Sparkling wine is a must for a memorable celebration.
Whether you are celebrating a wedding anniversary or job promotion, or ringing in the New Year, the party won’t be complete without the loud pop of a cork and the overflowing bubbles from the bottle.
Making a toast and enjoying the flavourful bubbly beverage are an indispensable part of these celebrations as well.
Varieties of Sparkling Wine
When ordering sparkling wine online in the UK for a party, you don’t have to limit your choice to Champagne.
There are several types of sparkling wine you can choose from, which means you’ll have the perfect drink for a particular occasion and the people you will share it with.
Below are the different varieties of sparkling wine:
1. Champagne
One of the biggest misconceptions many people have is that all sparkling wines are champagne.
However, for sparkling wine to be called or labelled champagne, it has to be produced only in Champagne, a region in Northeast France.
Additionally, champagne must only be a mixture of pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier grapes and produced using the méthode champenoise or the traditional method of champagne production.
The traditional method of producing champagne involves two different types of fermentation. First, the grapes are placed in a big old tank.
Next, sugar and yeast are added to grape skins and seeds (also called lees) inside the wine bottles, where the second fermentation takes place. This process produces carbon dioxide bubbles, which makes the champagne bubbly.
During the second fermentation, the wine bottles go through a tirage, a process that takes place over several months where the containers are turned and tipped by hand regularly to encourage the sediment to gather in the necks of the flasks.
After several months, the bottles are flash-frozen and the sediments are removed. The wine bottles are then corked and prepared for shipment.
The two fermentation processes give champagne a complex and rich flavour profile and the mousse-like, fruity bubbles that make this type of sparkling wine a luxurious, must-have drink.
Champagne is one of the most versatile drinks around. It pairs well with breakfast dishes, fried foods, and sweet fruits and pastries. Its delightful effervescence also make it a great beverage for all celebrations.
2. Cava
Like champagne, cava is produced using the traditional method of wine production. It is made with macabeo, xarel-lo, or parellada grapes, or a combination of the three.
These varieties of Spanish grapes give cava its fresh, citrus taste with undertones of lemon, apple, melon, and pear.
Cava is produced in various parts of Spain, particularly in the north-eastern part of the country. However, Catalonia is known throughout the world as the top producer of this particular sparkling wine.
Cava has a light-to-medium bodied profile and ranges from dry to off-dry in terms of sweetness.
This sparkling wine is less expensive than champagne yet pairs well with different types of food. It is also an excellent alternative for wedding and anniversary toasts.
3. Prosecco
Named after a village in Veneto in northeast Italy, Prosecco is the Italians’ best contribution to the world of sparkling wines.
Prosecco is made of glera grapes and undergoes the charmant or tank method for its second fermentation, which means the wine is stored in a stainless-steel tank rather than in bottles during this process.
Like cava, this Italian sparkling wine is more affordable than champagne.
Prosecco often has a sweet taste, with notes of green apple, honeysuckle, lemon, and pear.
The sweet, fruity flavour of prosecco makes it a versatile sparkling wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, so it’s the perfect beverage for celebrations.
4. Crémant
Crémant is another sparkling wine originating from France. It is produced in different areas of the country, including Burgundy, Loire, and Limoux.
Chardonnay, pinot gris, pinot meunier, pinot noir, and riesling are some of the grape varieties often used to make this type of sparkling wine.
Like champagne, crémant also undergoes the méthode champenoise process. However, due to the types of grapes used, instead of being sweet, the wine has a creamy and nutty taste.
Most crémant sparkling wines have relatively high acidity and, as such, pair well with rich, oily, and fatty dishes.
5. Sekt
Germany also has a contribution to sparkling wines: sekt.
Sekt is the German word for sparkling wine. It is the most popular type of bubbly wine in the country.
Riesling is often the variety of grape used for German sekt.
Most sekts are produced using the charmat or tank method. However, many winemakers also use the traditional process of making this sparkling wine.
Austria also has its own version of sekt. Austrian winemakers use grapes from their own wine-growing regions. They then age the wine with lees in bottles containing yeast for at least nine months.
Sekt is usually sweeter than champagne but with lower alcohol levels. Some bottles even contain only 6% alcohol.
Since sekt is a bit sweet, it is a great option as an aperitif and pairs well with sweet food and cheese.
6. Sparkling Rosé
Although still rosé is famous around the world, its sparkling pink variety is also catching up in popularity.
Sparkling rosé comes from all over the world, including the USA (California and Oregon), Italy, and Australia. However, it is most commonly produced in Provence, France.
The flavours of sparkling rosés range from fruity, rich, and full-bodied to floral and light.
Its most popular flavours include citrus, strawberry, honeydew, rhubarb, and rose petal.
The pink hue of sparkling rosé gives this wine more body and noticeable fruity notes. Because of this, it enhances the taste of most foods without overwhelming their flavours.
Additionally, sparkling rosé usually has naturally high acidity, making them versatile enough to pair well with any type of food. They can cut through the richness of heavy red and white sauces.
However, this acidity can complement lighter fares, such as soft cheese, fresh salads, sushi, and seafood.
Also, the dry acidity of sparkling rosé makes it an excellent option for pairing with greasy, fried, and spicy dishes. It also works well as a palate cleanser, preparing your taste buds for the new flavours of the next menu item.
Regardless of the reason for the party: a retirement, job promotion, wedding, anniversary, or holiday, don’t forget to have a bottle or two of sparkling wine to complete your celebration.
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