The most budget options for "champagne"
In supermarkets you can find "champagne" - "Russian" or "Soviet" - even for 150 rubles per bottle. This is, to put it mildly, a terrible drink. In most cases, such wine (usually of the lowest quality) is artificially carbonated, while in real sparkling wine carbon dioxide (and, accordingly, bubbles) is formed naturally as a result of the fermentation process. Cheap "champagne" can also be flavored and various additives, and its taste and aroma are rough, inexpressive. Sometimes there is even a distinct chemical aftertaste. Well, it's completely disgusting, although many Russians are quite satisfied with this option.
Most of them are made using the Charmat method, but about 5% of the national production uses the traditional method, like Champagne. Top Versions Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grapes are used and these bottles are usually consumed locally and not even exported. The names given for the drink at the time varied between Mousset, Sect and Champagne, but the Treaty of Versailles banned the use of the latter in Sect, a name for unofficial use in Germany, caught on and is still in use today.
Even in South Africa we have sparkling wines
With a great wine tradition, this African country always surprises. The result is quite fruit drink. Sparkling is high in polyphenols, antioxidants that help in the release of nitric oxide. It is this substance that acts to relax the blood vessels, lowering the pressure and therefore helping to calm the nerves.
For about 325-400 rubles you can buy a bottle of relatively good "champagne" "Lev Golitsyn", Bosca, Tsimlyanskoe. Of course, they are not rich and exquisite taste but still relatively decent and drinkable. Although, again, the same Bosca is actually not sparkling wine, but “carbonated wine drink”. That is, it is clear that this is only a semblance of a good sparkling wine (specifically, Bosca seems to be made as a semblance of Italian Asti wines).
Another substance in sparkling wines is tyramine, responsible for creating the famous serotonin, which is nothing but a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of well-being and joy. The drink is also rich in potassium, magnesium and carbon dioxide. Then, choosing the contents of the cup, make a toast to your health and a good ride in the world of traffic jams!
Good reading and always toasting, because the discovery of sparkling wine is an act of celebration in itself! Yes, it seems obvious, but in fact, how many of us know what, in fact, is Cava, Sparkling wine, Sect, Champagne, Asti or Prosecco? First, Lambrusco, just to get this thing out of the way, is not a sparkling wine, but a sparkling wine produced in Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region using the Lambrusco grape charm method. It is produced in both white and rosé and red versions, being a fast-drinking wine as it does not support aging.
True, it is worth adding that for a large noisy company, "champagne" for 350 rubles is perhaps the most suitable option, since it is unlikely that anyone from this company will carefully study the taste and aroma of wine. But for a more intimate (let's say) atmosphere, it is better, of course, to buy better sparkling wines.
Russia: sparkling wines Abrau-Dyurso
In my opinion, Russian sparkling wines Abrau-Durso have a good price-quality ratio. But no more. The cost of one bottle is from 300 to 800 rubles (depending on the specific variety). Expensive sparkling wines Abrau-Durso (600-800 rubles) have a full and rich taste, a bright fruity aroma, and a long and pleasant aftertaste. Beautiful numerous bubbles. This is a very solid "champagne" But, again, this applies to expensive options - Imperial and Victor Dravigny; cheap ones have a simpler taste and aroma.
What is most exported to Brazil is low quality wine, often artificially gassed, cut with a few grapes, without much pretension, and often provided with the establishment's tanning front door. You cannot expect too much from such a wine. The main consumption in Brazil is white, while in Italy it is mostly red. Because of its strong acidity and the presence of gas, it is a wine that accompanies wonderful dishes with enough fat, such as traditional Mineira food or a good feijoada.
Abrau-Durso produces semi-sweet sparkling wines (for those with a sweet tooth), semi-dry and brut wines (for those who prefer dry wine). Expensive sparkling wines of Abrau-Durso (for example, Victor Dravigny) differ from cheap options (for example, Abrau) in a more versatile and rich taste, more refined aroma. In addition, it is worth noting that only expensive options are made according to classical technology"champagne", and cheap ones - by the reservoir method. Accordingly, if possible, it is better to buy Victor Dravigny or Imperial.
They are not great wines, but they can be fun companies for relaxed moments or pool replacements, with benefits for beer, but never for weddings that deserve something to accompany and celebrate the importance of the event, a good sparkle. By definition, natural sparkling wines are fermented from grapes in which the presence of carbon dioxide exceeds three atmospheres, usually four to six, and they come exclusively from alcoholic fermentation. During fermentation, sugar turns into alcohol, and carbon dioxide enters the bottle and dissolves in wine.
