Lo sparkling wine is one of the undisputed protagonists in the menus during the holidays: on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve a bottle is opened and the festivities begin with a glass of sparkling wine. The sparkling wine is also a wine that lends itself to different combinations: from fish dishes to classic courses to aperitifs.
There are many types of sparkling wines: depending on the method of production and the variation in the amount of sugar used, the bottles of sparkling wine bottles can be very different each other, differing in effervescence, aroma and taste.
But how to distinguish between the different types of sparkling wines? And what is the meaning of the words "spumante extra dry" or "brut"? What does the words "classic method" or "vintage" mean? Here, then, a deeper insight into sparkling wine to answer these and other curiosities.
Refermentation process: Classic method or Charmat
An initial differentiation between sparkling wines is made according to the refermentation process used.
In the Classic Method, the second fermentation takes place directly in the bottle through the addition of the so-called liqueur de tirage, a solution based on sugars and selected yeasts able to activate the refermentation of the wine.
In the Metodo Charmat, on the other hand, the refermentation takes place in stainless steel barrels at a controlled temperature by adding selected sugars and yeasts. The result is freshness and complex bouquet.
Gradation and sweetness of sparkling wine
A second classification is made according to sparkling wine sweetness , which is not only measured in terms of sugar residue but also based on levels of alcohol, acids and tannins. Depending on the variation of all these elements, a sparkling wine can be:
- dry
- baited
- likeable
- sweet
On the basis of the variation in sugar content (or residual sugar) alone, sparkling wines are differentiated into:
- brut
- extra brut
- dry
- extra dry
This name is enshrined in the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 607/2009 of 14 July 2009.
Brut
It is defined as "brut" a sparkling wine with avery low sugar content (less than 12 grams per liter) and that is characterized by an intense flavor and pronounced acidity. Among the great classics brut sparkling wines we highlight, for example, Brut Classic Method produced by Banfi, an exceptional sparkling wine with fine and persistent perlage that delights the palate with a fresh and lively taste, slightly bitter on the finish, thanks to the strong character of the cuvée with which it is prepared (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc).
Extra brut
The "extra brut" sparkling wine, on the other hand, has a residual sugar content of less than 5 grams per litre. This is why it is dry and delicate, the perfect companion for any kind of meal.
Dry
The "dryis the one with the most sugar residue: between 17 and 32 grams per liter.. It falls into the category of amiable wines and is therefore an extremely sweet sparkling wine, capable of enhancing exotic and special dishes, combining skilfully with spicy and spicy foods or accompanying candied fruit and small dry pastries, for an extremely sweet end to a meal during the festive season.
Extra dry
The "extra dry" has a soft and velvety taste, thanks to the residual sugar between 12 and 17 grams per liter.
It goes well with equally delicate dishes, both based on fish and white meat. An excellent bottle of extra dry sparkling wine to uncork during the Christmas holidays is for example the Tener Extra Dry, the Charmat Method produced by Banfi with a pleasant aroma of exotic fruits and peach, made with quality varieties Sauvignon blanc and Chardonnay.
What is vintage sparkling wine?
Finally, among the sparkling wines, there are some that bear on the label the words "vintage", defined as such when it is produced using at least 85% of the grapes harvested and harvested in the same vintage.
The Cuvée Aurora Alta Langa DOCG, , for example, is a very valuable vintage sparkling wine, produced from hand-picked Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties from the high hills of Piedmont. Its taste is intense, elegant and harmonious, with a fresh and savory finish: it is the ideal wine to accompany festive dinners, as it goes perfectly with fish dishes such as oysters and crustaceans.
Also the Cuvée Aurora Rosé Alta Langa DOCG, produced entirely with high quality Pinot Noir, is a vintage sparkling wine particularly suitable for this period of Festa: it is perfect for the aperitif, thanks to its intense and enveloping aroma, with hints of golden apple peel, Rosehip and dried fruit.
