Sparkling Wines - Champagnes

What else? The bubbles! In terms of color, they are also distinguished in white, rosé and red. In terms of sugar content, they are also divided into dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet.

A dry white prosecco is a very good starting choice. The balance between acidity, citrus and apple aromas and bubbles gives a very nice insight into the world of sparkling wines. A dry or semi-dry sparkling rosé can also be a starting point. Strawberry and cherry notes, along with the spicy texture of the bubbles, will satisfy the eager beginner.

White sparkling wines have aromas and flavors of herbs, white-fleshed fruits, citrus fruits, nuts and cereals. Sparkling rosés lean towards the red fruit character, in terms of aroma and taste. Cereal and vanilla elements, found in whites, are also present.

Those sparkling wines produced in the French Campania region from specific estates, with a specific method and from specific grape varieties, have the "right" to be called champagnes. All the others are just sparkling wines. It is clear that all champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is champagne.

Celebrations, anniversaries and weddings are, traditionally, the occasions accompanied by sparkling wines. However, no one excludes such a wine from other occasions. For example, sparkling wine is increasingly used as a welcome drink or as an accompaniment to food. Also, why deprive ourselves of the bubbly joy on a spring night in the city or a summer afternoon at the beach?

It is certain that any sparkling wine matches the atmosphere of a party. A dinner of spicy dishes also goes well with sparkling wine. Still, even if you choose a bottle that doesn't quite match the dishes, don't worry. Bubbles create a relaxed atmosphere before the meal, whetting the appetite for fine dining.

Try doing a shrimp “blitzkrieg” with your friends, while also opening a bottle of dry rosé sparkling wine. You'll probably open a second one... If you’ve ordered a blue cheese pizza, then a white prosecco will add an interesting dimension. Dry white sparkling wines goes well with salads, both summer and winter. Finally, eggs, always difficult to combine with wine, probably found their perfect match.

The storage of sparkling wines follows the rule of other wines: cool and shady place. But it disobeys another basic rule: the sideways position. It is recommended that the relatively elastic corks of sparkling wine bottles not come into contact with the wine, as they are likely to affect its aroma. There's one more quirk: no refrigeration, unless you plan to consume the content within a few days. As for the opened bottles, it is good that they are... finished and not stored.

Use a stemmed glass and serve at 7°C, on average.

The famous Mimosa consists of orange juice and dry sparkling wine. A thin slice of orange is essential on the rim of the glass. The Bellini, in which prosecco is mixed with peach puree, is also popular. The rim of the glass is decorated with a thin slice of peach.