Sparkling wine

Sparkling wine is the name for a number of wines which have a lot of carbon dioxide in them. This will make the wine fizzy. The carbon dioxide may be the result of the fermentation process, or it may have been added later. One of the best-known examples is probably Champagne, but there are many other such wines. In Spain such wines are called Cava, in Italy Asti or Spumante and in German Sekt. In French the terms "Mousseux" or "Crémant" are used for such wines, as well, especially for those which are not produced in the Champagne. Crémant d'Alsace, Blanquette de Limoux and Clairette de Die are  examples of sparkling wines made in France outside the Champagne region. 

Most sparkling wines are made from white wine or rosé.

Sparkling wines are produced in many countries around the world, each using different grape varieties and techniques. For example, Prosecco is a popular sparkling wine from Italy made primarily with the Glera grape, often using the tank (Charmat) method. In South Africa, a traditional method sparkling wine is called Méthode Cap Classique. The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom have also developed recognized sparkling wine industries.

Sparkling wine is typically served chilled and is associated with celebrations such as weddings, New Year's Eve, and other festive events. The pressure inside the bottle can be up to six times that of atmospheric pressure, which is why special corks and wire cages are used to seal the bottles securely.

Category:Wine