What's Better than a Bottle of Bubbly?
by Jill Stacey
What kind of wine do you like? Crisp, Silky, Rich, Bubbly, Fruity, Mellow, Bold or Nectar? Don't know where to start?
Our wine taster, Jill Stacey is teaching us about each of these categories. You're bound to be an expert after this. It's wine made easy.
At WineStyles we categorize our wines by “Style” and then add simple adjectives to explain what the wine tastes like to help customers understand exactly what they are purchasing. This week we are talking about Bubbly wines.
 Everyone loves a little Bubbly… effervescent and festive! This not only includes the French Champagne made from Chardonnay or Pinot Noir grapes but it also includes Italian Prosecco, German Sparkling Riesling and California sparkling shiraz. Bubbles in wine were known to vintners long before they could reliably capture and preserve this phenomenon in the bottle. As a natural byproduct of the fermentation process, carbon dioxide is released in the liquid to provide a "sparkle." In France they refer to the purposeful production of bubbles as the Méthode Champenoise. (Remember: If it is not made in the providence of Champagne France than it can not be called “Champagne”) The process involves many specialized steps in both viticulture and enology has taken centuries to evolve, through the contributions of scores of nameless inventors, innovators and workers. Modernization and refinement of the "traditional" sparkling wine process continues to this day, although its beginnings are in antiquity.
Deciphering the label of a Champagne can be a little over whelming and is best saved for another article. However, let me just explain what “Brut” means. It means it is “dry” which is defined as having no sugar residual, but not completely void of sugar. “Sec” would mean it would have more sugar residual and Demi-sec would be more on the sweet side.
Though most people think of Champagne or Sparkling wine for only celebration it can actually also be a fun wine to have anytime. If you mix orange juice with Prosecco it makes the best Mimosa, or mix Prosecco with blended white peaches and raspberries and you’ll make an Italian summer treat called Bellini. Sparkling wines are very versatile and fun to pair with many different foods. Try them for a Sunday brunch, with a light salad lunch or dinner, but they really shine when they are paired with desserts and not just chocolate covered strawberries!
Some Bubbly Wine to try:
Mionetto il Prosecco ~ Veneto, Italy This is a demi-sec sparkling wine made with the Prosecco Grapes. The aroma is fruity; reminiscent of pear and citrus with a slightly floral bouquet. Fresh and crisp with apparent apple and peach flavors. Perfect for Sunday Brunch. Use this sparkling for any cocktail that calls for Champagne, it will be lower in cost and blend well with the other mixes!
Deinhard Lila Riesling Sekt (Sec) Brut ~ Germany As the name defines this is a sparkling wine made with Riesling and it is a “sec” brut which is a dry brut with a some sugar residual. This wine boasts rich and full aromas that show off floral, blackcurrant, finely acidic fruit, with an elegant spirit, attractive ripeness, and clean lingering finish.
Duval Leroy ~ Paris Champagne ~ Champagne, France This is the semi-dry Champagne from the well known Champagne producer: Duval Leroy. It boasts a beautiful blue bottle with a gold rendering of Paris created by artist Leroy Nieman. Powerful and elegant fresh fruit, white flowers, honeysuckle and hazelnut aromas. Well balanced, full flavored and fresh, with a rich, elegant and silky long finish. This is the perfect wedding gift!
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