Sample interview questions: Can you discuss your knowledge of wine production techniques and their influence on flavor profiles?
Sample answer:
Wine Production Techniques and Their Influence on Flavor Profiles
Grapes and Viticulture:
- Varietal Selection: Different grape varieties impart distinct flavor characteristics due to their genetic makeup and susceptibility to terroir.
- Viticultural Techniques: Practices like irrigation, canopy management, and yield control can influence grape ripening, sugar content, and acidity.
Harvesting and Pressing:
- Harvest Timing: The optimal time for harvesting grapes varies depending on desired sugar levels, acidity, and flavor development.
- Pressing Method: Different methods, such as whole-cluster or destemmed pressing, affect the amount of skin contact and thus the extraction of color, tannins, and other compounds.
Maceration and Fermentation:
- Maceration: Contact between grape skins and juice during fermentation imparts color, tannins, and fruitiness.
- Fermentation: Yeast converts grape sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, releasing esters and other aromatic compounds. Fermentation temperature, duration, and inoculum can influence flavor profiles.
Aging and Maturation:
- Barrel Selection: Oak barrels of varying sizes and ages impart different flavors and aromas, such as vanilla, spice, and smokiness.
- Aging Length: Ext… Read full answer