Fruity champagne name. Which champagne to choose for the New Year - rating of inexpensive and luxury wines

Almost no holiday is complete without sparkling drinks, be it New Year, wedding or birthday. And sometimes you just want to drink a glass of champagne without any important reason. But how to choose sparkling wine among all the variety of white and rosé, dry and sweet options? From this article you will learn how real champagne differs from other sparkling wines, how much sugar is contained in brut, what grape varieties and technologies producers use, and much more.

Which countries produce sparkling wines?

Over the past decade, consumption of sparkling wines has increased by a third, and production by 40%. Over 2 billion bottles are produced worldwide every year.

Sparkling drinks are produced in countries such as:

• France (champagne and cremant)
• Italy (Franciacorta, Prosecco, Asti)
• Spain (cava)
• Germany and Austria (sekts)
• Great Britain (sparkling according to the classical method)
• Russia (specimens from the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea)
• Israel (including kosher sparkling)
• New World countries (USA, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa and others)

Each producing country and each variety of sparkling wine has its own characteristics, which will be discussed further.

What is the difference between champagne and sparkling

According to the laws of the European Union, only sparkling wines that are produced in the French province of Champagne can be called champagne, subject to a number of rules:

• traditional or classic method of producing "champenois" (with secondary fermentation in bottles)
• use of certain grape varieties (main ones: chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier)
• aging on lees for at least 15 months

The champagne production process is quite labor-intensive and includes several strictly regulated stages. Read more about the technology in the article.

Sparkling wines produced outside Champagne cannot bear the word Champagne on the label, even if they are made using the same classical technology as Champagne. Such sparkling drinks are given different names in the European Union: in Burgundy, Languedoc-Roussillon, Alsace, the Loire Valley and some other regions of France they are called cremant, in Italy - franciacorta, in Spain - cava.

An alternative method for producing sparkling wine

In addition to examples produced in the traditional way, sparkling wines are produced in many countries using the Charmat method, also called the Italian or tank method. The main difference between this technology and the “classics” is that secondary fermentation takes place not in bottles, but in large vats. The reservoir method significantly speeds up and reduces the cost of production, which, however, does not detract from the advantages of the resulting drink. Most sparkling wines in the world are produced using the Charmat method. These include, among other things, the popular Italian prosecco.

Please note: outside the EU, not all countries follow the rules regarding the use of the word "champagne". For example, in Russia, producers are not prohibited from calling any sparkling wine champagne, regardless of production technology. This is where the confusion in terms comes from and the habit of many Russians to call all sparkling drinks champagne. Next, we will dwell in more detail on the most popular varieties of sparkling wines.

What is champagne like?

In Champagne, sparkling wines are divided into several main categories:

• non-vintage (basic brut)
• vintage, or mille-winter (champagne of the same vintage)
• prestigious cuvées, or Cuvee de Prestige (top champagne)

In addition, there are two special categories: Blanc de Blancs (white champagne made from white varieties) and Blanc de Noirs (white from red grapes). Connoisseurs and collectors often prefer blanc de blancs for their ability to be stored for a long time (30 years or more).

According to the degree of sweetness, champagne is divided into the following levels:

• Brut Nature, or Zero (0 – 3 grams of sugar per liter)
• Extra Brut (0 – 6 g/l)
• Brut (up to 12)
• Extra Sec (12 – 17)
• Sec (17 – 32)
• Demi-Sec (32 – 50)
• Doux (more than 50 g/l, sweet versions are very rarely produced today)

In addition, champagne wines are distinguished by the type of producer: large merchant houses of Champagne or boutique recoltanes (grape growers who make champagne from their own grapes). More than 55% of all champagne is produced by large merchants who purchase grapes for their production. Read more about champagne in the article.

Cremants, franciacorta and cava

All these sparkling wines are produced using the same traditional method, but outside of Champagne. Crémant is made in large quantities in regions of France such as Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Jura and Languedoc-Roussillon (Limoux). Among the cremants there are very good vintage specimens that can compete with champagne.

