Fortified Wines Flashcards

(236 cards)

1
Q

What is Sherry?

A

A fortified wine from Andalucía on the southern coast of Spain

Sherry reached its apex as a British favorite by the 1870s.

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2
Q

When was Sherry established as one of the first protected Spanish appellations?

A

1933 with the establishment of a Consejo Regulador

This recognition helped protect the quality and production of Sherry.

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3
Q

What region is known for Sherry production?

A

Jerez, located within the coastal province of Cádiz

Jerez is the hottest wine region in Spain.

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4
Q

What are the two DO zones for Sherry production?

A
  • Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
  • Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda
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5
Q

What is a requirement for Manzanilla Sherry?

A

Must be aged in the seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda

This aging process is crucial for its unique characteristics.

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6
Q

How do summer temperatures in Jerez de la Frontera compare to Sanlúcar de Barrameda?

A

Summer average temperatures may be nearly 20° F higher in Jerez de la Frontera

This difference affects grape ripening.

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7
Q

What is the levante wind known for?

A

It drives men mad and cooks the grapes on the vine during ripening

This hot, dry wind intensifies the region’s heat.

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8
Q

What does the poniente wind promote?

A

The growth of flor, a film-forming yeast necessary in the maturation of Sherry

The alternation between winds is essential for grape development.

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9
Q

What are the three principal soil types in the Jerez region?

A
  • Albariza
  • Barros
  • Arenas
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10
Q

Which soil type is known to produce the best Sherry?

A

Albariza

It retains moisture and allows vine roots to penetrate deeply.

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11
Q

What is the largest pago in Jerez?

A

Macharnudo, at over 2000 acres

Most pagos are located within Jerez de la Frontera.

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12
Q

What are the three white grapes authorized for Sherry production?

A
  • Palomino (Listán)
  • Pedro Ximénez (PX)
  • Moscatel (Muscat of Alexandria)
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13
Q

Which grape is exclusively used for Manzanilla?

A

Palomino

This grape constitutes approximately 95% of the vineyard acreage in Jerez.

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14
Q

What is the predominant use of Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez grapes?

A

For sweetening Sherry

Varietal bottlings of these grapes are extremely rare in Jerez.

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15
Q

Where is Moscatel primarily cultivated?

A

In the arenas soils near Chipiona

This region’s soil type is favorable for the grape.

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16
Q

What is the soleo process?

A

A drying process where grape bunches are dried in the sun on esparto grass mats prior to pressing

This process typically lasts one to three weeks.

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17
Q

How long may Palomino grapes be sunned in the soleo process?

A

Rarely for longer than 24 hours and often not at all

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18
Q

What is the traditional training method for vines in Jerez?

A

Vara y pulgar

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19
Q

When does the harvest typically occur in Jerez?

A

Late August

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20
Q

What is the maximum yield of grapes per hectare in Jerez?

A

11,428 kg

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21
Q

What is the press yield of juice from grapes?

A

70 liters of juice per 100 kg of grapes

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22
Q

What traditional method was used to crush and press grapes?

A

Under the feet of pisadores wearing zapatos de pisar

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23
Q

What grape is primarily used for Sherry wines?

A

Palomino Fino

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24
Q

Why must Palomino Fino be pressed quickly after picking?