Ukraine: Krym sparkling wines
Artyomovsk winery, located in Ukraine, produces relatively good sparkling wines Krym (Krym), however, they cannot be called brilliant. The cost of one bottle is from 420-450 rubles. Under the brand name "Crimea" rosé, white and red sparkling wines are produced; semi-sweet, semi-dry and brut (=dry). If compared with the expensive sparkling wines of Abrau-Dyurso, then "Crimea" is clearly worse, despite the use of classical technology. And the lower line of the same manufacturer (the Artyomovskoye brand) definitely leaves much to be desired.
These sparkling wines get several names around the world: champagne, mousso and cremant, cava, spanmant, bollicin and prosecco, sparkling wine, sparkling wine and champagne. All sparkling, but only Champagne produced in the Champagne region of France can bear this name. Next, we will see the differences between them.
This is a handmade production in several stages and is therefore expensive. First, an assembly of several still wines is created, which will become the basis of sparkling wine. The second stage is the formation of foam, when the base wine is placed in the bottle and added to the fermentation solution - yeast and sugar, which will cause a second fermentation that lasts about three months. Then there is aging. During this period, the liquid remains under the yeast leaves, which gives it a creaminess. They have already developed the equipment to perform this refitting service, however the best manufacturing houses still do it by hand for the sparkling top.
Moldova: Cricova sparkling wines
I myself, to be honest, have not tried Cricova “champagne”, but, judging by the reviews, its price-quality ratio is normal. It seems even better than the "Crimea". And the price is low, about 500 rubles per bottle. Well-known Russian wine blogger Denis Rudenko speaks well of Cricova wines in particular.
It is this process that causes the larvae of the second fermentation to concentrate on the neck without breaking the liquid. This is followed by degurmation or gluing where the bottleneck is frozen and the bottle is opened under pressure to remove the seizures. It is at this point that the forwarding liquor is added - a mixture of aging wine distilled from grapes and sugar - and the final cork. With all this, good champagne or sparkling, made using the pure champenoise method, cannot be cheap.
Thus, it avoids reinstallation and degradation processes that take longer and make the product more expensive. The wine is filtered as it leaves the bottles. The name comes from the region demarcated in Italy, where it is produced with the Moscato grape. The result is aromatic and non-alcoholic, which can work for occasions such as receptions and weddings as an aperitif. However, in one dish, it is perfect to accompany desserts rather than main courses.
Italy: Lambrusco sparkling wines
In Italy, good sparkling wine is produced from Lambrusco grapes (more precisely, from several variations of this variety). It is noticeably different from Abrau-Dyurso and Krim: it has a lighter, refreshing and subtle taste; it drinks well. The cost of a bottle of Lambrusco is from 400 to 1000 rubles. Of course, the more expensive, the richer the taste and aroma. There are many manufacturers of Lambrusco, Lambrusco Dell’Emilia differs from Chiarli in a good price-quality ratio. Prices - about 450-550 rubles per bottle.
Great order for our summer and, moreover, not expensive. It's great to prepare the food that accompanies dessert on a hot summer day. View production process diagrams by clicking. Well, actually everyone sparkles with different characteristics. Champagne is always developed using the champenoise method. Only grapes allowed are Pinot Noir, Pinot Meniere and Chardonnay. When made only from red grapes, less commonly, it will be referred to as "Blanc de Noir". It is made with Glera grapes in the Prosecco area of Veneto, hence the name.
The driest version is called Brut, Dry, oddly enough, the sweetest, and Extra-dry, the middle layer. Developed in both the traditional method when they are called Cremant and Sharma when they are called Mosso and with a wide variety of strains. The best, however, usually use Chardonnay in the composition and are developed using the traditional method. There is everything on the market that follows our advice and a good buy.
You can buy Lambrusco sparkling wines sweet, semi-sweet, semi-dry and brut; red, pink and white.
Italy: Asti sparkling wines
Many of the fair sex are very fond of the Italian sweet sparkling wine Asti, made from Muscat White grapes (Muscat Bianco). It costs not so little, but it differs very much pleasant taste, sweet, slightly honeyed, very harmonious and refreshing. A lot of beautiful bubbles, rich fruity-floral aroma. Drinks easily and intoxicates imperceptibly.
Usually Cremant is better than Mosso, but this is not the absolute truth! Produced in Portugal, developed by the traditional method, but with a wide variety of grapes, it is common to use indigenous grapes. In Brazil, today one of four the best manufacturers worldwide, sparkling wines are developed both by the traditional method and by the Charmat method, using almost exclusively Champagne grapes, namely Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
We have great options at attractive prices and excellent quality. They are a great choice for French sparkling lights rather than champagne and prosecco-Italian. We recommend several good options At attractive prices, they are worth it. Even though they are producers of great white wines, sparkling wines in general are not great products because they use inferior imported wines to make the assembly.