Italian franciacorta from Lombardy is the closest “relative” of champagne in terms of the grape varieties used. It is produced using the classical method from Chardonnay and Pinot Nero (Italian Pinot Noir), but instead of Pinot Meunier in the varietal composition, Pinot Blanc. The soils in Lombardy are also similar to the terroir of Champagne. This is why, at blind tastings, ten-year-old vintage Franciacorta is often confused with champagne.

Cava appeared in the mid-19th century as the Spanish equivalent of champagne. Currently, 90% of cava is produced in the Penedes region (Catalonia). This sparkling wine is made using traditional champagne technology. At the same time, the range of varieties allowed for use is wide: Macabeo, Charello, Parellada, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Malvasia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha and others.

Italian sparkling wines: Prosecco, Asti and Lambrusco

90% of Italy's sparkling wines are produced using the Charmat method, including Prosecco. This popular sparkling wine is made from the Glera variety in the Italian wine-growing area, spread over two regions - Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. By law, prosecco can have any percentage of sugar, but in fact it is almost always dry. The wine owes its popularity largely to the spritz-Aperol cocktail (containing orange liqueur, prosecco and tonic). Today, in almost every Italian bar, and not only Italian ones, you can meet vacationers with an orange glass in their hand.

For lovers of sweet wines in the Italian region of Piedmont they make sparkling Asti and sparkling Moscato d'Asti. For their production, they use the aromatic Muscat variety and spumanization technology (a modification of the Charmat method). Largely thanks to these two sparkling drinks, Italy today ranks second in the world in terms of volume of production of sparkling wines. Fans of Asti and Moscato d'Asti love them for their delicate aroma with notes of flowers and low percentage of alcohol.

The Italian region of Emilia-Romagna produces another popular type of sparkling wine (slightly sparkling) - lambrusco. It is made from the grape variety of the same name, which was originally wild. The color of the wine is red, white or pink, and the level of sweetness is dry, semi-sweet or sweet. Lambrusco is a light, uncomplicated sparkling wine, but at the same time very gastronomic.

Russian sparkling wines

Before the revolution, sparkling wines were made in Russia using traditional champagne technology. In the 1930s, in order to save money, domestic manufacturers switched to the Charmat method, or rather to its modification; in the 1960s, to an even more economical technology of “champagne in a continuous flow.”

Unfortunately, today most Russian sparkling wines are produced in the cheapest way - by artificially adding carbon dioxide to still wine (gasification). However, even today you can find decent Russian samples, such as “Balaklava” from the Crimean manufacturer “Zolotaya Balka”.

How to choose the right champagne or sparkling wine

Real champagne from Champagne tends to be more expensive than other sparkling wines. This is explained not only by the marketing component, but also by the high cost. To produce champagne, the most expensive grapes in the world are used and the labor of certified specialists who strictly comply with numerous rules and regulations. Thus, the consumer pays not only for prestige, but also for a guaranteed level of quality.

When choosing champagne from Champagne, carefully study the label. It usually indicates the appellation (wine-growing area), brand, type of sugar (Brut Nature, Brut and others), category of champagne (non-vintage, vintage or prestigious cuvée), name of the cuvée, type of producer (NM for merchants and RM for recoltans ). In addition, it is allowed to indicate Premier Cru on the label of sparkling wine from Champagne if the wine contains 100% grapes from Premier Cru or Grand Cru communes, as well as Grand Cru (100% grapes from Grand Cru communes).

Also pay attention to the volume of the bottle. It is believed that champagne in larger bottles (1.5 liter magnums and larger) develops more slowly and therefore retains its fresh aroma longer. In addition, an impressively sized bottle itself is capable of impressing guests.

The name of the cremant must include Cremant AOC. This is important because not all “non-champagne” sparkling wines from France are crémant. The best options from Spain will have the inscription Cava DO on their labels, the bottles of Italian franciacorta will have Franciacorta DOCG, prosecco will have Prosecco DOC, and Asti will have Asti DOCG.

