional method sparkling wine produced?
Wine undergoes a second fermentation in bottle; aged on lees for months to years. Riddled and disgorged to remove sediment. Examples: Champagne
How can you differentiate traditional method wines?
Look for fine mousse and autolytic complexity (brioche, toast,nut)
What are key descriptors of Charmat method sparkling wines?
Visual: Medium mousse with slightly larger bubbles. Nose: Fruit-forward (apple
How is Charmat/closed tank sparkling wine produced?
Secondary fermentation takes place in a pressurised tank, with typicallly shorter contact time on lees.
How can you identify a Charmat method wine?
Lacks autolytic notes; fruity and floral profile. Bubbles are coarser and more aggressive than traditional method. Mousse less persistent.
What are descriptors for Dioise/Asti method sparkling wines?
Visual: Light mousse
Aroma-Grapey,honey,lychee,rose
How is the Dioise/Asti method sparkling wine produced?
Only part of the grape sugar is fermented. Fermentation is halted by chilling
How can you identify a Dioise/Asti method wine?
Sweetness + low alcohol are key. Floral
What are descriptors for Ancestrale method sparkling wines?
Visual: Slight haze
Aroma- Cidery,fruity
How is ancestrale method sparkling wine produced?
Spontaneous or early bottling during first fermentation; finishes fermenting in bottle. No disgorging. Often minimal intervention and unfiltered. Known as pét-nat (pétillant naturel).
How can you spot an ancestrale method wine?
Cloudiness
What are descriptors of carbonated sparkling wines?
Visual: Large rapid bubbles
Aroma-simple, fruit driven, non complex
How are carbonated sparkling wines produced?
Still wine is injected with CO₂ under pressure like soda. No secondary fermentation. Very fast and inexpensive method for sparkling wine.
How can you identify a carbonated sparkling wine?
Very coarse fizz