A

It is prone to rapid oxidation

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25
What are the three stages of quality for must in Sherry production?
* Primera yema * Segunda yema * Mosto prensa
26
What is the primary component of the primera yema?
Free-run juice
27
What is done to the must before fermentation begins?
It is acidified and sulfured
28
What traditional substance was adhered to grapes before pressing?
Yeso (plaster)
29
What is the modern method for clarifying must before fermentation?
Racking (desfangado)
30
In what type of barrels is Sherry traditionally fermented?
New American oak butts of 600 liters
31
What are the two stages of fermentation in Sherry production?
* Tumultuous fermentation * Lenta (slow) fermentation
32
What is the alcohol by volume (abv) range for delicate base wine?
11-12.5% abv
33
How are Sherry wines classified after fermentation?
As palo or gordura
34
What is the abv range for wines classified as palo?
15-15.5% abv
35
What styles of Sherry are produced from palo wines?
* Fino * Manzanilla
36
What is the abv range for wines classified as gordura?
17-18% abv
37
What type of aging do Fino and Manzanilla undergo?
Biological aging
38
What type of aging does Oloroso Sherry undergo?
Oxidative aging
39
What is the name of the film-forming yeast in biological aging?
Flor del vino
40
What conditions are required for the development of flor?
* Humid air * Temperature between 60°-70° F * Absence of fermentable sugars * Alcoholic strength of 15-15.5% abv
41
What does the flor do during the aging process?
Protects the wine from oxidation
42
What type of soils are preferred for grapes destined for biological aging?
Albariza soils
43
What type of must is used for producing Oloroso?
Pressed segunda yema must
44
What is the future of a wine marked to become Oloroso?
Its future is certain
45
What is the intermediary stage for wines developing under flor called?
Sobretablas
46
How long does the Sobretablas stage last?
Six months to a year
47
What size are the used American oak butts in which the wines are kept?
600 liters
48
What are the classifications for wines after Sobretablas?
* Palma * Palma Cortada * Palo Cortado * Raya * Dos Rayas
49
What characterizes Palma wines?
Fine, delicate Sherry with flourishing flor
50
What is Palma Cortada?
A more robust Fino that may emerge as Amontillado
51
What is unique about Palo Cortado wines?
They are redirected toward an oxidative aging path despite having flor
52
What happens to Palo Cortado after Sobretablas?
It is fortified to at least 17% abv
53
What does the term Raya indicate about the wine's flor?
Flor growth is anemic or has died completely
54
What is the alcohol by volume (abv) range for Raya wines?
17-18%
55
What happens to Dos Rayas wines?
Their flor has disappeared and they may be blended or removed from the Sherry-making process
56
What was the minimum solera aging required before bottling reduced to in 2010?
Two years
57
How are Sherry wines typically marketed?
Rarely as vintage wines
58
What is the fractional blending system used for Sherry wines called?
Solera
59
What is the function of criaderas in the solera system?
To separate young wines from the solera
60
How many criaderas can there be in a solera system?
As few as three to four or as many as fourteen
61
What is the rule for drawing wine from the solera?
For every liter drawn, two must remain
62
What does the term 'solera' derive from?
The Latin word 'solum', meaning 'floor'
63
What is the role of trasiegos in the solera system?
To refresh the butts with new wine
64
What is essential for the survival of flor during biological aging?
Certain nutrients and oxygen
65
How does the solera system theoretically maintain original wine?
By continuing a small portion of its original wine regardless of age
66
Are Oloroso wines aged in solera systems?
Many are, but it is not necessary for oxidative aging
67
What characterizes Fino Sherry?
A light, delicate, almond-toned style with a high concentration of acetaldehydes, a salty tang, and an alcohol content of 15-17% ## Footnote Fino Sherry is known for its fresh and crisp taste, often enjoyed as an aperitif.
68
What happens to Fino as it matures?
It may lose its flor and begin to age oxidatively, taking on a more robust, hazelnut character and increasing in alcohol content ## Footnote The flor is a layer of yeast that protects the wine from oxidation.
69
What is the final alcohol content range for Amontillado?
16% to 22% ## Footnote Amontillado is a type of Sherry that undergoes a unique aging process.
70
What is necessary for the production of true Amontillado?
It is a laborious process and requires expensive soleras for maintenance ## Footnote Soleras are a system of barrels used in the aging of Sherry.
71
What does Oloroso mean and what are its characteristics?
