Champagne-Sparkling+Wine...December

=Champagne is a type of Sparkling Wine, but... = The type of sparkling wine that can be truly called Champagne is made only from grapes of the Champagne region of France. Not only that, but French law dictates that all sparkling wines made in that area must be made by a special process called the //traditional// or //champagne method//. The French term is méthod champenoise. Only then, should it be called Champagne. Bubblies produced in other parts of the world, even if they are created by the traditional method, should be referred to as sparkling wines.

This does not necessarily mean that they are of lower quality. It simply means that they would not be referred to as Champagne. There are many high quality sparkling wines made in other areas of the world.


 * Is Champagne a true wine?** Yes, Champagne and other sparkling wines are truly a category of wine and it are typically derived from a blend of grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier.

The bubbles of sparkling wines are formed during a second fermentation process. For the second fermentation the winemaker takes still wine and adds a few grams of sugar and a few grams of yeast. This yeast and sugar convert to carbon dioxide (bubbles) and, of course alcohol. This conversion makes for millions of bubbles trapped in a very small space, sending the pressure soaring to about 80 psi in the typical bottle of sparkling wine. This second fermentation typically occurs in the actual bottle, but can also take place in the fermentation tank, it's up to the winemaker's preferred method.
 * Where do the Bubbles Come from in Sparkling Wines?**

The reason sparkling wine bottles are thicker than regular wine bottles is because they must withstand the pressure of the carbon dioxide -- up to 90 pounds per square inch.
 * Did you know?**


 * What are typical Aromas and Flavors found in Sparkling Wine and Champagne?**
 * Aroma** – can be reminiscent of fresh applesauce, spiced apple, ripe pear and “fresh baked bread” smells, compliments of the yeast that's added during the second fermentation.
 * Flavor** – apple, pear, citrus, strawberry, cream and vanilla (typically on the finish), yeast and nutty flavors are all common denominators in Sparkling wines and Champagnes. However, if there is more ripe tree fruit on the palate, then it is likely one of the New World sparkling wines, the more subtle creamy, yeast and nut-like flavors are more common in Old World Champagne.

Things to Know When Buying a Sparkling Wine
Champagne is more complex, toastier, and has more and smaller bubbles than sparkling wines from the charmat method because of its long term exposure to lees.

Sparkling wines may be high quality, but the charmat method was chosen because it creates a fruitier flavor from limited exposure to lees. An example would be Italy's Asti.

The sweetness of a sparkling wine or Champagne ranges from: Vintage Champagne is made only from grapes harvested during a specific year. They only make vintage Champagne during years where the grapes had exceptional growing seasons and it is aged longer than non-vintage Champagne. They can range from $35 - $50 a bottle.
 * **Extra Brut (Brut Sauvage)** - Totally dry
 * **Brut ** - Dry
 * **Extra Dry** - Medium dry
 * **Sec** - Slightly sweet
 * **Demi** - Sec: Fairly sweet
 * **Doux** - Sweet

Premium vintage Champagne or prestige cuvée is made using only the best grapes from top vineyards for that year and the Pinot Meunier variety is often left out. They can range from $60 to literally hundreds of dollars. Here is a quick guide to get you started on simple, but remarkable food pairing options for various sparkling wines and Champagnes. French and U.S. Champagne / Sparkling wines: ** Brie & Gouda, buttered popcorn, shrimp and shellfish, salami, veggies, smoked salmon, stuffed mushrooms, sweet bread and marscapone cheese, fruit-based desserts, shortbread cookies (really fun pairing combo. as the acidity in Champagne cuts through the butter of the cookie).
 * Quick and Easy Champagne and Sparkling Wine Food Pairings **
 * 


 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Rosé Sparkling Wines: **<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Brie, Prosciutto, smoked salmon, chocolate, raspberries, chocolate covered berries


 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Cava: **<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Brie & Gouda, olives, almonds, potato chips, smoked salmon, Prosciutto


 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Asti: **<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Almonds, cheesecake, raspberries, cookies


 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Prosecco: **<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Almonds, Brie & Gouda, Prosciutto, smoked salmon