Sparkling wines

Sparkling wine pleasure: In almost all wine regions, sparkling wines are produced in addition to so-called still wines. Champagne, sparkling wine, Prosecco and Co. stand in particular for wine pleasure paired with joie de vivre. Joy that we from the wine shop Vinello would like to pass on to you.

Sparkling wine - the three production methods

Don't be put off by the term! Sparkling wine" is by no means a sparkling grape juice of questionable quality, as some normal consumers still believe. Also very noble drops like champagne, Spumante or Cava are by definition sparkling wines. The food law simply includes all wine-based beverages with an alcohol content of at least 10 percent and a pressure of at least 3 bar. How the carbon dioxide, which is responsible for said pressure, gets into the bottle is of secondary importance at this point. In principle, a distinction is made between three basic processes in the production of sparkling wine 

• Bottle fermentation
• Tank fermentation
• Impregnation process

Sparkling wines from bottle fermentation

The classical bottle fermentation for the production of sparkling wine was developed in the 17th century by the Benedictine monk Pierre Pérignon, but according to the current state of research he did not invent it. The second fermentation, and thus the enrichment with carbon dioxide, takes place, as the name suggests, in the bottle. In the classic method, also called Méthode champenoise, sugar and yeast are added to the base wine and the wine is drawn into the bottle, which is then sealed. During the alcoholic fermentation, which now starts again, not only alcohol is produced but also carbon dioxide and thus the pressure.  

After a minimum storage time, the yeast is moved to the neck of the bottle by shaking it down. The resulting yeast plug is then removed and the bottle is finally sealed. The process was originally delicate and laborious, which makes the status of Champagne as a luxury drink understandable. Dom Pérignon, by the way, also made the 0.7l bottle respectable - according to the average amount a man consumed during dinner at the time. Larger bottlings that are still common today, such as the magnum bottle, have always been considered a status symbol of the haute volée.  

In the transvasation process, the second fermentation also takes place on the bottle. In contrast to the classic method, however, the removal of the yeast is somewhat simplified. It is simply filtered out and the sparkling wine is then filled into new bottles. The pressure loss that normally occurs in this process can be avoided by technical solutions since around the middle of the 20th century. German sparkling wine is largely produced using the transvasier method. 

Sparkling wines from tank fermentation

With the economic upswing and the resulting increase in demand for sparkling wine as well as the technical possibilities since the 1950s, tank fermentation became economically interesting. In this process, the second fermentation takes place in the tank, after which the carbonated wine is drawn into the bottle under counterpressure following filtration. Sparkling wine production by tank fermentation is less complex than bottle fermentation and thus more cost-effective.  

A special form of tank fermentation is the Méthode rurale. Here, the carbon dioxide results from the first fermentation, which is stopped by strong cooling down. The wine, which is still quite sugary, is now drawn into the bottle where it continues to ferment and form carbon dioxide. The final product is sweeter than sparkling wines from second fermentation, the best known example being Asti spumante, which is produced on a fairly large scale in Piedmont.

Sparkling wines by impregnation method

This is the cheapest method and simply involves injecting carbon dioxide into the base wine under cooling and pressure. The best-known product made using this method is Prosecco frizzante, which, however, is not strictly speaking a sparkling wine but a semi-sparkling wine and must be made at a pressure of less than 3 bar. Higher quality Prosecco spumante, on the other hand, is usually produced by tank fermentation and is characterised by a finer and more stable perlage than frizzante .

Sparkling wines of the world

Sparkling wines were made in many parts of ancient Europe using the methods explained above. In Germany and Austria they are called Sekt (bottle or tank fermentation), in France Champagne or, if not from Champagne, Crémant (both bottle fermentation). In Italy, the best known sparkling wines are Prosecco spumante (mostly tank fermentation) and Asti spumante. From Spain comes the Cava, for which similar high quality requirements apply as for champagne.

