Sparkling wine is a common staple at celebrations and special events. Winemakers everywhere take pride in creating their own special sparkling wine to share with wine drinkers. Each winemaker chooses one of the four methods of creating sparkling wine.
- Carbon Dioxide Method – This processes in similar to the technique used for soft drinks. Carbon dioxide is simply injected into the wine.
- Secondary Fermentation in Bulk Tanks – This method is also referred to as the Metedo Martinotti technique. It was developed and patented by Federico Martinotti and is commonly known as the Charmat process. This process undergoes a secondary fermentation in bulk tanks. It is then bottled under pressure.
- Secondary Fermentation in Bottles – This process is also known as Methode Champenoise. It is commonly used for the production of Champagne and undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle.
- Transfer Method – This process involves transferring the wine from the tank to the bottle for secondary fermentation. It then transfers the wine out of the bottles and into a large tank and, ultimately, back to the bottle for sale.
Sweet vs. Dry
- Brut – This means the winemaker stopped the fermentation process just in time to leave behind a small amount of sugar. It allows the wine to have a hint of sweetness as well as being dry.
- Extra-Brut – This sparkling wine lacks sweetness and endures a process where the yeast eats up all of the sugar during the wine making process. This sparkling wine is the driest you can find.
- Extra Dry – When you see Extra Dry on the label of your sparkling wine, you can be confident that the wine has a slight subtle sweetness and is dry.
- Demi-Sec – This sweet wine contains anywhere between 33 and 55 grams of sugar. It is a sparkling wine that has a noticeable amount of sweetness that you recognize from the first sip.
Different Types of Sparkling Wine
- Champagne – This sparkling wine is probably the most well-known (and most expensive). It’s created in the Champagne region in France and made using the Champenoise method.
- Prosecco – This sparkling wine is best at its youngest. It is sweet and commonly used to create cocktails.
- Asti – This sweet flavored Italian sparkling wine has about 8% alcohol content and is created using the Charmat process.
- Espumate – This sparkling wine is created in Portugal by using the traditional or Charmat method.
- Cava – There are many varieties of Cava sparkling wines. Each variety depends on the dryness.
- Cremant – This sparkling wine contains low amounts of carbon dioxide and is commonly produced in France.
Due to the popularity of sparkling wines, there are new varieties being created by winemakers every day. The next time you drink a glass of sparkling wine, know that it went through a lengthy process to get that flavor you love just right. So, pop that cork and enjoy your favorite bottle of sparkling wine.