Perhaps the most famous is Martini Asti, but it costs a lot - from 1100 rubles per bottle. Another option is the Cinzano Asti, which is basically identical to the Martini Asti, but some like it even better. It costs about 900 rubles per bottle (the cheapest is in Auchan). Other budget options: Santero Asti, Tosti Asti, Toso Asti - from about 700 rubles per bottle. During promotions and sales, their prices can drop to 650 rubles.
There are several options in the Brazilian market. Sparkling wine is a generic name given to sparkling wines from English-speaking countries. We will find sparkling wine production in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and most recently due to climate change in England.
Most sparkling wines are not safrados, and traditionally they are the result of pairing several wines that aim to always maintain the same wine profile, production house style. It should be consumed younger, only unfortunately, even the date of bottling.
Italy: Prosecco Sparkling Wines
It is also necessary to mention the very popular Italian sparkling wines Prosecco. The cost of one bottle of Prosecco (many manufacturers) - from 700 rubles. Prosecco - dry white wines (sometimes semi-dry ones are found). The taste is quite "light", harmonious and refreshing, with fruity (sometimes floral) notes. Great option for those who like dry and semi-dry sparkling, but not sweet and semi-sweet. Prosecco is very popular in its homeland - in Italy (it seemed to me that it was more popular than the aforementioned Lambrusco and Asti). Of the well-known manufacturers of relatively budget Prosecco, Gancia, Cinzano, Zonin, Martini can be noted.
Saffron wines made from safflower originate from the best wines and strive for greater complexity and capacity, as well as more expensive, but in any case, only large sparkling wines can be stored for more than ten years! Tips for maintenance and what to look for. The bowl you use is very important. A good bowl in the traditional "flute" format will make a huge difference in the "perlada," bubbles that rise like pearls to the top of the bowl, giving you the feel of needles in your mouth. This is the real magic of sparkling wine.
A good sparkling substance has a copious excess, preferably consisting of small and persistent vesicles, which convey the sensation of "pins and needles" in the mouth. The lighter and sweeter ones should be served at about 5-6º, and the more developed Brut sheen, at a slightly higher temperature of 8 to 10º.
Be careful: recently, the production of Prosecco has been mastered by ZAO Sparkling Wines from St. Petersburg. Apparently, this company is engaged in bottling very cheap sparkling wine imported from Italy in large quantities.
If they do not sparkle with high quality saffron, it is best to take it as soon as possible, before three years of age, but the younger the better. Beware of where you buy these sparkling wines and avoid substandard prices that are too low, which can mean old and lifeless wines.
Okay, keep going, it's all parties! Now, if you are going to enjoy a good sparkling wine, you will get rid of a large number gas that will be missing from the wine you will be taking next. In this case, loosen the wire and place your neck on your palm. Hold the neck with your fingers and cork with your thumb. Then turn the bottle with your other hand, applying light pressure until the cork gently pops off the breath, Voila!
France: Cremant sparkling wines
It so happened that French wines are more expensive than not only Russian and Ukrainian, but also Spanish and Italian wines. Yes, you can buy French "champagne" for 400-500 rubles per bottle, but it will be a very mediocre drink; in my opinion, it is better to buy Abrau-Durso for this money.
Good French sparkling wines cost from about 1200 rubles per bottle and are labeled with the word Cremant. There are variants of Cremant de Bourgogne (Burgundy), Cremant d'Alsace (Alsace), Cremant de Bordeaux (Bordeaux) and others. The production of all Cremant wines is controlled and complies with strict rules set for each region. The result is consistent quality.
How to choose the right sparkling wine for every occasion
If something is missing, add a comment space for it. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask. Drinking good sparkling wine is something more common. The drink is already at the edge of the beach, by the pool and at dinner. It is difficult to determine which sparkling wine is ideal for each individual, as there are many specific consumption profiles. Good way start - take samples and mark the labels you like. Another tip is to choose labels for the occasion, this will help you try different kinds drink and learn its characteristics.
French sparkling wines Cremant de Bourgogne(from Burgundy) are distinguished by a pleasant rich fruity taste and a light harmonious fruity aroma. Color - pink or white.
