Sparkling wine overview (L1)

Question 1

What is the origin of sparkling wine production?

Answer 1

France

Sparkling wine has expanded globally from its origins in France.

Question 2

Name three notable examples of sparkling wine.

Answer 2

• Champagne (France)
• Cava (Spain)
• Prosecco (Italy)

Question 3

What are the seven primary production methods for sparkling wine?

Answer 3

• Ancestral Method
• Dioise/Asti Spumante Method
• Carbonation Method
• Continuous/Russian Method
• Transfer Method
• Tank-Fermented (Charmat/Martinotti) Method
• Traditional (Bottle-Fermented) Method

Question 4

Describe the Ancestral Method.

Answer 4

Characterized by a single fermentation, wine is bottled before fermentation is complete with no addition of sugar or yeast.

Question 5

What is unique about the Dioise/Asti Spumante Method?

Answer 5

Combines aspects of Ancestral and Charmat methods, with final alcohol content between 5.5-9% and high residual sugar.

Question 6

True or False: In the Carbonation Method, bubbles come from secondary fermentation.

Answer 6

False

Bubbles are added directly, not from fermentation.

Question 7

What is the Continuous/Russian Method?

Answer 7

Base wine circulates through fermentation tanks with sawdust or oak chips to adsorb yeast.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The Transfer Method is considered __________ than the Traditional Method.

Answer 8

cheaper and faster

Question 9

In what type of tank does secondary fermentation occur in the Tank-Fermented Method?

Answer 9

A large, pressurized stainless steel tank (autoclave).

Question 10

What characterizes the Traditional (Bottle-Fermented) Method?

Answer 10

Involves secondary fermentation in the bottle, followed by riddling and disgorging.

Question 11

What does the term ‘Pétillant Naturelle’ refer to?

Answer 11

A variation of the Ancestral Method where wine finishes primary fermentation in the bottle.

Question 12

How does the Charmat Method influence wine aromas?

Answer 12

Favors grape-derived and fermentation-derived aromas due to lack of autolysis.

Question 13

Which grape varieties are commonly used in Champagne production?

Answer 13

• Pinot Noir
• Pinot Meunier
• Chardonnay

Question 14

List two grape varieties used in Cava production.

Answer 14

• Macabeo
• Xarello

Question 15

What is a key implication of the choice of production method?

Answer 15

It significantly impacts the style, quality, and cost of the sparkling wine.

Question 16

What trade-off is suggested between cost and complexity in sparkling wine production?

Answer 16

The Traditional Method is the most complex and potentially highest quality, while Charmat and Carbonation methods are more economical.