Amy’s Winehouse: Champagne, Prosecco or Cava: What is sparkling wine?

Let’s celebrate the end of summer with some lovely sparkling wines! What makes them sparkle and what are the different types?

Champagne is the most popular word used to identify sparkling wine. After all, it was the French who made it world famous! It was thought to be created by French Monk Dom Pérignon in 1697. He created the second fermentation in the bottle, which creates the release of CO2 which equals the bubbles. This method of creating the sparkling king of wines is the Method Champenoise.

In our last piece we went over the history of Europeans naming their wines after where they are born, to protect its origin. I hope you paid attention! Chardonnay is the primary wine grape used in making Champagne. Think of it as a beautiful glass of Chardonnay complemented with perfect little bubbles. There are a few ways to make your wine sparkle with these bubbles. The following styles are the most popular of making the wines: the Method Champenoise (can only be called this if made in Champagne, France) and Traditional Method (same method as Champagne); this method is adding a mixture called tirage to the wine in the bottle of yeast and sugar to create a second fermentation. This fermentation in a bottle creates the by product of CO2, which releases bubbles.

Champagne is a region in France, therefore the reason for the name. Please, people, stop referring to all sparkling wine as Champagne! Here are a few other sparkling wines to enjoy that are easily accessible and won’t put a dent in your wallet. My favorite Champagnes are from Fresne Ducret, Pommery and Nicolas Feuillatte.

Prosecco is a high quality sparkling Italian wine from Veneto and Fruili-Venenzia Giulia Regions, and must be made with 85% Glera white wine grapes. Prosecco is not as labor intensive as Champagnes or Cavas because they are carbonated in the tank, Charmat Method. This provides a lower price point. Prosecco wines are primarily dryer to medium sweet wines. My favorite is Lunare Prosecco from Uggianno Italy at $13.99.

Cava is a famous sparkling wine from Spain. The word cava means “cave.” Cava was originally aged in bottles in caves, therefore the name. It is produced in the Catalonia Northeast area of Spain. Macabeu, Paradella and Xarel-lo white wine grapes are primarily used to produce Cava. These wines are created in the Traditional Method, like Champagne. Cava can be typically dry to sweet wines. My favorite is Helix Cava by Covides Spain at $12.99.

I personally find that you can create a memorable experience while enjoying your wines with a few little tricks. Your senses will commit to memory if you create the perfect elements. Why does a glass of wine taste better in Italy? Because you are in ITALY!!!! But honestly, it’s because of the experience and your surroundings. So why not get yourself dolled up, get out that beautiful glass and enjoy! It makes a difference; try it.

Here are my tricks to maximize my enjoyment: the glass and what I am wearing. You don’t need a special occasion to drink bubbly. I like to throw on my fav pair of jeans, dress it up with a nice top and pretty shoes. Your glass and what’s in it is an extension of your style.

1. The glassware

There is nothing more important to my wine drinking experience than THE GLASS! A chunky, thick glass ruins it for me. I prefer to enjoy wines in a thinner lighter glass; it enhances the smell and taste of the wine. There is a science behind the shapes of wine glass (we will get into that next time). I recommend the Riedel Flutes to enjoy your sparkly.

2.The perfect pair ofJeans

MOTHER Denim is a superior choice. The fabric fits every curve and moves with you as you take each sip of your sparkling wine. I recommend the Wicked Wildflower High Waisted, fresh denim, stylish and feminine.

My friends at Buka in Shavertown are the authority on denim! Stop in and see Joanna for all the latest MOTHER Styles to pair with your Sparkly.

Wine for your Zodiac Sign!

Here is your wineascope for Virgo:

Hey Virgo, you are money baby! This is your year to succeed in your career.

It is in the stars for you to make some dolla’ bills this fall! Stay in line with your ruling plant Mercury’s details and schedules to make it happen. You will meet the perfect Spanish Red; it will be dark and mysterious with lots of character; it will transform your taste buds! Pay attention to what goes on around you and be open for new things.