Question 1

What is the difference between sparkling wine and Champagne?

Accepted Answer

Sparkling wines and Champagne are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two. Champagne is a sparkling wine, made only in the Champagne region of France. It has strict rules that must be followed, such as using only certain grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier) and specific vineyard practices. On the other hand, sparkling wine can be produced worldwide and can use a variety of grapes.

Question 2

How is sparkling wine made?

Accepted Answer

The process of making sparkling wine involves a secondary fermentation that occurs in the bottle, trapping carbon dioxide and creating bubbles. There are two methods: traditional method and tank method. In the traditional method, after the wine is made and bottled, a mixture of yeast and sugar is added to the bottle. The bottle is then sealed with a crown cap and left for a minimum of 15 months to age. During this process, the yeast consumes the sugar, producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct, which dissolves into the wine as bubbles. The tank method is a faster process, where the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in a pressurized tank, and then bottled under pressure.

Question 3

Are sparkling wines high in sugar?

Accepted Answer

Sparkling wines vary in sweetness levels. The amount of sugar in a sparkling wine is determined by the style, ranging from brut (very dry) to doux (very sweet). The sweetness level of sparkling wine is measured by the residual sugar content, which is the amount of sugar left in the wine after fermentation. Brut Nature has less than 3 grams per liter, while Doux has more than 50 grams per liter. Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, and Sec fall in between, depending on their residual sugar content.

Sparkling Wines

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