All That Sparkles
I absolutely love fizzy and sparkling wines! And, since New Year’s Eve celebrations are fast approaching, I thought it may be fun and helpful to share some information about Champagne and sparkling wines. I’ve also included a few of my favorites.
Champagne:
First, all that sparkles isn’t Champagne. Sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it’s from the Champagne region in France and made in the traditional method (méthode champenoise). The traditional method is a labor intensive, multi-step process (two fermentations) that contributes to the expense. Champagne can be made from three grapes: chardonnay and red-skinned pinot noir and pinot meunier. Sometimes the label will use the terms “blanc de blancs” meaning the wine was made from white grapes, or “blanc de noirs” indicating that the Champagne is a white wine made from the dark pinot noir and pinot meunier varieties. There are also different levels of dryness/sweetness in Champagne:
Brut Nature/Brut Zero: Bone dry. No residual sugar.
Extra Brut: very dry
Brut: very dry to dry
Extra-Sec or Extra Dry: off-dry to medium dry
Sec: medium dry
Demi-Sec: sweet
Doux: super sweet
*Special note: More Champagne houses from France are opening vineyards in California: Roederer Estate (by Champagne Louis Roederer), Domaine Chandon (by Moët & Chandon), Mumm Napa (by G.H. Mumm), and Domaine Carneros (by Taittinger) are a few of the French producers in California.
Sparkling Wines:
Crémant: French sparkling wine that is made outside of the Champagne region in France but produced using the traditional method or méthode champenoise. Sparkling wines made in France that don’t adhere to the traditional method are called “Mousseux,” meaning sparkling. Crémant sparkling wines are more affordable than Champagnes, but offer the same consistent quality.
Cava: The name for Spanish sparkling wine made by the Champagne method (méthode champenoise). Cava is a specialty of the Penedès region of north central Spain near Barcelona. The two largest cava producers are Freixenet and Codorniu. Cava is somewhat dry with flavors of green apples with a hint of smoke.
Sekt: German, Austrian, and Czech sparkling wine.
Prosecco: Italian sparkling wines include Asti, made from the Moscato Bianco grape in the Piedmont region and Prosecco, made from the grape of the same name in the Veneto region. Prosecco is made using the Charmat method, which is like the champagne method, except that the second fermentation is in stainless steel tanks instead of the bottle (Champagne). Prosecco is a fruity sparkling wine and very affordable.
Sparkling Reds: These sparkling wines can be rosé or red. Australia produces wonderful sparkling red wine made from Shiraz (Syrah) grapes. There is also a sparkling Malbec in Argentina and Lambrusco and Brachetto in Italy.
Extra Tips:
How to Open Sparkling Wine
First, don’t be afraid! I was a little intimidated the first time I opened a bottle of sparkling wine, but it was fairly straightforward; just take it slow: Most sparkling wines have a metal wire over the cork to hold it secure against the pressure of the bottle–this is the cage. Start by untwisting the bottom part of the cage, but don’t remove completely. Put one hand over the top of the cork and cage and PRESS DOWN FIRMLY WHILE YOU SLOWLY TURN BOTTLE with your other hand. The cork will loosen and the pressure from the carbonation will begin to push it out. Slowly let the cork come out so that the pressure releases with a sigh. Don’t point the bottle at anyone during this procedure.
Choosing Glasses
The traditional Champagne flute is designed to keep the bubbles flowing in your glass. However, a tulip-shaped wine glass or dessert wine glass with a slightly larger bowl will allow you to better smell and taste the wine.
Enjoy Later
Most of us enjoy sparkling wines on special occasions with friends and family, but if you’re craving a weeknight glass or want a single glass before dinner, you can still open a bottle without wasting a drop. Champagne stoppers lock into place using the fat lip on the rim of the bottle to keep the pressure–and the lovely bubbles–in place. Sparkling wine can keep at least three or four days in the refrigerator.
