Vinification - CMS Intro Somm Flashcards
What is the definition of fermentation?
Fermentation is a chemical reaction whereby sugar from ripe grape juice plus yeast either ambient in the air or inoculated by the winemaker yields alcohol and carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as flavors, aromas, and heat.
What are the products of fermentation?
Fermentation produces:
* Alcohol
* Carbon dioxide (CO2)
* Flavors
* Aromas
* Heat
True or False: Fermentation only occurs with added yeast.
False
Fill in the blank: Fermentation is a reaction involving sugar from ripe grape juice and _______.
[yeast]
What role does yeast play in fermentation?
Yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide during fermentation.
What is a large vessel used for fermentation called?
Foudre
1000+ liters
What is the capacity of a foudre?
1000+ liters
What is a small vessel used for fermentation called?
Barrique
225 liters
What is the capacity of a barrique?
225 liters
What shape are some fermentation vessels?
Egg-shaped
What are the effects of barrel aging on wine?
- Evaporation of excess water
- Oxidation
- Textural changes
- Flavor changes
This process concentrates the remaining flavors and aromas in the wine.
How does oxidation affect the color of white wines during barrel aging?
White wines darken from pale yellow to gold
Oxidation is a key factor in the aging process that impacts color.
What color change occurs in red wines during barrel aging?
Red wines tend to lighten in color
This is a result of oxidation and other chemical changes.
What textural change occurs in wine due to aging in oak barrels?
Aging in oak softens the wine
This softening contributes to a smoother mouthfeel.
What flavors can be imparted to the wine from the barrel during aging? List them.
- Vanilla
- Oak
- Toast
- Spice (cinnamon, clove, allspice)
- Coconut
These flavors enhance the complexity and character of the wine.
What type of barrels impart the most flavor to wine?
New-oak barrels (or ‘first-use’ barrels)
These barrels are used for the first time and have not previously held any liquid.
How do older oak barrels affect the flavor of wine?
Older (or ‘used’) oak barrels impart little flavor and become essentially neutral by their fourth to sixth year of use
They may still contribute oxidative flavor and textural effects even when they no longer impart wood-based aromas.
What happens to barrels after four to six years of use?
They become essentially neutral and stop contributing flavor or aroma
Older barrels may still affect the wine’s texture and oxidative qualities.
How do large barrels affect the flavor of wine?
Large barrels will impart less flavor to the wine because a lower percentage of liquid is in contact with the barrel’s wood.
Larger barrels have more volume, which means the ratio of wine to wood is lower.
How do small barrels affect the flavor of wine?
Small barrels will impart more flavor to the wine because a higher percentage of liquid is in contact with the barrel.
Smaller barrels have less volume, increasing the ratio of wine to wood.
What are the flavor characteristics of American Oak?
Bold, more intense flavors of vanilla, baking spices, dill, and coconut
American Oak is known for imparting robust flavors to wine.
What are the flavor characteristics of French Oak?
Subtler aromas of vanilla, toast, and spice
French Oak tends to provide more delicate flavors compared to American Oak.
Name two other types of oak aside from American and French Oak.
Slavonian and Hungarian
Slavonian oak comes from northeastern Croatia.
What are the levels to which the inside of the barrel is toasted during the coopering process?
Light, medium, or heavy