Understanding Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is a wine with significant levels of carbon dioxide, which creates the bubbles. Unlike still wines, sparkling wines undergo a secondary fermentation, typically in the bottle or tank, which is what generates the bubbles.
Types of Sparkling Wine
There are several distinct types of sparkling wine, each with its own production methods and characteristics:
- Champagne: Produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France, using the traditional method (méthode champenoise).
- Prosecco: Produced in Italy, primarily using the tank method.
- Cava: Produced in Spain, using the traditional method.
- Crémant: Sparkling wines from other regions of France, also produced using the traditional method.
Key Characteristics
Sparkling wine is often characterized by its acidity, fruity aromas, and effervescence. The specific flavor profile depends heavily on the grape varietals used and the production techniques.