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Wednesday 26 March 2014

Champage??

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Would you like some champagne?

Although the obvious answer to that question is "yes" I am often put in a position of wonder. When you offer someone an apple and they say yes would they be shocked if you brought them an orange? Yes they are both fruits and yes they both grow on trees but that does not make them the same thing.
That is the same scenario with Champagne. Often I am offered a glass of champagne and when I say yes to such an offer I am then presented with a glass of prosecco or other sparkling wines.
To clarify a few things there are many different types of sparkling wine. Cava from Spain, prosecco or Franciacorta from Italy. Sect from Germany and even Cremant from France. Sparkling wine is found in many styles and formats and also can taste very different depending of the style.
I do love all sparkling styles but each should be presented in their own way. Not to label all sparkling as 'Champagne'.
Champagne is a region in France and they do make some of the best sparkling wine in the world but often it is mistaken as the label for all bubbly wine. To clarify I will list a few of the types of sparkling wine and it's names so when you are offering a glass of sparkling wine you can also be politically correct. bubbles black-1.jpg
Champagne- France
This is the most common name used for sparkling wine that I hear but around Alberta this is one of the least common form of bubbles served. True Champagne is from one region in France and is only allowed to be made with 3 grapes. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, & Chardonnay. Many tight production rules mean limited production amounts and expensive costs. Simply put this is not the free glass of bubbles served at a cheap party.


Cremant- France
All other bubbles in France. Much looser Rules but some Great Value Bubbles to be had :)


Cava- Spain
Made in the ‘Traditional Style’ of fermenting in the bottle, riddling, and disgorging. Do not judge this wine by its price because the quality is typically far superior to its dollar required.


Prosecco- Italy
Made in the Charmat method. Most sparkling wines today are almost always produced using the Charmat method which differs from the classic method as the fermentation takes place in a large pressurized container, instead of in the bottle. Prosecco varies in quality drastically and can be excellent and can also be very poor in quality.




Sparkling Wine- Various
There are many more types of sparkling wine that are made all around the world. Some of excellent quality and fetching tremendous prices. Germany, England, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and many more.


Dont be afraid of drinking sparkling wine from all over the world but please do not call it ‘Champagne’

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