SOMM Wine Production and Winemaking Techniques 2

Question 1

What is the primary benefit of aging wine 'sur lie' (on its lees) after fermentation?

Accepted Answer

It adds complexity, creamy texture, and autolytic notes such as bread and biscuit

Answer

It adds deep color and more tannins to the wine

Answer

It clarifies the wine faster than filtration

Answer

It reduces the wine's alcohol level

Question 2

Which fining agent, derived from fish bladders, is traditionally used to clarify white wines and lagers?

Accepted Answer

Isinglass

Answer

Bentonite clay

Answer

Egg whites (albumin)

Answer

Gelatin

Question 3

In winemaking, what does 'assemblage' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The blending of different grape varieties, regions, or barrel lots into a final cuvée

Answer

The mechanical process of pressing grape clusters

Answer

The addition of oak alternatives such as staves or chips

Answer

The disgorging of lees from sparkling wine bottles

Question 4

Which stabilization process removes tartrate crystals from wine before bottling by chilling the wine near its freezing point?

Accepted Answer

Cold stabilization

Answer

Sterile filtration

Answer

Bentonite fining

Answer

Reverse osmosis

Question 5

What is 'pigeage' in red wine production?

Accepted Answer

Manually or mechanically punching down the cap of skins into the fermenting juice

Answer

Pumping fermenting juice over the floating cap of grape skins

Answer

Pressing grapes before fermentation to collect free-run juice

Answer

Adding nitrogen gas to prevent oxidation during aging

Question 6

Which technique, known as 'délestage' or rack-and-return, involves draining fermenting juice from a tank, pressing the skins, then returning the juice?

Accepted Answer

A gentle extraction technique that also aerates the juice and breaks up the cap

Answer

A method of adding acidification before fermentation

Answer

A process of removing excess sugar from must

Answer

A sparkling wine production method for secondary fermentation

Question 7

What does the French winemaking term 'élevage' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The aging, maturation, and development of wine from end of fermentation to bottling

Answer

The annual grape harvest and crush period

Answer

The legal classification and appellation system for French wines

Answer

The pressing of grapes to extract juice before fermentation