Sparkling wine or Champagne

General Characteristics of Sparkling Wines and Champagne

The sparkling wines and the Champagne stand out for their freshness, liveliness and aromatic complexity, with bubbles that bring elegance and refinement to the palate.

• Colour: From bright straw yellow to deep gold, with a fine, persistent perlage.
• Nose: Notes of green apple, citrus, bread crust, brioche, dried fruit and nuts, and minerals.
• Palate: Fresh, dry or soft, with delicate bubbles, vibrant acidity and long persistence.

Types of Sparkling Wine and Champagne

The sparkling wines and the Champagne are classified according to production method, dosage and area, offering unique experiences.

Charmat method sparkling wines

Fresh, fruity and aromatic wines, made by refermentation in autoclave, perfect for aperitifs and sociable occasions.

Examples of Charmat method sparkling wines:

• Prosecco: Fruity and floral, with notes of apple, pear and white flowers.
• Moscato d’Asti: Sweet, light and aromatic.

Metodo Classico sparkling wines

Aged on the lees in bottle, they offer complexity, creaminess and toasty notes. Ideal alongside seafood dishes, cheeses and cured meats.

Examples of traditional method sparkling wines:

• Franciacorta: Elegant, with hints of toast, citrus and almond.
• Trento DOC: Creamy and persistent, with notes of apple and hazelnut.

Champagne

Produced exclusively in the French region of Champagne, with strict methods that give finesse, complexity and longevity.

Examples of Champagne:

• Blanc de Blancs: 100% Chardonnay, mineral and refined.
• Blanc de Noirs: From Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier grapes, structured and intense.

Production Techniques

The main techniques for sparkling wines and Champagne include:

• Charmat Method: Refermentation in autoclave, for fresh, fruity wines.
• Traditional method: Fermentation in the bottle, with ageing on the lees.

Food Pairings

Sparkling wines and Champagne pair perfectly with:

• Brut: Seafood, sushi, light fried dishes.
• Rosé: Cured meats, white meat, shellfish.
• Desserts: Fruit-based desserts or dry pastries.

Production Areas

The best known areas for sparkling wines and Champagne include:

• France: Champagne (Reims, Épernay).
• Italy: Franciacorta, Trentino, Valdobbiadene.
• Spain: Cava (Catalonia).
• New World: California, Australia.