Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are a norm for every kind of get-together event. Champagne is an alcoholic beverage that everyone likes to indulge in during celebrations. Be it a holiday or a tiring day, a glass of bubbles can lighten your mood. Reading this article provides some interesting facts about this divine drink loved by many.
What is the Drink Made From?
According to wine buffs, authentic sparkling wine comes from France’s Champagne region. A bottle of the drink can pass the test if it ticks all three criteria. The first criterion is that the wine should belong to this region situated in northeastern France. The second criterion is that the bottle should be made from the following three varieties of grapes.
- Pinot Meunier: It is red and adds richness to the bottle.
- Chardonnay: It is white, which is mild, crisp, and very acidic.
- Pinot Noir: Earthy and intense, this grape is purple and has a range of aromas and flavours.
Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier, and Arbane are other grape varieties used to make the drink. Arbane is the rarest of all the grape varieties. The last criterion is that the drink should be produced from the traditional method, generally referred to as méthode traditionelle, méthode classique, or méthode champenoise.
Method of Preparation
The process is time-consuming and complex. Initially, the grapes are sent to the distillation process, which produces still wine. Then, the second round of distillation is done. During the second step, the winemakers add sugar and yeast to the wine mixture to make it bubbly. The wine ages for 15 months and has to be rotated at times to circulate the yeast in the mix. The final step in the process is to remove the yeast from the top layer of the drink, and some more sugar is added. Liqueur de dosage is added to finish the preparation process.
The best serving temperature for most sparkling wines is below 50°F, as considered by experts. One of the foremost things to avoid is to serve it in pre-chilled wine glasses, as this will destroy the bubbles.
Another important thing to note is that the drink doesn’t get better with age. So, buying a fresh bottle will add to the experience of having it. Consider storing a bottle in the new refrigerators; it is better to avoid the older ones, as movement and vibration can kill the bubbles in the drink. Avoid storing in the freezer as well, as it may cause cracks in the bottles. The best way to keep it is to put the bottle in a cool place away from light horizontally.
Types
It is interesting to know more about the types of sparkling wine and their differences.
- Brut nature: extra dry
- Extra brut: very dry
- Brut: dry
- Demi-sec: sweet, typically a sparkling dessert wine
- Doux: very sweet, also typically a dessert wine
- Extra dry: dry, but not as dry as brut
- Dry: somewhat dry
Foods That Go Well With the Drink
A grilled cheese sandwich or mac-and-cheese sandwich with a glass of bubbles is a must-try combo, as the acidic bubbles of the drink can cut through the creaminess of the cheese. The next authentic combo is spicy Thai food and champagne. The sweetness of the drink and the spiciness of the food gel well together.
Final Thoughts
Isn’t your mouth watering already? Don’t delay your purchase of a bottle of champagne. Be mindful of the storage tips, and you are good to go!
