Any celebration will seem incomplete without a bottle of fine Champagne to pop open! No sparkling wine means no cheers, and so, no party! Wine connoisseurs will surely agree to this. Sparkling wine has a lot to it that perhaps not everyone knows about. So we’re here to entice you with everything you need to know about sparkling wine. Besides its bubbly nature, it has many more interesting things you ought to know. Let’s get started!
What Exactly Is Sparkling Wine?
Wines that have a distinct, fizzy, and carbonated profile are called sparkling wines. This alcoholic drink is enjoyed for various occasions – weddings, gala nights, family dinners, or for no reason at all! Just like most other wines, these are also made from fermented white or red grapes. Since sparkling wine production requires fermentation, the process to make it is quite tedious. That’s why it’s said to be one of the most extravagant and special kinds of wine!
Many different countries around the world make this alcoholic beverage. But one famous place that every wine connoisseur knows of is Champagne Valley, in France. The sparkling wine produced here has the label ‘Champagne’. No wonder it’s super expensive! Other countries that produce sparkling wine are Austria, Italy, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and the United States.
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How Is Sparkling Wine Made?
It’s amazing to see those fizzy little bubbles gush out of the bottle of sparkling wine right? But how did they get into that bottle? Well, unlike other wines, this wine goes through two different fermentation processes. While there are a variety of ways to achieve this, there are two popular methods of production: traditional and tank.
Here are some of the most popular wine production methods of sparkling wine:
Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle)
This method is also known as Méthode Champenoise or Méthode Classique. For this method, the fermentation process of the wine happens inside the bottle. This is when two other ingredients, yeast, and sugars are added to the wine. Because of this type of method, the wine gets smaller bubbles.
The process involves trapping the carbon dioxide released during the process of fermentation, inside the bottle so that it gets dissolved into the wine. The end result is what we all like – sparkly bubbles! During the fermentation process, the prolonged contact with yeast gives the wine its biscuit-like flavors.
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Tank Method (Charmat Method)
Unlike the traditional method, the tank method for producing wine is much cheaper and faster. As the name suggested, this process involves the fermentation of wine to take place inside a huge steel tank. This is what gives the wine its large bubbles.
A lot of Italian sparkling wines, like Prosecco, in particular, use this method of fermentation. For this method, not much time is wasted on lees and they’re released after the bottling process. That’s why sparkling wines made through the tank method are lighter and more fruit-forward.
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Transfer Method
Another technique of producing sparkling wine involves using aspects of both traditional as well as tank methods. It’s called the transfer method. First, the secondary fermentation of the sparkling wine takes place within the bottle. Then, the wine is stored on its lees. Further, it’s transferred for filtration inside a tank. This technique helps eliminate the two costly steps of riddling and disgorgement. It helps to maintain the character of aging of the lees.
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Carbonation
One of the most economical ways of producing sparkling wines is the carbonation method. But there’s a downside to this technique as well! Since this method doesn’t need much time to ferment wine, the quality of the wine may get compromised.
Here, the second fermentation of wine is eliminated. Instead of that, carbon dioxide is actually injected into the wine! After that, it’s bottled under pressure. So, if you’re drinking wine produced through the carbonation method, you may not get enough time to enjoy it. That’s because the bubbles in it vanish eventually after you’ve opened the bottle.
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Pétillant Naturel
This technique is also known as Pét-Nat and Méthode Ancestrale and is one of the oldest methods of making wine. Here, there’s no second fermentation of winemaking. The wine is transferred from the tank to the bottle after the first fermentation process is complete. This is when the fermenting wine is bottled. This is to trap the carbon dioxide inside the bottle for creating a gentle carbonation.
In some cases, the traditional method of sparkling wines are disgorged and rebottled after the fermentation process. Most winemakers don’t choose to do this, as this wine ends up being cloudy, earthy, and textured.
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What Does Sparkling Wine Taste Like?
The taste of sparkling wine will depend on the following factors:
- The place where the wine is produced
- The variety of grapes used to make the wine
- The climate of the place where the grape vines were grown
Sparkling wine most commonly has a creamy, fruity, light, airy, and crisp taste. When it comes to the fruity flavors of the wine, dominant notes are of apple, plum, vanilla, nectarines, hazelnut, and toast.
The flavor profile of sparkling wine can be both dry and sweet. In terms of sweetness, there are many levels of how sweet the wine is. You’ll usually find this printed on the label of the wine bottle.
Extra-Brut
This level is the driest style of sparkling wine. In these types of wines, the sugar is entirely consumed by the yeast. So, you’ll find that the sweet flavor is completely absent in such wines.
Brut
If you happen to ask any wine lover about the most popular type of sparkling wine, you’re most likely to hear them say ‘Brut’. These wines too are dry. But, there’s a hint of sweetness in them, which makes them savory in taste. One of the most common sparkling wines that is labeled as Brut is Champagne.
