Champagne / Sparkling

Hello Fellow Wine Lovers!
Today I would like to talk about values in sparkling wines. The holidays will be here before your know it and we all know what that translates to… drinking sparkling wines and celebrating!
Let’s talk a little about Sparkling, Champagne, and Cava.
Only wines from the Champagne region in France can be called “Champagne” even though sparkling wines are made in the same method. (As long as the label says “Methode Champenoise” somewhere, rest assured it is made like the wines from Champagne) Cheap imitations of this wine has the “bubbles” injected into the wine by using carbon dioxide and this is why you feel so poorly after a night of celebrating with the cheap stuff! Drink quality not quantity!
Champagne is made by adding yeast to the bottle and allowing that to work with the sugar to make a second fermentation, hence… the carbonation. When the wine maker determines the wine is ready he will slowly tip the bottle up (this is called riddling and takes a few weeks) until it is upside down and the yeast settles to the top of the bottle. This collection of yeast is then frozen, the top is taken off and the force of the bubbles sends the yeast flying out of the bottle. The bottle is then topped off with a touch of the wine that it was made from, the cork put in the bottle, the cage over the cork, (Remind me to come back to that) the label applied and it is ready for market. In some cases the wine will be stored longer to age and settle.
Champagne and sparkling wines are primarily made from three grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. (Not all, but a good many) A pink wine is made from allowing the juice to sit on the skins for a short time to extract some of the color, but not too long as this will add tannins and bitterness to the wine.
The sweetest wine a producer will make is called Doux, Demi Sec, and then Extra Dry, Brut, Extra Brut, and Brut Natural. Most today are Brut. (In my opinion the only ones worth drinking)
Reminder: this little trick will win you some money at the dinner table. Each and every wire cage that is put on a bottle of Champagne, Sparkling, or Cava, (As long as it states on the label “Methode champonais”) will take 6 turns to remove. Have fun!
Cava is the name given to Spanish sparkling wines and arguably the best values on the market today! Great wines, great prices and fun to drink… what more do you need?
My list of Cava or Sparkling to serve at your next party:
Segura Viudas Brut $8.99 (They make several levels all very reasonably priced)
Cristalino Brut $6.99
Freixenet Cordon Negro $8.99
Korbel Brut $8.99
Mionetto Prosecco $7.99 (Italy’s version of sparkling)
St Michelle Brut $7.99
I think you will be happy with any or all of these choices, and so will your Guests! At these prices you can’t beat them!
Have Fun!
Cheers!
J