Here are a few of my favorite Champagnes and sparkling wines:
Champagne:
Rendez-Vous Galant by Trepo Leriguier ~$65.00
Lanson Gold Label Brut ~$90.00
Rare by Piper-Hiedsieck (Expensive–very special occasion)
Cremant:
Saint-Hilaire–Semi-sweet
This is France’s oldest sparkling wine. It was created by the Benedictine Monks of the Abbey of SAINT-HILAIRE over 450 years ago; more than 100 years before the first champagne was created. This wine is comparable to Demi-Sec in Champagne. It was also one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite sparkling wines. ~$17.00
Cava:
Freixenet–Cordon Negro–Brut ~$12.00
Prosecco:
Lamarca ~$20.00
American Sparkling Wine:
Mumm Brut Prestige (California) ~$25.00
This American sparkling wine was ranked 54 in Wine Spectator magazine’s top 100 for 2014.
Gruet (New Mexico) ~$15.00
This sparkling wine was founded in New Mexico by a family from Champagne. It makes a wonderful traditional method NV (non-vintage) Blanc de Noirs that smell like fresh-picked strawberries.
Sparkling Rose/ Reds:
JCB–Jean-Charles Boisset Rosé Burgundy ~$30.00
Terra Sparkling Malbec (Argentina) ~$15.00
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Categories: Wine
interesting but I gauge based on if I like it or not. if we like it – let’s drink more! 🙂
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I think that’s the best gauge too! 🙂🥂
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It’s definitely party time. Enjoyed the beautiful display Nd info. 🥂🍾🎈
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Thanks, Holly. 🎉
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Happy New Year. 🎈
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Happy New Year! 🎊
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Happy New Year to You, Tonya. Cheers! 🥂
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Thank you, Jennie. Cheers! 🥂🎉
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You’re most welcome!
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When the New Year starts with colorful fireworks, let them light up your life like a candle in the night and may they color your year like a rainbow. Happy New Year!
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That’s really beautiful—lovely imagery! Thank you very much. I wish you a year filled with much love and joy. All the best to you and your family! Happy New Year! 🎉🎆🎆
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Thanks for all the information Tonya. Have a great New Year ahead!
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I’m delighted to share! Thank you, Shivangi. I hope your 2018 is filled with everything good! 💗🎉
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Wow, everything you always wanted to know about wine, but were afraid to ask!! lol Now, I want some champagne.. like, ANY champagne!! Happy New Year. 🙂
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Happy New Year Tonya! 🥂
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Thanks, Ritu. Wishing you all the best in 2018! 🎉🥂
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🎊🎉🎄🎉🎊
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Look at all those beautiful sparklers you have (had??) lol! I’ve got some Prosecco that was gifted to me in the fridge. I should probably pop it open tonight after my night shift to enjoy the new year! Happy New Year Tonya and the gang!
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I love Prosecco! I think your plan sounds perfect, Kathryn. 😊🥂 Enjoy! And, Happy New Year you and your family!
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Reblogged this on BubblyBEE.net and commented:
Thank you Tonya…fourthgenerationfarmgirl.com…for this bubbly insight…Happy New Year! 🥂🍾💞
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Thanks so much for sharing, Becky. Happy New Year! 🎉🥂
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Happy New Year, Becky, and thanks for all the good reading in 2017! Here’s a link to an article in yesterday’s WSJ which relates to your upcoming 2018 adventure. Exciting times ahead! https://www.wsj.com/articles/terroir-alert-champagne-is-expanding-and-tempers-are-popping-1514561773
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What a wonderful selection of sparkling wines. I like your choice of cava.
We started the year with a rose Crèmant d’Alsace Paul Buecher. It tastes of dry honey!
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Thank you, Cathy. What a wonderful way to start the year! 🥂 That sparkling by Paul Buecher sounds lovely.
Happy New Year! 🎊
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So helfpul! I’m a wine/champagne dunce. But I love me something bubbly! Now….to remember this knowledge while standing in the liquor store scratching my head….
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I’m so happy you found this post helpful! Thank you for visiting. 🙂🥂
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That Rare – Piper Heidsieck!! Looks fab! Great selection you have here 🙂
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Thank you! 🥂
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