The Croissant

The New York Times reports that the iconic French breakfast item, the croissant, will henceforth be made in a straight, rather than curved, shape–at least in several important outlets in Britain. The Brits say it’s easier to spread preserves on a croissant when it’s straight. (Bloody hell, jam is such a chore!). The word croissant refers to the pastry’s crescent shape. Croissants came to France from Austria, probably in the 1830’s.

Name a process during winemaking that gives white wine a more creamy mouthfeel.

A. Sur Lie Aging

B. Extended Maceration

C. Diacetyl

D. Barrel Fermentation

Sur lie is French for “on the lees,” and refers to the practice of leaving wine in contact with yeast lees (decomposed yeast cells). The broken-down yeast cells release proteins and other compounds that then interact with the wine. In particular, proteins will bind with tannins in the wine—a good thing since tannin can make white wine feel coarse. By aging a white wine sur lie, the impression of creaminess is heightened. Flavor compounds are also released by the lees, and wines aged for a long time sur lie can take on nut, bread, and yeasty flavors. Because they are heavier than the wine around them, yeast lees will slowly settle to the bottom of the barrel. Left packed together and undisturbed for a long time, they may form foul-smelling sulphur compounds. To prevent this, the lees are often stirred back up into solution—a process called bâtonnage in French. A wine may be left sur lie for weeks or months; it’s up to the winemaker.

“In 2017, whiskey will be the new vodka and will no longer be just the man’s drink of choice. Women who usually drink Cosmos will start drinking Old Fashioneds and Manhattans…”

—Christine D’Orta
Lead Mixologist, Ninety Acres at Natirar, New Jersey

The Croissant

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