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What should you know about sparkling wine?
It's probably not your first choice when you want to have a drink because it's not a very popular type of wine in bars or restaurants, but have you ever wondered what makes sparkling wine so special or how it was created?
Sparkling wine is strongly associated with celebrations, as we mostly consume it at family meals or events like Christmas, but the truth is that this type of wine can become a pantry staple if we know how to enjoy it.
Behind its effervescence there is a normally sweet touch, which works perfectly in combination with sweets, do you want to know how you can enjoy it even more?
The creation of sparkling wine
If you search for information on this very special wine on your own, you can find several different stories about its creation, but one of the most famous tales dates back to the Champagne region in France during the 17th century.
Because yes, the champagne we all know is a type of sparkling wine, although we never refer to it as such.
According to history, the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon can be considered one of the pioneers in the development of sparkling wine, although the reality is that its official creator is unknown.
The monk's main contribution was to perfect techniques that prevented bottles from exploding due to gas pressure, something that frequently happened when developing prototypes.
Sparkling wine began to gain popularity in the French court, becoming a symbol of luxury with which the bourgeoisie projected exclusivity.
Over time, production of this type of wine spread beyond Champagne, reaching regions such as Cava in Spain, Prosecco in Italy and the sparkling wines of New Zealand and California, bringing in each region distinctions adapted to their tastes, cultures and traditions.
Today, sparkling wine is obtained through a special fermentation process that captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the wine, giving it its characteristic bubbles.
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How to open a bottle of sparkling wine?
Now that we've explained where sparkling wine comes from, we're sure you've got the urge to have a drink, so let's explain how to properly open a bottle of sparkling wine, as it requires a bit more technique than uncorking a regular bottle of wine.
The first thing you need to be clear about is that we need to get rid of the pressure inside the bottle in order to open it. To do this:
- Prepare the bottle: Make sure it's really cold (between 6 and 8 °C). A bottle at this temperature reduces the risk of the cork popping out unexpectedly.
- Remove the capsule and metal nozzle: Remove the capsule covering the cork and carefully loosen the metal nozzle. Keep your thumb on the cork while you do this to prevent it from suddenly coming loose and causing problems.
- Hold the cork: Tilt the bottle at about 45 degrees, holding the cork with one hand and twisting the base of the bottle with the other. It's important to twist the bottle, not the cork, for greater control.
- Release pressure gently: Allow the cork to come out with a slight "whisper" rather than a pop, which better preserves the bubbles and prevents spills.
You've probably seen people on social media uncorking this type of wine with knives in one fell swoop, but we recommend not doing this if you want to avoid possible cuts from the glass.
How to pair sparkling wine
How to pair sparkling wineOnce you've opened it with your best sommelier skills, it's time to pair it as it deserves to better appreciate its nuances.
Sparkling wine is very versatile for pairing, thanks to its refreshing acidity and its bubbles that cleanse the palate.
Its winning combinations are:
- Appetizers: It is the ideal companion for vermouth appetizers such as sandwiches with cheese, nuts and dried fruit. A Prosecco combines wonderfully with canapés of fresh cheese, fruit or sushi. For something more intense, try a Cava with Iberian ham.
- Main dishes: Sparkling wines go well with fish, seafood and white meats. A Brut Champagne is perfect for dishes such as roast chicken or salmon.
- Greasy or fried foods: The acidity of sparkling wine counteracts the fat, making it ideal to accompany fried foods such as croquettes or potatoes.
- Desserts: Not all sparkling wines work well with desserts, although it is true that the vast majority pair well with sweet wines. Choose one with sweet nuances that complements fruit tarts or desserts and chocolate bonbons.
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Types of sparkling wines that exist
The term “sparkling wine” is known around the world, and while several countries produce their own versions of sparkling wines, these are the most well-known:
- Champagne: Originating exclusively from the Champagne region of France, it is known for its traditional bottle-fermentation method and elegant dry taste.
- Prosecco: Originating in Italy, it has lighter bubbles and a fruitier taste, making it perfect for accompanying desserts and sweets.
- Cava: Spain’s best-known sparkling wine, made primarily in Catalonia, it has a similar structure to Champagne, but is often more affordable. You’ll know it as the star drink of Spanish Christmas.
Some curiosities
- A bottle of sparkling wine can hold between 4 and 6 atmospheres of pressure, which is equivalent to the pressure in a truck tire.
- In France, it is estimated that around 300 million bottles of Champagne are produced each year.
- Sparkling wines can also be red, such as Italian Lambrusco, although they are not as well known.
Sparkling wine has few legitimate fans but it is an experience in itself to be able to enjoy a glass of bubbly. Now that you know the main facts about sparkling wine, don't hesitate to bring them out when you are at a family meal and uncork a bottle.
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