It's a Season for Bubbles
IF SOMEONE SAID “BUBBLES” would you think Champagne, Champagne, and Champagne? There is this preconception that if it’s not Champagne, it’s not festive enough, it’s just another cheap sparkling wine. Of course Champagne has the prestige, but other sparkling wines like Crémant, Cava, and Prosecco have the aromatics! Citrus, pear, apple, almond, or green pepper they are an exquisite pairing with seafood and tapas.The specific categories of sparkling wines are produced from specific regions, using typical/specific types of grapes, and a precise method of fermentation to earn their badges. Quality is to be expected from all of them. Delicious flavors at a fraction of the price.
To make it simple these sparkling wines can be categorized by country: Champagne and Crémant are from France. Champagnes are from the region of Champagne and Crémant are from eight (8) specific regions; Alsace, Burgundy, and Loire are the main producing regions. Cava is from Spain. It was first produced in Catalonia region and it uses similar method of production to the production of Champagne a.k.a. 'méthode champenoise'. Last but not least, Prosecco is from Italy, mainly from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
To make these sparkling wines several types of grapes can be used. Depending on the region where the wine is produced the possible grapes include: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, Pinot blanc, Riesling, Glera, Macabeo, Parellada, or Xarel-Lo. If the winemaker works his magic it would not be surprising to have an ‘assemblage’ of different grapes in the same manner as some red wines.
It would be rude to talk about bubbles and not discuss the fermentation process. Champagne uses a two step fermentation process and is aged in bottles. Cava and Crémant also use the ‘methode champenoise’, fermenting in two steps and aging in bottles. Prosecco is the only sparkling wine that uses the Charmat method. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks and bottled under pressure. Champagne, Crémant, Cava, and Prosecco: bubbles that will make you lighter on your feet. Try them all, you won’t break your wallet (for Champagne maybe you will). Go to ‘Our Picks’ to pin our recommendations for some refreshing bubbles.
