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A taste of
Sparkling Wines
Though some refer to this bubbly wine as
"Champagne", only sparkling
wines from the Champagne region of France
can claim that name. The remaining producers throughout
the world refer to their effervescent wines as sparkling
wines; even those in other regions throughout France
have to call their sparkling wines "vins mousseux",
or "sparkling wines".
Sparkling wines are produced in many different countries,
the most famous being France; and in particular,
the northeastern region of Champagne. In Spain,
sparkling wine is called "Cavas"; Italy
is home to famous Asti Spumantes; and Germany and
the United States also produce some famed sparkling
wines.
Grapes typically used in making sparkling wines
are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chenin
Blanc. Due to the wide variety of grapes involved
in making sparkling wines, these wines come in many
different styles.
The first being Brut, which is dry, crisp, and citric.
Spumante is sweet, fruity, and often takes on berry
flavors. Some sparkling wines are produced only
from red wine grapes, are pressed immediately after
harvesting in order to extract the white juice,
and are therefore called "Blanc De Noirs"
or "white from black". On the other hand,
some sparkling wines are made only from white wine
grapes, producing a lighter and more delicate wine,
known as "Blanc De Blancs" or "white
from white". |
Content provided by E. & J. Gallo Winery,
Modesto, CA. |
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