Sparkling wine is synonymous with celebrations and special occasions, but its versatility with food pairings makes it a favorite choice for any sophisticated dining experience. In this post, we’ll compare sparkling wine with white wine and discuss the different types of sparkling wines. We’ll also mention how the sommeliers at The Riddler Japanese Gastronomic Dining & Wine Bar in Bangkok can help you choose the perfect dishes to pair with.
What is Sparkling Wine?
Sparkling wine contains significant levels of carbon dioxide, making it fizzy. This effervescence is the result of natural fermentation, either in a bottle or a large specially designed tank. Sparkling wine contains antioxidants like polyphenols and provides similar health benefits to white wine, including heart health benefits when consumed in moderation.
The Difference Between Sparkling Wine and White Wine
Production Process
Sparkling wine is produced using a secondary fermentation process that traps carbon dioxide and creates bubbles. The traditional method, as used for Champagne, involves fermenting the wine in the bottle, while other methods include tank fermentation. Meanwhile, white wine typically undergoes a single fermentation process and is not designed to retain carbon dioxide, resulting in a still or non-bubbly wine.
Alcohol Content & Aging
Sparkling wine usually has an alcohol content between 10-12% and can benefit from extended aging to enhance its complexity. On the other hand, white wine alcohol levels can vary widely, and its aging potential depends on the variety and production style.
Types of Sparkling Wine
Champagne
Champagne is characterized by its complex aroma with notes of almond, citrus, fresh bread, and apples and a broad range of flavors from fruity to nutty and toasty, depending on the style and blend. It has high acidity with fine bubbles and a creamy mouthfeel due to extended aging.
Made exclusively in the Champagne region of France, this sparkling wine is produced using the traditional method or “méthode champenoise” from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. The process involves a primary fermentation of the wine, followed by a secondary fermentation in the bottle with the addition of yeast and sugars. This secondary fermentation produces the characteristic bubbles of Champagne. The wine then ages on its yeast lees for at least 15 months for non-vintage and three years for vintage, developing flavor complexity and depth.
Prosecco
Prosecco is lighter and fruitier than Champagne, often with aromas of pear, green apple, white peach, and honeysuckle. It has larger bubbles and a frothy texture. It is generally sweeter and less alcoholic than Champagne, with a refreshing and relatively simple flavor profile.
Produced in the Veneto region of Italy, Prosecco is primarily made from the Glera grape and produced using the Charmat method. This method involves secondary fermentation in large steel tanks rather than individual bottles like Champagne. This method is quicker and less costly than the traditional one, which is reflected in Prosecco’s generally lower price point.
Cava
Cava is a Spanish wine from Catalonia. It is known for its subtle fruitiness with herbaceous notes and flavors of pear, apple, and citrus, along with floral and nutty undertones. Cava can vary from very dry or brut nature to sweeter styles, offering versatility when pairing with food.
Cava can be made from a variety of grapes, including Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, using the traditional method. It must age for a minimum of 9 months on the lees, though premium versions often exceed this period significantly. This gives Cava a complex and creamy texture similar to Champagne but often at a more accessible price point.
Asti
Asti, formerly known as Asti Spumante, is made from the Moscato grape and is produced using a unique method in the Piedmont region of Italy. Asti is a sweet and aromatic wine with pronounced flavors of peach, apricot, and sweet musky notes. It varies from lightly sparkling (frizzante) to fully sparkling (spumante) and has a lower alcohol content than other sparkling wines.
It is produced using a single fermentation process in pressurized tanks, preserving the grape’s natural sugars. The tanks retain the naturally occurring carbon dioxide and the fresh, vibrant, and fruity flavors of the Moscato grape.
Sekt
Sekt is the term used for German and Austrian sparkling wine made from various grapes, often including Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. Its flavor profile ranges widely from very dry to very sweet, usually reflecting the characteristics of the grape variety used. High-quality Sekt is typically fresh, fruity, and refined, with more subtle bubbles than Prosecco but less complexity than Champagne.
It can be made using the traditional method, but most are produced using the Charmat method with secondary fermentation in tanks. Sekt, which is made from grapes entirely grown and processed in Germany, is often labeled as “Deutscher Sekt.”
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to high-quality sparkling wine made using the traditional method. It is rich and complex, with fine bubbles and a creamy texture similar to Champagne. Its flavor profile includes notes of bread, citrus, almond, and vanilla with a long, mineral finish.
Produced in the Lombardi region, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle and is aged on the lees for a minimum of 18 months for non-vintage and 30 months for vintage. This extensive aging results in a sophisticated, refined sparkling wine with depth and complexity.
Get Expert Guidance from a Sommelier
Sparkling wine pairs wonderfully with many Japanese dishes due to its crispness and effervescence. At The Riddler, our extensive wine selection includes a range of sparkling wines, each chosen for its ability to complement and enhance our Japanese-inspired dishes.
When you dine at The Riddler, a sommelier will discuss your taste preferences and the details of your chosen dishes to help you choose the right sparkling wine to complement your meal. Whether you prefer a dry, crisp Champagne or a sweeter, fruitier Prosecco, our sommelier will provide tailored recommendations, ensuring a perfect match that enhances the flavors of the wine and the food.
Our menu is a dynamic blend of traditional Japanese dishes and modern culinary innovations. Consider enjoying a glass of sparkling wine with Shaka Shaka (Arare deep-fried shrimp with homemade seasoning and cheese sauce), Raw (Blue Fin maguro with tonnato sauce and herb oil), or Spice (Aka ebi with parmesan, salsa Mexicana, and edamame espuma). Enjoy different types of sparkling wine with our charcuterie offering, including a mix of various cold cuts and cheeses.
Our sommelier is passionate about educating guests on the intricacies of sparkling wines. From explaining the differences between the various types of sparkling wine to sharing the fascinating production processes, prepare for an enriching dining experience that deepens your appreciation for wine.
Let our expert sommelier guide you through an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Reserve your table today.
Comments