Sparkling white wine is a type of wine that is made with grapes that have been given a second fermentation. This process results in the wine having bubbles, hence the name sparkling wine. There are many different types of sparkling white wines, and each one has its own unique flavor profile.
In this blog post, we will discuss what sparkling white wine is and what some of the most common varieties are. We will also provide you with a few recommendations for wines to try!
How Sparkling Wine is Made
The process of making sparkling wine is a bit different than making regular wine. The key to making sparkling wine is in the bubbles, which are created by a second fermentation process. There are several methods for creating sparkling wine, but the two most popular methods are the Traditional Method and Tank Method.
The Traditional Method is used to make Champagne, and it involves adding sugars and yeasts to a bottle and then allowing the mixture to ferment. This method produces smaller bubbles and is considered to be the more traditional method of making sparkling wine.
The Tank Method, on the other hand, involves adding sugars and yeasts to a large steel tank and then allowing the mixture to ferment. This method is faster than the Traditional Method and produces larger bubbles. many mass-produced types of sparkling wine are made using the Tank Method.
No matter which method is used, the end result is a delicious and refreshing sparkling wine that is perfect for any occasion.
Sparkling Wine Dryness Levels (grams per liter)
The levels of dryness in sparkling wine are measured by the amount of residual sugar in grams per liter of wine.
The four main levels of dryness are:
- Extra Brut
- Brut
- Extra Dry
- Dry
Extra Brut is the driest level of sparkling wine, with 0-6 grams per liter of residual sugar.
Brut is the second driest level, with 6-12 grams per liter of residual sugar.
Extra Dry is the third driest level, with 12-17 grams per liter of residual sugar.
Dry is the sweetest level of sparkling wine, with 17-35 grams per liter of residual sugar.
When choosing a sparkling wine, it is important to consider what you will be pairing it with. For example, if you are serving a sweeter dish, you will want to choose a sparkling wine with a higher level of sweetness. Conversely, if you are serving a savory dish, you will want to choose a sparkling wine with a lower level of sweetness.
Extra Brut (0-6 g/l)
Extra brut is the driest form of sparkling wine, with zero to six grams per liter of residual sugar. This means that during the fermentation process, the yeast has eaten most, if not all of the sugar.
Cava is a popular type of wine that can come in this form. Extra brut wines are very dry, with an elegant and complex flavor profile. They pair well with food and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a special dinner party or just want to enjoy a glass of something different, extra brut wines are a great choice.
Brut (0-12 g/l)
Brut sparkling wine is a great choice for an appetizer or light main course. Its light, refreshing flavor pairs well with cheese and fruit, making it a perfect complement to a cheese plate. Scallops are another great option for brut sparkling wine.
The delicate flavor of the scallops is enhanced by the wine’s acidity, making for a truly delicious dish.
If you’re looking for something heartier, try pairing brut sparkling wine with mushroom risotto. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms are balanced by the bright acidity of the wine, resulting in a true steak.
Extra Dry (12-17 g/l)
Prosecco is a type of sparkling wine that is often extra dry and pairs best with appetizers like a charcuterie plate, deviled eggs, or asparagus. It is also a good choice for those who want a lighter wine option.
The bubbles in prosecco can help to cleanse the palate and prepare you for the next bite. And, when it is extra dry, prosecco can help to highlight the flavors of your appetizers.
Demi-Sec (32-50 g/l)
Demi-sec champagne is a variety of wine that is not very common, but it is characterized by its noticeable sweetness. The sweetness in this wine comes from the residual sugar, which can be up to 50 grams per liter.
This type of champagne is often served with dessert because of the sweetness, but it can also be enjoyed on its own. When choosing a demi-sec champagne, it is important to look for one that has a good balance of sweetness and acidity. This will ensure that the wine is not too sweet or too tart.
Sparkling Wine Types
There are lots of sparkling wines around the world, let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones.
Champagne
Champagne is a type of sparkling wine that is made in the Champagne region of France. It is made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Champagne is known for its signature bubbles, which are created by the process of secondary fermentation. This type of wine is perfect for any occasion, from a birthday celebration to a romantic evening.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a type of sparkling wine that is often extra dry and pairs best with appetizers like a charcuterie plate, deviled eggs, or asparagus. It is also a good choice for those who want a lighter wine option. The bubbles in prosecco can help to cleanse the palate and prepare you for the next bite.
Cava
Cava is a type of Spanish sparkling wine that is made in the same method as champagne. It is typically made from a blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada grapes. Cava is a great choice for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a formal event.
Crémant
Crémant is a type of French sparkling wine that is made in the same method as champagne. It is typically made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Gamay grapes. Crémant is a great choice for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a formal event.
Sekt
Sekt is a type of German sparkling wine that is made in the same method as champagne. It is typically made from a blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay grapes. Sekt is a great choice for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a formal event.
Rosé
Rosé is a type of sparkling wine that is made from a blend of red and white grapes. It can be made in the same method as champagne, or it can be made in a tank method. Rosé is a great choice for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a formal event.
