Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Sparkling Wine & Champagne Primer

New Years Necessities
by Melissa Auman Greiner on Dec 27, 2010 in Wine
Sparkling Wine & Champagne Primer

We've all gotten the message that sparkling wine is something special, and that it is made to be enjoyed on occasions that are equally grand. Perhaps that’s because the process of making sparkling wine is pretty special in of itself. Take some flat wine (in both taste and lack of the notable bubbles), work a little magic and years later you have a beverage people will shell out paychecks for.

How do they do it? The most traditional, and usually expensive, method comes from the Champagne region of France, where their process is, appropriately enough, called the method Champagnoise. Starting most often with a blend of three grapes – chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier -- there are two fermentations, each of which add their own distinctive features. In the first, a small amount of sugar is added to the bottle and carbon dioxide develops, giving the wine the classic fizz. In the second, the yeast that resulted from the previous reaction begins to break down and gives the wine that toast-like taste we all know and love. To remove the remaining sediment, the bottles are stores up-side-down on riddling racks, forcing the sludge into the neck. The neck is then frozen and the icy block of yeast popped from the bottle. A small amount of wine and sugar, called the dosage, is added to make up for the now empty space, and the champagne is corked.

Many wineries around the world use this process, but unless they are located in the Champagne region of France, they cannot legally call their resulting product champagne. Countless others create sparkling wine by other processes – transferring the wine to a new bottle in lieu of riddling or performing the entire second fermentation in a stainless steal tank instead of individual bottles – and with different grapes, all of which result in wines with different tastes and levels of fizziness. Oh, and cost.

Want to get in on the bubbly this New Year’s Eve, but don’t have the $250+ for a bottle of Dom? Try one of these affordable options, all available in Pennsylvania.

Around $10
Zardetto Prosecco Zeta $9.99
Prosecco is Italy’s answer to sparkling wine. Still a touch sweet but much more refined that it’s cousin Asti Spumante, expect brightness with a touch of citrus.

Around $25
Albet I Noya Cava Penedes NV $19.99
Spanish cava takes the method of the French powerhouses, but replaces the grapes with three more native to the country. Earthy and dry, it’s a great affordable replacement.

Around $50
Ayala Brut Majeur NV $52.49
Want to spring for the “real” thing. It’s technically two bucks over in PA (NJ and DE readers will get change from their Grant), but it’s a great way to get a taste of good champagne for a decent price. Rich and toasty, look for apples and lemon in the nose. 

Happy New Year!

12.27.10


About Melissa Auman Greiner:

A born and bred Philly girl with a soft spot for the city's growing food and wine scenes, leafy green squares and sultry summers. Just don't get her started on the inadequacy of SEPTA. With nearly 10 years of experience covering the city for a variety of newspapers, magazines and websites, it hasn't just been her pleasure to visit Philly's best bars and restaurants -- it's been her job. And with an advanced certification from the International Sommelier Guild under her belt, she brings her city savvy and wine know-how together to deliver Drink Philly readers the latest info on Philly vino.  Twitter


Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Rittenhouse Goes Car-Free Every Sunday in September: Here are the Best Bars to Hit

Center City District will close the streets allowing pedestrians to enjoy outdoor seating, music, and activiti...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Sep 6, 2024
Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

Best Cocktail Bars at the Jersey Shore

We've rounded up all of the must-stop spots for sipping spirits by the beach, whether your vibe is dark and sexy or vibrant and divey....read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 26, 2024
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

Behind the Bar: Jillian Moore of My Loup

This time on Behind the Bar, we interview bartender and bar manager Jillian Moore of My Loup. We chat with her about her cocktail menu, the effects of...read more ›

by Drink Philly May 13, 2024
Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare: Inside Look at their Amalfi Coast Inspired Cocktails

Oltremare is the newest endeavor by Chef Townsend Wentz, located at 2121 Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2024
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2024

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling Launching Secret Pop-Up Cocktail Garden for Earth Day, April 11-21

Philadelphia Distilling is transforming their fourth floor space into a secret garden to celebrate Earth Day, ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 9, 2024
Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Dizengoff: Inside Look at the New Reimagined Restaurant, Bar, & Cocktails

Last year, Dizengoff and Abe Fisher decided to join forces and embark on an exciting new chapter. After closin...read more ›

by Drink Philly Mar 5, 2024
Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

Behind the Bar: Tom Foy of Butcher Bar

In this installment of Behind the Bar, we sit down with bartender Tom Foy of Butcher Bar...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar: An Inside Look at an Audiophile's Listening Room & Cocktail Bar

48 Record Bar is the newest addition to the growing Listening Room trend in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Feb 19, 2024
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close