Jonathan Rogers from The Solent Wine Experience looks at the classic sparkling wines.
There has always been a long standing love affair with wines of the sparkling variety here in the UK and I'm sure its one that will never die.
Of course the main bubbly everyone knows is Champagne and this will always be associated with celebrations and special occasions. Its certainly a lot pricier than sparkling wines from other areas and countries mainly because there are many regulations that stipulate how Champagne is produced. These include permitted yields and more manual operations, especially only picking the grapes by hand and not by machine, which ensures better quality grapes.
Champagne is produced from three grapes.
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meurnier, but sparkling wine can be made from anything really, although some varieties are better than others. Most sparkling wines are though, made in the same way as Champagne which is called Traditional Method, Bottle Fermented or Methode Champenoise. This process involves a secondary fermentation inside the bottle which produces carbonic gas. The bottle is sealed so that the gas can't escape and this is what gives the wine the sparkle. Its then laid down in cool dark cellars to age for a few years before its released. Other areas of France produce outstanding sparkling wines including the Loire and Burgundy.
In Spain they produce Cava. Again an extremely popular wine over here made mainly from the Perellada grape in Catalonia. It must be produced in the Traditional Method to be called Cava.
The Italians have Prosecco made in the Veneto region around the villages of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Its made from the Prosecco grape but not in the same way as Champagne or Cava. Instead of the second fermentation taking place in the bottle, it takes place in the tank. This is called the Charmat Method. It tends to be drier than Cava which has a creamier palate, but again its a much cheaper price.
You may have heard that English Sparkling wine is on the increase in terms of both production and quality. For Quality Sparkling Wine or PDO we must use the Champagne varieties but for PGI sparkling wines we can use other varieties which include Kerner or Bacchus among others. The southern part of the UK where most vineyards are located has the same soil type as they do in the Champagne region and this is widely recognised as one of the main reasons why the quality is so good.
Try these!
Domaine du Grand Mayne Sparkling Rosé NV Duras SW France
£14.99 Buy 3 for £30.00
Wickham Wine Sales Ltd
Hayling Island 02392 466310
Made from Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a softer palate with a fine sparkle and an elegant red berry fruit finish. A great summer wine.
Wickham Premiere Cuvée Brut 2008 Hampshire
£24.99 Buy 3 for £50.00
Wickham Wine Sales Ltd
Hayling Island 02392 466310
Dry yeasty characters with hints of biscuit and a creamy finish.
Cava Hererat El Padruell NV
M&S £7.99
Hints of apple, vanilla with a nutty character.
Conte Priuli Prosecco NV
M&S £11.99
Fresh and lively with citrus hints and a long crisp finish.
Duval Leroy Premier Cru NV Champagne France
Waitrose £29.99
One of my favourites and often on a deal at Waitrose. Lovely lemon citrus character with a toasty nutty character.
If you would like to know more about the world of wine, contact The Solent Wine Experience for details on wine courses and wine tasting events for private or corporate entertaining. www.thesolentwineexperience.co.uk or call Jonathan on 07771867809