It means 'fragrant' and demonstrates spicy, walnut tones with a smooth mouthfeel ## Footnote Oloroso Sherry is typically richer and darker than Fino.
72
What is the alcohol content range for Oloroso?
17% to 22% abv ## Footnote Oloroso Sherry is fully oxidized and has a higher alcohol content than Fino.
73
What is unique about Palo Cortado?
It combines the rich body and color of an Oloroso with the delicate bouquet of an Amontillado ## Footnote Palo Cortado is highly sought after by connoisseurs due to its rarity.
74
List the generoso wine styles mentioned.
* Fino * Amontillado * Oloroso * Palo Cortado * Manzanilla Fina * Manzanilla Pasada * Manzanilla Añada ## Footnote Generoso wines are characterized by their dry nature.
75
What is Manzanilla Fina similar to?
It is similar in style to Fino but harvested earlier and lower in alcohol ## Footnote Manzanilla wines are typically produced in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
76
How does Manzanilla Pasada differ from Fino?
It loses the protection of flor and begins to show oxidative characteristics ## Footnote This style shares similarities with Fino-Amontillado wines.
77
Fill in the blank: The final alcohol content of Amontillado must be between _______.
16% and 22% ## Footnote This range is crucial for classifying Amontillado Sherry.
78
What is the process of blending Sherry known as?
Cabeceo ## Footnote The cabeceo involves assembling the final blend on a small scale before applying it to the larger batch of wine.
79
What is the minimum ABV for base wines entered into the cabeceo?
17.5% ## Footnote This minimum alcohol by volume is required for base wines used in the blending process.
80
What are the common sweetening agents for Sherry?
* Dulce pasa * Dulce de almíbar * Mistela produced from Moscatel or Pedro Ximénez grapes ## Footnote Pedro Ximénez is preferred but expensive, while dulce pasa from sunned Palomino is the most common.
81
What is 'vino de color' used for in Sherry production?
To adjust the color of the final wine ## Footnote Vino de color is a non-alcoholic concoction made from boiled syrup and fresh must.
82
What are the names of Generoso Liqueur wines produced from blending?
* Pale Cream * Cream * Dry * Medium ## Footnote Each style varies in sweetness and blend composition.
83
Which traditional terms can be legally used for Medium Sherries?
* Golden * Milk * Brown ## Footnote These terms reflect the historical significance of the British market in Sherry production.
84
What was the historical role of almacenistas in Sherry production?
To purchase and age young wines for shippers ## Footnote Their role today is minor, and the term has been trademarked by Lustau.
85
What is Vino Dulce Natural?
Wines produced solely from sunned grapes ## Footnote This term is misleading as these wines are fortified after partial fermentation.
86
What are the sugar content ranges for Vino Dulce Natural?
180 to 500 grams per liter ## Footnote This range indicates the sweetness level of the wines.
87
What do the acronyms VOS and VORS stand for?
* VOS: Vinum Optimum Signatum (Very Old Sherry) * VORS: Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum (Very Old Rare Sherry) ## Footnote These categories were created for Sherry Wines of Certified Age by the Consejo Regulador.
88
What is the average age requirement for VOS Sherry?
Over 20 years ## Footnote For every liter of VOS Sherry drawn, at least 20 liters must remain in the solera.
89
What is the average age requirement for VORS Sherry?
Over 30 years ## Footnote For every liter of VORS Sherry drawn, at least 30 liters must remain in the solera.
90
Which types of wines are authorized for VOS and VORS certification?
* Amontillado * Oloroso * Palo Cortado * Pedro Ximénez ## Footnote Only these specific types of Sherry are eligible for the VOS and VORS labels.
91
What is the role of a tasting panel in the VOS and VORS certification process?
To certify the wines ## Footnote The panel ensures that the wines meet the age and quality standards for these designations.
92
What does the Consejo Regulador certify regarding age indications on labels?
Indications of age of either 12 or 15 years for the entire solera ## Footnote This certification applies to the whole solera, not just to specific lots of wine.
93
What are traditional tablemates for serving Fino?
* Olives * Iberian ham * Almonds * Shellfish * Grilled sardines * Spanish mackerel ## Footnote These accompaniments enhance the tasting experience of Fino Sherry.
94
What are the fortified wines of Madeira known for?
Among the longest-lived wines in the world ## Footnote Madeira wines develop their character through lengthy ocean voyages and controlled heating during production.
95
What is the torna viagem?
Round trip in wine production process ## Footnote It mimics the original method of aging wines during ocean voyages.
96
What two islands are associated with Madeira DOP wines?
