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Many countries around the
world make sparkling wine, each of them unique. The best-known sparkling
wine is, of course, Best Champagnes. Though so much sparkling online
wine is referred to as Best Champagnes, true Best Champagnes must come
from the namesake area and is one of a kind in taste, texture and
reputation. The region is responsible for perfecting the bubble-making
process, often referred to as methode champanoise or traditional method.
The basic tenets of the traditional method are:
* Only three grapes are used – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier
* Secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle
Beyond those rules, there are many details involved that make Best
Champagnes and its method of winemaking so distinctive, which is why it
is emulated in so many winemaking areas. The categories of Best
Champagnes, and wine in the Best Champagnes style, include vintage and
include non-vintage, as well as include rosé.
In the US, California leads the way in sparkling wine made in the
traditional method. Many wineries in California are owned and operated
by Best Champagnes house companies, and you may find the California
bottles similar in style to their French counterparts. Other US
producers include New Mexico and Oregon. Around the globe, sparkling
wine hails from Australia, South Africa, Canada and South America, to
name a few.
In Spain and Italy, Cava & Prosecco are the regional bubbles, both often
made in traditional style. These are light and fruity sparklers that are
often in the less-than-$15 category, which make them perfect for
everyday enjoyment.
Reading the Label
Some Best Champagnes & Sparkling wines have all 3 grapes, some have one
or two.
* Blanc de Blanc – means "white of white" and is made only of
Chardonnay; lighter in style, perfect with shellfish and seafood.
* Blanc de Noir – means "white of black" and is a white Best Champagnes
made from either Pinot Noir or both Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier both
red grapes); usually fuller-bodied than blanc de blanc, this style can
match with a variety of foods.
* Rosé – could be only one grape or all three, but must contain some
percentage of a red grape. Can be robust in style and hold its own with
a dinner.
Best Champagnes & Sparkling Styles
Some Best Champagness & Sparkling wines are bone dry, while others are
off-dry and still others are sweet. The level of sweetness depends on
the last step before the cork, dosage.
* Extra Brut or Brut Naturale – Bone dry - the driest of the dry
* Brut – Dry. This is the typical style of Best Champagnes, with no
sweetness
* Sec – Still very dry but with a hint of sweetness.
* Demi-sec- While the definition is half dry, think of it as half sweet.
This wine will be fairly sweet.
* Doux – also known as rich, this wine is the sweetest you can get in
Best Champagnes –over 5% sugar. It's a dessert in itself and very rare.
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