How to choose sparkling wine: 11 tips from a sommelier

Contents

Methods for the production of sparkling wines

To date, there are five main methods for the production of sparkling drinks:

Champagne method (Méthode Champenoise or Méthode Traditionnel) – this method consists in the secondary fermentation of the drink directly in the bottle and further aging for at least 9 months. Since 2005, only Champagne producers can use this method.
Sharma method (tank method) – is to re-fermentation of sparkling wine in a large tank with further filtration while maintaining pressure. The drink is then bottled. This method is used for the production of Italian Prosecco and Asti.
The tank continuous method is a method for the production of sparkling wine, in which the secondary fermentation is carried out in a continuous flow in special apparatuses at a constant pressure of carbon dioxide. This method is used for the production of Russian and Soviet champagne according to the GOSTs of the Russian Federation.
Saturation method – direct saturation of wine with carbon dioxide in a common container or immediately in bottles.
Single fermentation method – after the first fermentation, unfermented wine is bottled and after complete fermentation, the so-called bubbles appear in the drink.

The last two methods are used to make the cheapest drink, which resembles sparkling wine only with bubbles in the glass.

If the budget allows, then choose sparkling wine that is produced in Italy, Georgia, Spain or France. But you can also take a closer look at domestic producers who produce a drink from their own grapes: Novy Svet, Lefkadia, Perovsky’s Manor, Zolotaya Balka, Fanagoria, or Kuban-Vino.
An important factor is the method of production of the drink, and in order to get a quality product, you should refrain from buying sparkling wine, which is produced by the method of one fermentation and saturation.
It is important to remember that the best sparkling wines in the world are made dry, or in other words, brut.
Buy drinks with corks made from natural materials.
Carefully study the composition and exclude drinks that contain chemical impurities.
Carefully look at the quality of printing and sticking labels.
It is better to buy sparkling wine in dark glass bottles.
Buy sparkling drinks in specialized stores or in trusted supermarkets.
Mandatory presence of excise tax, and for domestic manufacturers and federal brand.
A high-quality sparkling drink should foam well when shaken.
Use the Vivino app. It is enough to take a photo of the bottle, and immediately you will receive comments and an overall rating based on the rating from people who have already tried this drink. You can download from Google Play and iTunes.

Relevance: 31.12.2017

Tags: wine and vermouth