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Sparkling wine types
Sparkling wine is the umbrella name for wines with carbonation. They range from Champagne through plonk wines infused with CO2.
At the more respected levels of sparkling, you will find descriptors of sweetness. This post and podcast explores what they mean.
Champagne and sparkling wines made using methode champenoise get their fizz from a second fermentation in the bottle.
Each bottle holds a secret that makes it distinctive. After a year in bottle—three or more years for premiums—yeast from the second fermentation is frozen in the bottle’s neck and removed in a process called “disgorgement”. Then “dosage”—a mix of sugar, wine, sometimes brandy—is added and the bottle corked.
Dosage is a closely-held secret for each maker. Ingredients influence wine’s color and taste; the amount of sugar determines sweetness, described by specific names:
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