Brandy

High school (ages 12+)
Food & Cooking

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/brandy

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary base material?Fermented fruit, predominantly grapes, but also apples, cherries, plums, etc
2. What is the core production technique?Distillation of wine or fermented fruit mash
3. How is brandy made from grapes?Brandy starts with grapes that are turned into wine or a fermented mash. The liquid is heated in a still, which pulls out the alcohol and flavors, creating a clear, strong spirit.
4. Why is brandy aged in oak barrels?Oak barrels give brandy its color, taste, and smell. The wood lets tiny amounts of air in, which helps the brandy become smooth and complex over time.

Distillation: A separation process that exploits differences in boiling points to purify or concentrate a liquid.
Eau-de-vie: Literally 'water of life,' referring to a clear, unaged fruit brandy.
Solera System: A fractional blending system for aging spirits, commonly used for sherry and some brandies.
Appellation: A legally defined geographical area whose name is used to identify a product originating from that area.