Madeira and Porto Santo ## Footnote Porto Santo is the only other inhabited isle in the Madeira archipelago.
97
What type of stone supports the terraces known as poios on Madeira?
Basalt stone ## Footnote These terraces help sustain viticulture on the steep mountainsides.
98
What are the primary crops grown alongside grapevines on Madeira?
* Bananas * Sugarcane * Passion fruit vines ## Footnote These crops thrive in Madeira's fertile volcanic soils.
99
What system is primarily used to train vineyards in Madeira?
Pergola system ## Footnote Vines are suspended on low trellises known as latadas to combat fungal diseases.
100
Why is mechanization difficult in Madeira's vineyards?
Terraces and small vineyard holdings ## Footnote The average estate is 0.3 hectares, often divided among several plots.
101
What organization regulates the production of Madeira wines?
Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute of Madeira (IVBAM) ## Footnote IVBAM oversees harvesting and production methods.
102
What is the largest production company in Madeira?
Vinhos Justino Henriques ## Footnote Responsible for half of the island's exports.
103
What notable brands does the Madeira Wine Company produce?
* Blandy's * Cossart Gordon ## Footnote The company was formed in 1913 as an association of exporters and producers.
104
What role do shipping companies play in the Madeira wine trade?
Trade wine rather than make it ## Footnote They select wines from producers and bottle them under their brands.
105
Who founded Broadbent Selections?
Bartholomew Broadbent ## Footnote He is the son of Michael Broadbent and the company selects wines from Justino's.
106
What are partidistas in the Madeira wine trade?
Store wine and sell it at maturity for profit ## Footnote They are similar to almacenistas in the Sherry trade.
107
What is the founding year of H.M. Borges?
1877
108
Which company was originally formed in 1913 as the Madeira Wine Association?
Madeira Wine Company
109
What are the principal noble white grapes of Madeira?
* Sercial (Esgana Cão) * Verdelho * Boal (Bual, Malvasia Fina) * Malmsey (Malvasia Branca de São Jorge)
110
Which grape accounts for nearly 85% of Madeira's total production?
Tinta Negra
111
What significant change occurred in 2015 regarding Tinta Negra?
It was upgraded to a recommended grape and may now appear on labels.
112
What is the minimum percentage of a grape required on the label if it is a multi-vintage blend?
85%
113
What was the impact of phylloxera in 1872 on Madeira's viticulture?
It led to significant changes, including Tinta Negra displacing Verdelho as the most planted grape.
114
What hybrid grapes were introduced to Madeira during the phylloxera crisis?
* Cunningham * Jacquet * Isabella
115
What is the current status of the grape variety Terrantez?
It is prized today but commercially insignificant.
116
How many hectares of vines existed in Madeira prior to the 1870s?
As many as 3,000 hectares
117
What are the varietal wines of Madeira in order from sweetest to driest?
* Malvasia * Boal * Verdelho * Sercial
118
True or False: Bastardo is virtually extinct on the island of Madeira.
True
119
What is the characteristic of Sercial wine?
It is a piercingly acidic dry wine.
120
What economic factor influenced grape production in Madeira?
Bananas fetch growers a higher wage.
121
Fill in the blank: The Tinta Negra grape was formerly called _______.
Tinta Negra Mole
122
What was the production of Bastardo in 2017?
314 liters
123
What are the varietal wines of Madeira in order from sweetest to driest?
Malvasia, Boal, Verdelho, Sercial ## Footnote Sercial is a piercingly acidic dry wine that can often require decades to soften.
124
Which varietal produces Madeira wines at a level of sweetness comparable to Verdelho?
Terrantez ## Footnote Terrantez is unrelated to Argentina's Torrontés.
125
What is the fermentation process for Sercial and Verdelho compared to Boal and Malmsey?
Sercial and Verdelho are harvested last and separated from their skins prior to fermentation; Boal and Malmsey are picked first and may undergo a shorter fermentation on the skins.
126
What percentage of alcohol by volume (abv) is the grape spirit used for fortification?
96% abv ## Footnote This grape spirit is imported from France.
127
How long may Malvasia ferment prior to fortification?
A few hours ## Footnote This allows most of the sugar to remain.
128
What are the two modern heating methods used in Madeira wine production?
Estufagem and Canteiro
129
What is the temperature range used in the Estufagem process?
45-50° C (113-122°F)
130
How long must wine be held at the Estufagem temperature?
At least three months
131
What happens to sugars in wine during the Estufagem process?
They slowly caramelize
132
What is the minimum resting period for wine after the Estufagem process?
90 days
133
What is the minimum aging requirement for Estufagem wines before release?
