Spirits and Fortified Wines Flashcards

Which grape variety must comprise at least 51% of a wine labeled 'Vintage Port'?

Answer: Touriga Nacional

Touriga Nacional is considered the finest Port grape and typically dominates Vintage Port blends, contributing structure, aroma, and longevity.

What distinguishes an 'Oloroso' Sherry from a 'Fino' Sherry in terms of production?

Answer: Oloroso ages oxidatively without flor; Fino ages under a protective flor yeast layer

Oloroso Sherry is fortified to a higher alcohol level (18%+) that prevents flor growth, aging entirely through oxidation and developing a dark, nutty, full-bodied character.

Armagnac differs from Cognac in that it is typically distilled using which method?

Answer: Continuous column still (alambic armagnacais)

Armagnac is typically distilled once through a continuous alambic armagnacais column still, unlike Cognac's double pot still distillation, resulting in a heavier, more rustic spirit.

In sparkling wine production, 'dosage' refers to what?

Answer: A mixture of wine and sugar added after disgorgement to determine final sweetness

Dosage (liqueur d'expédition) is a blend of wine and sugar syrup added to Champagne after disgorgement to adjust the final sweetness level before corking.

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is which style of wine?

Answer: Naturally sweet fortified wine (Vin Doux Naturel) from Southern Rhône

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is a Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) from the Southern Rhône, made by adding grape spirit to fermenting Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains juice to retain natural sweetness.

Which of the following is the correct hierarchy of Champagne sweetness levels from driest to sweetest?

Answer: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec, Demi-Sec, Doux

The official Champagne sweetness scale from driest to sweetest is: Brut Nature (0-3g/L), Extra Brut (0-6g/L), Brut (50g/L).