Sparkling Wines

Question 1

If a sparkling wine has ‘bottle fermented’ on its label, which method of production is typically used?

Answer 1

Transfer

Question 2

How much does the second fermentation cause the alcohol level in a wine to increase?

Answer 2

1.2-1.3% abv

Question 3

How long must cava spend on its lees?

Answer 3

9 months

Question 4

If a sparkling wine is made using tank method, what are the expected aromas?

Answer 4

Primary only

Question 5

What is liqueur d’expedition comprised of?

Answer 5

Wine and sugar

Question 6

Yeast autolysis:

Answer 6

can last for years and it accounts for the special flavours

Question 7

What does Brut mean?

Answer 7

Dry, but Brut can have from 0-12g/l of sugar

Question 8

What does Conegliano-Valdobbiadene stand for?

Answer 8

It is a higher quality DOCG from the area around the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.

Fun fact: Grapes are harvest on steep limestone cliffs north-west of Venice in the Alpine foothills

Question 9

At what temperature would you serve Prosecco?

Answer 9

6-10ºC

Question 10

Why serve sparkling wine in a flute glass?

Answer 10

The shape enhances the bubble effect and the wine’s aromas, allowing them to travel through a larger volume of the wine before bursting at the top of the glass