Two years after the harvest
134
What is the alternative method to Estufagem used by the Madeira Wine Company?
Armazens de calor ## Footnote This method uses lower temperatures over a longer period of time.
135
What is the minimum cask-aging period for wines produced using the Canteiro method?
At least two years
136
What are the characteristics of Sercial Madeira wine?
Driest varietal, searing acidity, youthful citrus notes evolving to almond bouquet ## Footnote May contain 18 to 65 grams per liter of residual sugar.
137
What defines Verdelho Madeira wine?
Medium dry, high acid, smoky, honeyed character ## Footnote May contain 49 to 78 grams per liter of residual sugar.
138
What are the tasting notes of Boal Madeira wine?
Chocolate, roasted nut, coffee notes ## Footnote Considered medium sweet, may contain 78 to 96 grams per liter of residual sugar.
139
What is the flavor profile of Malvasia (Malmsey) Madeira wine?
Sweetest style, toffee, vanilla, marmalade aromas ## Footnote May contain 96 to 135 grams per liter of residual sugar.
140
Fill in the blank: The process of heating wine in a stainless steel vat is known as _______.
Estufagem
141
True or False: Canteiro wines are typically aged faster than Estufagem wines.
False
142
What is a key characteristic of the Canteiro method of wine production?
Cask-aged for a longer period in lodge attics, exposed to natural warmth ## Footnote Prevents burnt caramelization of sugars.
143
What is Rainwater Madeira?
A popular style in the US that is usually 100% Tinta Negra, medium dry, and light in style. ## Footnote Rainwater Madeira is well-known for its approachable flavor profile.
144
What does Seleccionado indicate in Madeira wines?
Bottles labeled 'Finest,' 'Choice,' or 'Select,' with a blended wine that is at least 3 years old but below five years of age, primarily dominated by Tinta Negra grape. ## Footnote Aged in tank rather than cask.
145
What is the age requirement for Madeira to be labeled as Reserve (Reserva)?
5 years of age or older but below 10 years of age. ## Footnote This designation indicates a certain quality level in Madeira wines.
146
What is the designation for Madeira that is 10 years of age or older?
Special Reserve (Reserva Especial). ## Footnote Often made from a single noble variety and heated by the Canteiro method.
147
What is the age requirement for Madeira to be labeled as Extra Reserve?
15 years of age or older but below 20 years of age. ## Footnote This indicates a higher quality and aging of the wine.
148
What are the age categories for Madeira wines?
5 Years Old, 10 Years Old, 15 Years Old, 20 Years Old, 30 Years Old, 40 Years Old, Over 50 Years Old. ## Footnote These categories signify the aging process of Madeira wines.
149
What is a Solera in Madeira wine production?
Wines produced by fractional blending and the Canteiro method, allowing a maximum 10% of stock to be drawn off each year. ## Footnote Solera helps extend the lifespan of a particular vintage.
150
What is Colheita Madeira?
Produced from a single vintage with a minimum of 85% required and aged for a minimum of 5 years prior to bottling. ## Footnote Offers a 'vintage' experience without the extended aging of true Vintage Madeira.
151
What does Frasqueira refer to in Madeira wine?
Vintage Madeira aged for a minimum of 20 years in cask, produced from a single 'noble' variety. ## Footnote It is considered the epitome of Madeira and one of the world's legendary wines.
152
What are Vinho da Roda/Vinho da Torno/Vinho da Volta?
Wines that underwent an ocean journey across the equator, produced traditionally by Shortridge Lawton. ## Footnote These wines are exceptionally rare.
153
What is Marsala?
Marsala is a fortified wine from the island of Sicily
154
Who first manufactured Marsala and in what year?
John Woodhouse in 1773
155
What is used to fortify Marsala wines?
Grape spirit
156
What are the two methods of fortifying Marsala wines?
During or after fermentation
157
What is mosto cotto?
Cooked must used to adjust color and sweetness
158
What is sifone?
A mistelle produced by fortifying unfermented must of overripe grapes
159
What are the three colors of Marsala DOC wines?
* Ambra * Oro (golden) * Rubino
160
What white grapes are used to produce ambra and oro styles?
* Grillo * Catarratto * Inzolia (Ansonica) * Damaschino
161
Which grapes are preferred for ambra and oro styles?
* Grillo * Inzolia
162
What is the quality level of ambra style Marsala?
Lower quality
163
What is concia in relation to Marsala?
The addition of mosto cotto, permitted only in ambra style
164
What grapes are used for producing rubino wines?
* Perricone * Calabrese (Nero d'Avola) * Nerello Mascalese
165
What is the maximum percentage of white grapes in rubino production?
30%
166
How is the sugar content of Marsala defined on the label?
* Secco: max 40 g/l residual sugar * Semisecco: 40 to 100 g/l residual sugar * Dolce: min 100 g/l residual sugar
