Page 21 - Uncorked Magazine - Winter 2017

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WHAT IS
SPARKLING WINE?
The gentle Good sparkling wines fall into roughly two categories.
The rst are sparkling versions of the original white wine
where you can taste the original notes of the grape.
fi zz of These sparkling wines usually use a tank method of
fermentation. The second method of making sparkling
wine adds extra layers of avour through ageing, as
bubbles well as through the interaction of the yeast, which also
accounts for the famous bubbles. This second type is
normally bottle fermented but both methods get the zz
casts a spell from the dissolved carbon dioxide, a by-product of the
fermentation process. There is a third method, whereby
the wine is carbonated, which produces tell-tale larger
on any bubbles.

occasion. WHAT IS

CHAMPAGNE?
The most famous sparkling wine in the world has strict
laws and regulations about how it is produced. That
said, the ancient tradition is really driven by climate and
soil, as the Champagne region of Northern France has a
cool climate and chalky soil. This is ideal for growing the
regulated Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay grapes
with their high acidity, light alcohol and medium body.
The coolness of the climate means the grapes don’t fully
ripen every year so the norm is to produce non-vintage
made up of a base wine combined with several vintages
to achieve a consistent house style.

he popularity of sparkling wine seems to
know no bounds, yet despite its popularity
and affordability, that gentle pop and those
caressing bubbles still cast a special spell on
every occasion. There’s great value to be had
T from outside and inside the Champagne region,
but it’s wise to swot up on the taste preferences of your family and
friends. Some people say they don’t like Champagne but perhaps
they just haven’t found the one that works for them. Don’t be fooled
by labels or trends – people will often buy bubbly for the look of the
bottle when they’d be better off reading the back of it first. If you
don’t like dry white wine you’re not going to like many of the classic
Champagne house styles, which are invariably dry. If you prefer
mellow flavours, then Italy’s Prosecco is for you or for an interesting
take on Old World sparklers, then look to the New World. They
can’t call their sparkling wines Champagne but they’re often every
bit as good as the original and get to experiment in ways strict
French regulations forbid.

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