Extra Dry
This type of wine is also dry, just like Extra-Brut and Brut. The only difference is that it’s much sweeter compared to them. One of the most popular styles of Extra Dry sparkling wines is Prosecco.
Demi-Sec
If you’re a person who loves the sweet taste of sparkling wine, you should go for Demi-Sec. This style has a noticeable amount of sugar content. This light, fresh, and fruity wine can best be paired with desserts.
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What Are The Different Types Of Sparkling Wine?
There are a variety of sparkling wines that differ in terms of their sweetness levels and color. However, a handful of these wines have become popular among wine lovers across the world.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most common and popular types of sparkling wines:
Champagne
This wine makes it to all kinds of celebrations – birthdays, weddings, anniversary parties, and even bachelorettes! The wine that’s produced in the Champagne region of France is labeled as Champagne. The grape varieties used to make this sparkling wine are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. This wine is dry and has a creamy texture. You’ll experience a yeasty flavor on your palate. You can pair fried foods, oysters, and cheese with a glass of Champagne.
Cava
One of the top producers of Cava is Spain. It’s made using the traditional method and the Spanish grape called Macabeo is used to make it. This grape is known for its refreshing lemony taste. Other grape varieties used to make Cava are Parellada and Xarel-lo. This dry wine has yeasty aromas with fruity flavors. Grab a plate of seafood, some light pasta, or poultry to pair with Cava.
Prosecco
This wine gets its name from where it originated, the Prosecco region of Italy. The sweetness in Prosecco comes from the Glera grapes that are used to make it. The bubbles in this wine are more prominent compared to other sparkling wines. Its production happens with the tank method. This light-bodied wine has fruity flavors and usually tastes sweet. You can pair Prosecco with any light appetizers, fruits, and even desserts.
Crémant
Crémant literally translates to creamy. This wine is known to be less fizzy as it has less carbon dioxide. Compared to other sparkling wines, Crémant has a smoother mouth feel. A lot of these wines are made in France, but not necessarily restricted to one region like the Champagne variety. The grape varieties used to make this wine are Crémant, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. This wine can be both dry and sweet. It’s light-bodied and is best enjoyed with foods like fish, poultry, and salads.
Sekt
This sparkling wine is made in Germany. It’s popular for two reasons – its semi-sweetness and low ABV. So, if you’re trying wine for the first time, you can definitely go for a bottle of Sekt. Riesling, Muller-Thurgau, and Silvaner are the grape varieties used to make it. This wine comes in sweet, off-dry, and dry styles. The sweetness of Sekt makes it a great drink to pair with fruits and desserts.
Sparkling Rosé
For a summer celebration, there’s nothing better than a bottle of Sparkling Rosé wine to kickstart the party! Red grapes are used to make it. But before the fermentation process of this wine, the skin of the grapes is removed. That’s how the wine gets its beautiful pink color. The common grape varieties used to make Sparkling Rosé wine are Pinot Noir, Meuiner, and Chardonnay. This off-dry wine is enjoyed by wine lovers for its fruity flavors. Since it’s light-bodied, it’s best enjoyed with light appetizers and also desserts.
Summing Up
Next time you go to a wine shop and are looking for some great sparkling wine options, you won’t look confused and lost. We’ve taken you through everything you need to know about sparkling wines in this article. This fizzy beverage will definitely become one of your favorites and make it to your next drinking session with friends! Cheers!
FAQs
Is Sparkling Wine Just Carbonated Wine?
Sparkling wine is carbonated and is produced using either red or white grapes.
Does Sparkling Wine Get You Drunk?
If you’re consuming too much sparkling wine than your tolerance level, or drinking it way too fast, it can get you drunk.
Does Sparkling Wine Give You A Hangover?
Increased consumption of sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco can give you a hangover.
How Do You Drink Sparkling Wine?
Sparkling wine should be chilled for at least 30 minutes before consumption. If you truly want to enjoy its taste, serve and savor it in Flute glasses.
When Should You Drink Sparkling Wine?
If you’re looking for a food-friendly alcoholic beverage, sparkling wine is a great choice. Its bubbly and acidic nature will help refresh your palate. You can enjoy it by pairing it with salty and fatty foods like fried chicken, popcorn, or french fries.
How Much Alcohol Is In Sparkling Wine?
A bottle of sparkling wine can contain 9% to 12% of alcohol content.
What Pairs Well With Sparkling Wine?
Foods like Spicy Asian Appetizers, french fries, poultry, and buttered popcorn pair well with sparkling wine.
Does Sparkling Wine Mean No Alcohol?
Sparkling wine is a bubbly drink made from grapes and has an alcohol content ranging from 9% to 12%.
