Ever feel flummoxed when picking out a bottle of bubbly for your party reception or to go in your hamper for Cartmel races? Check out our simple guide to the most popular types of fizz:
Champagne
Named after the region in North-Western France where it is made, champagne is often the first drink we think of when we picture extravagance. Champagne is made using a traditional method with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Champagne is usually a complex and toasty wine. No sparkling wine can legally be called Champagne if it isn’t grown within the region.
The traditional method of making champagne is to put it through two fermentations: one to turn the grape juice into still wine without bubbles and one to turn the base wine into bubbly wine. The traditional method always conducts the second fermentation in a bottle, usually the one the chanpagne will eventually be sold in.
Cava
This sparkling wine hails from Spain but is also made using the traditional method. Mainly produced in the Penedès region in Catalonia, 40km south of Barcelona.
Espumante
The Portugese offering when it comes to bubbles, this type of sparkling wine is produced solely in northern climates.
Prosecco
The Italian favourite is currently the best-selling bubbly in the UK. Prosecco is made in a slightly different way to champagne. The second fermentation will take place in a highly pressurised tank, which results in a less complex bubbly. However, Prosecco has a light, fruity and often sweet taste and it is made using the Glera grape.
Lambrusco
Another Italian offering and a real winner at dinner parties, Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine hailing from the Emilia Romagna region in Italy. It is often served in Italian restaurants as it pairs well with Italian food such as Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano.
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