167
What are the classifications of Marsala based on cask aging?
* Fine: 1 year * Superiore: 2 years * Superiore Riserva: 4 years * Vergine: 5 years * Vergine Stravecchio: min 10 years
168
What distinguishes Vergine Marsala from other styles?
Fortified after fermentation and does not permit mosto cotto or sifone
169
What is the style of Vergine Marsala?
Must be secco
170
What are solera versions of Marsala?
Must spend at least five years in solera prior to bottling
171
Who is a revered producer of Marsala known for 'Vecchio Samperi'?
Marco de Bartoli
172
Why is 'Vecchio Samperi' released as Vino?
Due to its lack of fortification
173
What does vintage refer to in Vintage Marsala?
The year of fortification
174
What is Port?
A fortified wine from Portugal's Douro Valley
175
When was the Douro first demarcated?
1756
176
What regulatory body oversees the production of Port?
Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto (IVDP)
177
What was the role of the Casa do Douro?
A syndicate of growers' guilds that regulated viticulture until losing functions after acquiring shares in Royal Oporto
178
What is the lei do terço?
A decree restricting sales of Port to one-third of a house's total inventory annually
179
How many points are available in the beneficio authorization scoring system?
2,361 points
180
What score qualifies a vineyard for an 'A' grade?
Over 1,200 points
181
What is the maximum yield for red grapes in the Douro?
55 hl/ha
182
What is the maximum yield for white grapes in the Douro?
65 hl/ha
183
List some preferred red grapes for Porto.
* Touriga Nacional * Touriga Francesa * Tinta Roriz * Tinta Cão * Tinta Barroca * Tinta Amarela * Tinta Francisca * Bastardo * Mourisco Tinto
184
List some preferred white Port grapes.
* Gouveio * Malvasia Fina * Viosinho * Rabigato * Esgana Cão * Folgasão
185
What is the Moreira da Fonseca method?
A scoring system based on 12 criteria for vineyard classification
186
What factors are scored in the Moreira da Fonseca method?
* Location * Altitude * Exposure * Bedrock * Rough matter * Slope * Shelter * Type of vine * Planting density * Yield * Training system * Vine age
187
True or False: The IVDP ensures label integrity and age designations.
True
188
What is the significance of the term 'protected' in relation to Port?
It means that the term 'Port' is legally safeguarded within the EU
189
What is the common planting system for many Douro vineyards?
Steep, terraced slopes
190
Fill in the blank: The IVDP grants each grower's _______ authorization.
beneficio
191
What is the purpose of the IVDP?
To supervise the promotion, production, and trade of all Porto and Douro DOP wines
192
What is a recent planting system that differs from traditional terraces?
Vinhos ao Alta, which involves planting vines in vertical rows
193
What historical oversight company was established in the Douro in 1756?
Companhia Geral dos Vinhos do Alto Douro
194
What happens to the grapes after they arrive at the winery?
The grapes are destemmed (fully or partially) and crushed
195
What traditional method was used for crushing grapes?
Foot-crushed and fermented in low, open granite troughs called lagares
196
What is autovinification?
An Algerian vinification technology where fermenting wine is pumped over the cap by its own gas buildup
197
When did autovinifiers become more common?
During labor shortages in the 1960s and 1970s
198
What is the goal of the short Port fermentation process?
To maximize extraction of color and flavor in a limited time
199
What is the typical duration of Port fermentation?
Two to three days
200
What is beneficio in winemaking?
The fortification of wine with spirit when approximately one-third of the sugar content has been converted to alcohol
201
What is the alcohol by volume (abv) range for fortified Port wine?
19-22% abv
202
What is aguardente?
A 77% abv neutral grape spirit used to fortify Port wine
203
What does the addition of aguardente to the wine do?
Halts fermentation, killing the yeasts and preserving sweetness in the Port
204
What is the typical ratio of aguardente added to the base wine?
1:4 ratio
205
What differentiates white and rosé Ports from traditional Port?
They are made with lesser degrees of maceration
206
What is a pipe in the context of Port wine?
The traditional barrel used for aging and shipping Port wine
207
What is the typical size of pipes used in the Douro Valley?
550 liters
208
What is the standard size of a pipe used for shipping Port?
534.24 liters
209
True or False: The size of pipes used for shipping Madeira or Marsala is larger than those used for Port.
False
210
What are the two broad styles of Port?
Ruby and Tawny. ## Footnote Ruby Ports are bottle-aged, while Tawny Ports are cask-aged.
211
What characterizes Ruby Ports?
