[Wine facts you may be too embarrassed to ask about now 03] How is sparkling wine different from champagne?

Sparkling wine is often drunk on special occasions such as anniversaries. As the name suggests, it is a type of wine that is effervescent. The beautiful bubbles that rise in a wine glass are what make it so appealing. There is a wide variety of sparkling wines, from red, white, and rosé, dry, semi-dry, and sweet, with bubbles that fill the mouth, to delicate and elegant varieties. This time, we will introduce you to sparkling wine.

How is it different from champagne?

Champagne is actually a type of sparkling wine. Only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France that meets all the conditions set out in wine law can be called champagne. In other words, sparkling wine cannot be called champagne. Sparkling wine is called different names depending on the country, such as "Vin Mousseux" in France, "Spumante" in Italy, and "Espumoso" in Spain.

How sparkling wine is produced

There are several methods for making sparkling wine, and in Ontario, Canada, the two most commonly used are the traditional method and the Charmat method.

●Traditional manufacturing method
Grapes for sparkling wine are often picked early, so that they are generally harvested when the overall sugar content is low and the acidity is high. They are generally harvested by hand to prevent the grapes from cracking. Yeast and sugar are added to still wine (which has completed the first fermentation) and the wine is bottled, where the bubbles are created by the second fermentation in the sealed bottle. The wine is fermented slowly, which creates fine bubbles. It is characterized by being used for high-end sparkling wines because it takes time, effort, and cost.

● Sharma method
This method involves sealing the wine in a large stainless steel tank and allowing it to undergo secondary fermentation. It is less expensive than the traditional method and can be produced in a short period of time with little effort. The wine does not come into contact with air during the production process, resulting in a fresh and fruity finish. The bubbles are not as fine or long-lasting as those produced using the traditional method, so please consider this when choosing a wine.

Things to be careful of when removing the cork

The cork can pop out at speeds of up to 50km per hour. To avoid injury, make sure there are no people around before opening the bottle. The cork will also pop up due to gas pressure. Depending on the wine, the cork may pop up the moment you loosen the wire, so be sure to hold the top of the cork firmly with your thumb. When removing the wire, be sure to keep your thumb on the cork. The cork will come out without removing the wire, so there is no need to force it out.

Suitable glasses for sparkling wine

A flute is essential for enjoying sparkling wine. The best flutes have a long stem so that your hand does not touch the bowl. A narrow flute keeps the wine cooler for longer and preserves the bubbles longer.