How to choose a sparkling wine or champaign? When purchasing sparkling wine before the holidays or at the turn of the year, we are faced with a dilemma: which of the many options to choose from? To buy something cheaper or more expensive in the hopes that it would get better and better, to give a country’s product, and so on. The fundamental enchantment and power of sparkling wines, of course, lies in the magical bubbles and drink froth, which may put you in a joyous mood even on the gloomiest of days. The secret to their success lies in their unique techniques of application. Jnis Kais, the President of the Latvian Sommelier Association, discusses how to select a high-quality sparkling wine for the festival.
Is it carbonised?
To begin with, it is important to understand that the more labor-intensive the way of employing wine, the more expensive and high-quality the drink will be. The most cost-effective method is to carbonize the wine or add carbon dioxide. These sparkling wines are inexpensive (about 3 euros) and frequently available in special offers. The Charmat method, which generates roughly 70-80 percent of all sparkling wines in various nations from various grape varieties, is the second and most prevalent method of employing sparkling wine.
Charmat wines
Producers normally make or buy their own wine, which is subsequently fermented in a big, closed metal tank, resulting in light, simple drinks. However, sparkling wines aren’t made for that purpose. They must have a richer, more complex flavor. Italian Prosseco will be one of the Charmat wines.
Is it a Champagne?
Champagne, made according to the so-called methode champenoise, also known as methode traditionalelle or methode classico, holds a distinct place in the category of sparkling wines. The re-fermentation of wine in the bottle is the method’s key secret. It’s worth noting, however, that not all champagnes are sparkling wines, and not all sparkling wines may be termed champagnes.
If the bottle says Champagne, it means the drink was manufactured in Champagne, France, with Chardonnay (white), Pinot Noir (red), and Pinot Meunier as the predominant grape varieties (red). They’re utilized to manufacture a variety of champagne varieties. Rose Champagne, for example, is a blend of white and red wine. The name Blanc de Blancs denotes that the drink is created entirely from white grapes, and Blanc de Noirs means that the drink is made from one or both dark grapes. Vintage or Millesime is made using one vintage grape, which is indicated.
Sparkling wines
Traditional sparkling wines will be referred to as Cava, Franciacorta, Spumante, Cremant, Sekt, and so on elsewhere. Depending on the type of wine, grape varietals used, age time, and other criteria, they will have a pleasant and richer taste. Consider the following factors when selecting sparkling wine: -Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine that is always created using the traditional method.
-Cremant is a sparkling wine manufactured in various areas of France using the most common grape varietals in each appellation. On the bottles, the Cremant region will always be visible. Cremant de Alsace, Cremant de Bourgougne, or Cremant de Bordeaux, for example. The traditional way of use is the only one that is used.
-Spumante is an Italian wine. For this phrase, use the terms of usage. Prosseco, who employs the Charmat technique, is the brightest representative. This drink will always be light, fruity, and straightforward, which explains its widespread appeal.
-Sekt is a German wine made primarily from Riesling grapes. Although the Charmat process is used to make bulk of the Sekt, there are some good samples manufactured using the traditional approach. Look at the labels of the bottles for information.
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New Zealand, Australia, and other New World countries produce excellent fruity sparkling wines from a variety of grape varieties.
Sugar in wine
It’s also worth noting that the wine’s name can give you an idea of how it’ll taste. Brut Zero, Zero Dosage, Brut Nature (whose sugar content is frequently close to zero), Extra Brut, Brut, Sec, Demi Sec, and Doux (the sweetest of them) are listed in sequence from the driest to the sweetest.
Wine connoisseurs would strongly advise sparkling wines from the Georgian collection. Along with white, red, and orange wines, we also have sparkling wines prepared using the traditional Georgian method of production – kvevros – which you can buy from us in specialized stores.
Remember that sparkling wine has a serving temperature of 6-8 ° C and can be served immediately after being removed from the refrigerator to get the full bouquet. Sparkling wines are also versatile when it comes to pairing with food. Light nibbles pair nicely with light sparkling wine, whereas meat meals benefit from a longer-lasting beverage. However, sparkling wine is not recommended for sweet desserts, but it is appropriate for fruit and fruit desserts.