- Brut Nature (Natural), Brut Zero - there is no sugar in sparkling wine at all
- Extra Brut - sugar from 0 to 6 grams per liter
- Brut - sugar from 0 to 12 grams per liter
- Extra Sec - sugar from 12 to 17 grams per liter
- Sec - sugar from 17 to 32 grams per liter
- Demi-Sec - sugars from 33 to 50 grams per liter
- Doux - more than 50 grams of sugar per liter. »
Name " champagne"(Fr. Vin de Champagne) is allowed to be used only for sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region using a certain technology. This right was first recorded in the Madrid Treaty of 1891, and later confirmed by the treaty after the end of the First World War. Even the method of making sparkling wines can be referred to as " champagne» ( method champenoise or "champagne method") only in , in other countries and regions, only "méthode traditionelle" - the traditional method can be indicated.
We spoke to Mauricio Roloff of the Brazilian Wine Institute, who compiled a list that can serve as a guide. Swimming pool or beach. Sparkling rose is a tone relaxed and harmonizes with this probable part of breaded shrimp. It's also perfect for the occasion because it doesn't have to be so cold for consumption.
Happy hour with friends. Sharma brut is light, fresh and usually costs a little less, which always helps in such cases. You can split your account and try different labels. Ballad Sequins, made with the traditional method, add an extra touch of sophistication by putting together all the production you've made for the party. Not to mention that the bottle can be split.
Sparkling wines of the world
Despite the fact that champagne wines are produced not only in Champagne, in other countries the word "champagne" cannot be used, therefore their names are used:
- Other ( , ) - Cremant
- Italy - spumante(from the Muscat variety in Piedmont called Asti)
- Spain - cava
- Germany - Sext
- South Africa - Cap Classic
However, in some countries the term champagne» registered as part of trademarks like, for example, the famous Soviet champagne«.
Requirements for champagnes
Correct champagne produced according to strict rules developed by " Interprofessional Champagne Committee”, designed to ensure the high quality of the resulting drink. The rules regulate the most suitable places for and define 7 varieties that are allowed to be used in.
As a rule, champagne wines are made from one or from a mixture of three varieties: chardonnay, pinot noir And pinot meunier (chardonnay, pinot Noir, pinot meunier). The rules also regulate the process of growing grapes: the degree of pressing of berries, the minimum period of aging on the lees, the yield of the vineyard, pruning of the vine. Name " Champagne» can only stand on the wine that is produced in accordance with all the rules.
Varieties of champagnes
Champagne wines are made in bulk from three grape varieties:
- chardonnay
- pinot noir
- pinot meunier
Quite rarely, small additions of other grape varieties are used.
- More:
If champagnes are only made from grapes chardonnay, he is called blanc de blancs (white from white).
If champagne is made only from red grapes, it is called blanc de noirs (white from black).
Champagne color
Champagne is usually white a sparkling wine. Even if it is made from red grapes, the berries are squeezed so carefully that the skin, which imparts a red tint, hardly comes into contact with the squeezed juice. But they also do rosé champagne wines: in this case, prolong contact with red skins, or simply add to a little red wine.
Champagne varieties
Depending on the amount of sugar and aging, there are several varieties of champagne:
- sweet - "doux"
- semi-sweet - "demi-sec"
- semi-dry - "sec"
- extra-semi-dry - "extra sec"
- brut - "brut"
- extra brut / brut cuvée - "extra brut" / "brut nature" / "brut zero" (liquor or sugar is not added at all).
Initially, champagne was rather sweet, as sugar made it possible to hide flaws in the production or low quality of the wine. But now the most popular in the world is brut champagne. However, according to historical tradition, the most popular champagne in the territory former USSR is a semi-sweet champagne.
Standards for the amount of sugar in champagne may vary by country:
Sweet varieties of champagne(as an example - the famous brand of Italian Asti) are considered dessert wine. They don't require any snack, but are more likely to cause a hangover headache.
Carbon dioxide not only improves the taste of champagne: the bubbles and small drops of wine formed when the bubble breaks, enhance the evaporation of the aromatic substances of the drink. Bubbles should form at the bottom of the glass and rise like a fountain to the top, creating a "belt" along the walls of the glass. If the champagne is good, then the bubbles should be small and last for several hours. Large bubbles indicate additional carbonation of the drink.
How to drink champagne
Proper champagne glasses have a narrow high shape on a long stem so that the heat of the hands does not warm the wine. Flat wide glasses are more suitable for sweet champagnes, but they are inferior to narrow and tall glasses, as they do not retain the bubbles and aroma of the drink. It is better then to use large glasses for red wine with a wide belly and a narrowed neck: it prevents the aroma from escaping and allows you to enjoy the whole bouquet to the fullest. The walls of champagne glasses are made thin so that the champagne does not heat up from them.
