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Sparkling Wine/Champagne
Sparkling wine and champagne—terms used interchangeably in the United States—bring to mind celebration, success, luxury, love and romance. These wines are characterized by the delicate, festive bubbles that result from an additional step in the winemaking process. They range in style from very dry (natural), dry (brut), and slightly sweet (extra dry), to sweet (sec and demi-sec).
In winemaking, when nearly all the natural sugar in grape juice has been converted to alcohol during fermentation, the resulting wines are described as "dry".
Traditional grape varieties used in California sparkling wines make versatile accompaniments to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, though many other varieties may be used depending on production process and price point. Some sparkling wines are identified as "blanc de blancs" (wines made from white grapes), or "blanc de noirs" (wines made from red grapes).
Because of their great range of styles, sparkling wine makes a versatile accompaniment to a wide variety of foods, from salty nuts and cheeses to Asian dishes to fresh strawberries. "They also make classic aperitifs", or appetizer wines.
A winemaker may choose from two basic methods for putting the sparkle into sparkling wine—discover these methods and other interesting info about making sparkling wine/champagne.
In winemaking, when nearly all the natural sugar in grape juice has been converted to alcohol during fermentation, the resulting wines are described as "dry".
Traditional grape varieties used in California sparkling wines make versatile accompaniments to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, though many other varieties may be used depending on production process and price point. Some sparkling wines are identified as "blanc de blancs" (wines made from white grapes), or "blanc de noirs" (wines made from red grapes).
Because of their great range of styles, sparkling wine makes a versatile accompaniment to a wide variety of foods, from salty nuts and cheeses to Asian dishes to fresh strawberries. "They also make classic aperitifs", or appetizer wines.
A winemaker may choose from two basic methods for putting the sparkle into sparkling wine—discover these methods and other interesting info about making sparkling wine/champagne.