Sale of Sparkling Wines: how to choose the best and best match it
Sparkling wine is a wine with a festive and sparkling character, ideal to accompany moments of celebration and conviviality. In Italy, the production of Sparkling Wines is very varied and includes a vast range of varieties, from Prosecco to Champagne, passing through Franciacorta and Trento DOC .
In this article, we will guide you in discovering the world of Sparkling Wines, with advice for choosing the right wine based on your preferences and occasions, food pairings and tasting suggestions.
How are sparkling wines produced?
Sparkling wines are produced through a fermentation process which allows the production of bubbles inside the wine. There are two main methods for producing Sparkling Wines: the Classic Method and the Charmat Method.
Each Spumante has its own production method, which influences both its flavor and the final price. The main production methods are the Classic Method, the Charmat Method and the Martinotti Method.
The Classic Method is the most expensive and artisanal method, used to produce high quality sparkling wines such as Champagne. In this method, the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, with the yeast settling to the bottom of the bottle and being removed via the disgorgement process. This process takes a lot of time and attention, which is reflected in the final price of the product.
The Charmat Method is used to produce lighter and fruitier sparkling wines. In this method, the second fermentation takes place in large stainless steel tanks, where the wine is kept under pressure to create the carbonation. After fermentation, the wine is filtered and bottled.
The Martinotti Method , also known as the Italian Method or Tank Method, is a modern method used to produce high quality sparkling wines such as Prosecco. In this method, the second fermentation takes place in large stainless steel tanks, where the wine is kept under pressure to create the carbonation. After fermentation, the wine is filtered and bottled.
In addition to the production method, the type of grape used also affects the flavor and the final price of the sparkling wine. The main types of grapes used for the production of sparkling wines are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Glera.
Chardonnay is a white raisin used to make high quality sparkling wines such as Champagne. It has a fruity flavor and a buttery note.
Pinot Noir is a black raisin used to make high quality sparkling wines such as rosé Champagne. It has an intense and complex flavour, with notes of wild berries and spices.
Glera is a white raisin used to produce Prosecco. It has a fresh and fruity flavour, with notes of green apple and pear.
Bottom line, the choice of sparkling wine comes down to your personal taste and the occasion you're drinking it. Sparkling wines are a great choice for parties and celebrations, but they can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to a light meal. With the vast array of sparkling wines available on the market, there is sure to be one to suit every taste and budget.