Sparkling wines - enjoying life with lightness

Sparkling moments are usually experienced in convivial company - and with the right sparkling wine. The semi-sparkling wine is the sparkling alternative to the conventional wine and the dignified solution before the acid-intensive sparkling wine and champagne. Sparkling wine is just the thing for a summer's day, a party, an enjoyable glass among friends. With a subtle sweetness, an elegant sparklingwine, also known by the enticing name of Secco, enhances any day, with bright color, free aromas and a tailor-made perlage. Treat yourself to a glass, there's plenty of time for everyday - now it's getting pearly with first-class sparkling wines and Secco Frizzante on VINELLO.

Sparkling wine - trendy and modern

For a long time, sparkling wine was a niche product, hardly in demand. It was not until the fresh wave of Italian sparkling wines, such as Prosecco Frizzante, that the German winegrowers awoke and started to enchant the palates with high-quality sparkling wines and wonderful lightness. Sparkling wine does not impose itself, has more carbonic acid than a still wine, but decidedly less than a sparkling wine. Thus a Secco Frizzante harmonizes as an aperitif, as an airy pleasure, as an alcoholic companion for illustrious groups. Before the fun begins, however, many pleasure-oriented lovers of fine taste wonder what the difference is between sparkling wine, sparkling wine and sparkling wine.

The production process of fine sparkling wines

Sparkling wine is clearly defined and is distinguished from its kin in particular by its carbon dioxide content. As a semi-sparkling wine with a minimum of 7% vol., secco may have a carbonic acid overpressure of between 1 and a maximum of 2.5 bar at 20°C. Anything above this is considered sparkling wine. Anything above this is considered sparkling wine. The lightly sparkling sparkling wine is therefore not subject to the sparkling wine tax, but may also not be marketed in similar bottles and designs as a sparkling wine or champagne.

One can see that the sparkling wine differs strongly from the sparkling wine. This already starts with the fermentation of the wine. As with still wine, the endogenous acidity disappears, but in the case of sparkling wine, it is captured and added back to the wine after fermentation. This process is called impregnation. Alternatively, the winemaker may add artificial carbon dioxide, also called exogenous acid, to the wine, but must clearly indicate this on the label with the designation sparkling wine with added acid. The full range of sparkling wine designations includes:

• Sparkling wine with added acid
• Pearl wine
• Semi-sparkling wine with a geographical indication
• Quality semi-sparkling wine from specified regions

The difference between sparkling wine and semi-sparkling wine

Things to know about sparkling wine

What is sparkling wine?

Sparkling wine is a wine that is enriched with carbonic acid. The CO² content may only be between 1 and a maximum of 2.5 bar at 20 C. A sparkling wine is characterized by a filigree perlage and a fine sweetness.

What is the ideal drinking temperature for sparkling wines?

The perfect drinking temperature for sparkling wines is between 6 and 8°C.

What about the shelf life of sparkling wines?

Sparkling wines are already at the peak of their maturity when you buy them. This means that the sparkling wine can be enjoyed immediately. For short-term storage - about 1 year - place the Secco Frizzante upright in a cool, dark place.

How long does an open bottle of sparkling wine keep?

A sparkling wine can keep for up to 3 days after opening, by which time the carbonation will have long since dissipated.

What does sparkling wine go with?

Pearl wine and Secco Frizzante are ideal as an aperitif for brunch, breakfast, dessert, as well as with cakes and pastries. Also solo pearl wine scores in summer times and on holidays.

Buy sparkling wine online

Do you already feel the slight tingle? Then it's time to order and enjoy high-quality sparkling wines and seccos from Italy, Germany, Austria and Spain. Discover the lightness at VINELLO. We offer you an exquisite selection of sparkling wines to buy cheap. Find sparkling and semi-sparkling wines in all varieties - be it frizzante, rosé, dry, brut, mild or however you like it. Buy your sparkling wines on VINELLO and we will deliver your fresh Seccos Frizzante via climate-neutral and insured shipping directly to you. Fast, reliable and sparkling - your VINELLO wine trade.