The use of Agitation in the Making of Flor Type Sherry

¹ Horticultural Experiment Station, Ontario Department of Agriculture Vineland Station, Ontario, Canada

Difficulty in production of flor type sherry by the traditional film method has been experienced by Canadian wine makers. The yeast film usually failed to develop. A different method of obtaining flor yeast growth and flor flavour has been explored. Trials extending over two years have shown that vigorous agitation of a suitable base wine, innoculated with suitable film yeast, will produce a wine of definite interest. Agitation was maintained constantly or intermittently during a period of three weeks. Factors influencing the development of the flor flavour were explored. The flor wines were fortified and put in casks for aging. Within a year from the harvest date, a sherry was produced with several of the characteristics of a fully aged product.