Darker color, youthful fruit and spice tones, aggressive character. ## Footnote Ruby Ports include Vintage Ports, with the exception of well-aged Vintage Ports.
212
What tones do Tawny Ports develop over time?
Complex, mature tones of toffee, dried fruits, and toasted nuts. ## Footnote Tawny Ports develop lighter, amber tones of color as they age.
213
Where did aging of Port historically occur?
Port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia. ## Footnote This ceased to be mandatory in 1986.
214
What is the advantage of the cooler air of coastal Oporto for Port maturation?
Preferable for long-term maturation. ## Footnote Modern climate control has made this a moot point.
215
How long is Ruby Port typically aged before bottling?
Two to three years. ## Footnote Ruby Port is often aged in bulk in wood, cement, or stainless steel.
216
What is Ruby Reserve Port?
Offers more complexity and character than basic Ruby Port. ## Footnote It replaced the term 'Vintage Character'.
217
What percentage of Port production does Vintage Port constitute?
Approximately 1-3%. ## Footnote Vintage Port is the most expensive style of Port.
218
What must happen for a Port house to declare a Vintage year?
It must be authorized by the IVDP. ## Footnote Vintage Ports are aged in cask before being bottled by July 30 of the third year after harvest.
219
What happens to Vintage Port as it develops in the bottle?
Sheds brash fruit in favor of more complex attributes. ## Footnote Many bottles are consumed in their youth, particularly in the US.
220
What is required for mature Vintage Port before serving?
Decanting. ## Footnote Mature Vintage Port develops a significant deposit in the bottle.
221
What is a key factor in determining a vintage year for Port?
Quality. ## Footnote A house utilizes the best vineyards available for a vintage blend.
222
What are back-to-back or 'split' vintages in Port?
Rare occurrences where a house declares consecutive vintage years. ## Footnote Few shippers want to flood the market lest prices plunge.
223
What is a Single Quinta Vintage Port?
Product of one estate's harvest. ## Footnote Showcases fruit from one of its better estates as a vintage wine.
224
What happens in a vintage year for a Single Quinta Vintage Port?
Provides the backbone of a shipper's Vintage Port. ## Footnote Examples include Warre's Quinta da Cavadinha and Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas.
225
How are Single Quinta wines made?
In the same fashion as other Vintage Ports. ## Footnote They will improve with additional bottle age.
226
What is Late-Bottled Vintage Port (LBV)?
LBV spends between four and six years in cask prior to bottling, obtaining mellowed tones of Tawny Port while retaining youthful fruit of Ruby Port ## Footnote LBV Port is always the product of a single vintage, but quality may vary greatly.
227
What is the aging requirement for Late-Bottled Vintage Port?
4 to 6 years in cask ## Footnote Majority of LBV wines are filtered prior to bottling and do not usually improve with additional bottle age.
228
What is the difference between LBV Port and true Vintage Port?
LBV achieves full maturity sooner than Vintage Port and may be unfiltered in superior styles ## Footnote Superior styles may improve with bottle age and can be labeled as Envelhecido em Garrafa.
229
What defines Tawny Port?
Wines labeled as Tawny Port may not undergo extensive cask aging and can be paler due to various factors ## Footnote These wines are often a popular aperitif in France.
230
What is Reserve Tawny Port?
Ages for at least seven years prior to bottling and retains some youthful freshness while gaining a hint of creaminess ## Footnote Reserve Tawny wines are blended from several vintages.
231
What does Tawny with Indication of Age mean?
Tawny Port labeled as 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 Years Old shows a progressively more concentrated and developed character ## Footnote The age indication is an approximation and not an average age of the blended wines.
232
What happens to Tawny Ports by forty years of age?
They reach a pronounced oxidative, rancio state ## Footnote High-quality fruit and seasoned wood are critical for these Ports.
233
What is Colheita Tawny Port?
A vintage-dated Port that spends a minimum of seven years in cask ## Footnote Some producers may not bottle until an order is received, leading to variations in character.
234
True or False: Tawny Port will improve with additional bottle age.
False ## Footnote Tawny Port, including Reserve Tawny, will not improve with additional bottle age.
235
How often are Tawny Ports racked during maturation?
Once annually ## Footnote They may be freshened with additional spirit or wine as evaporation occurs.
236
What is the common preference among Port connoisseurs regarding Tawny Port age?
Many prefer Tawny Port at 20 years of age ## Footnote At this age, the balance of fruit and mature characteristics is optimal.