Dark glass bottles are generally preferred. Wine, both sparkling and still, is susceptible to the so-called light disease. Because of this, the oxidation process occurs a little faster in bottles made of light glass. Therefore, a green or dark bottle is better for sparkling wine, although there are exceptions, such as the iconic Cristal champagne in a clear bottle commissioned by Russian Emperor Alexander II.

When choosing affordable sparkling wines, pay attention to the color of the drink. If you suddenly see that the color of an inexpensive wine in the glass is amber or dark, this is usually not very good. Democratic sparkling wines should be light in color, young, bright and fresh.

Sparkling Dictionary

Vintage (millesim) – the year of harvest, indicated on bottles of millesim champagnes and sparkling wines.

The classic or traditional champagne method is a technology for the production of sparkling wines that involves secondary fermentation in bottles.

Cremant is a French sparkling wine that is made using the traditional method outside of Champagne.

The Charmat method, or tank method, is a technology for the production of sparkling wines, which was developed at the beginning of the last century in Italy. Unlike the classical method, the second fermentation does not take place in individual bottles, but in large tanks (acratophores).

Negociant-manipulant (NM) are producers who make champagne primarily from purchased grapes. The labels of bottles from such champagne houses bear the inscription NM.

Recoltant-manipulant (RM) are small Champagne estates that produce champagne from grapes from their own vineyards.

Perlage is the play of bubbles in a glass.

Sabrage - opening a bottle using a saber or other object with one smooth edge.

Champagne - according to the laws of the European Union, is a sparkling wine produced only in Champagne using the traditional method with secondary fermentation in bottles.

New Year's feasts refute the postulate that champagne is only an aperitif: it goes wonderfully with food. With lots of food. Champagne works great paired with Olivier and tangerines, and with herring under a fur coat.

Whatever champagne you choose for the New Year, traditions will take their toll - they will drink it even with jellied meat, so that later they will be sure to snack on red caviar and poultry baked in the oven!

How to choose champagne for the New Year?

On the menu for the New Year 2018, champagne is listed at the top of the list after the Christmas tree and tangerine. But store shelves are crowded with dozens and sometimes hundreds of bottles of champagne and sparkling wine from different countries. The choice is amazing. But you, having stood around in confusion from unfamiliar names, will most likely take a bottle of “Soviet” and head home with a calm soul.

We dare to suggest that if the question “What champagne to drink for the New Year” is asked, then “Soviet” or “Russian” is clearly not on your New Year’s list. And you, it turns out, are impudent and desperate. Not buying something Soviet for the New Year is even worse than getting a manta ray wet!

Advice! If your budget is limited, you can buy inexpensive (decoupage) - it will turn out original and tasteful.

We are read by a discerning audience, not marginal or childish. Which doesn’t need advertising and all that nonsense. All you need is facts. So straight to the point. We present the top best champagne for the New Year's table, compiled according to online reviews.

4th place – Abrau-Durso, “Victor Dravigny” Rouge

Sparkling wines from the Russian producer Abrau-Durso are presented on the market in a wide range and price. To choose a good champagne for the New Year that would be great to drink both as an aperitif and while serving the main holiday dishes, read what is written on the champagne label. The right sparkling wine, captivating with its combination of freshness and sweetness, will be made from selected grapes. Approximate cost 900 rubles (350 UAH)

Dry or semi-dry champagne Moet and Chandon taste light, transparent, with a delicate perlage. The signature bottle of the famous French manufacturer is easy to recognize among other champagne on the New Year's table by its signature detail: a smart black bow, sealed with a red round seal on the neck.

In the 20th century, Europe literally reveled in Moet & Chandon. They celebrated victories in car races, rain of traffic jams greeted dinner parties, receptions and special occasions. After the war, elite champagne accompanied the celebration of sporting victories and the presentation of airliners. Nowadays, a glass of Moet and Chandon is a constant companion of Hollywood cinema and French fashion. Moscow, Paris, London, New York 2018 New Year will be celebrated with Moet & Chandon champagne.

Each of the famous French wines has a special character, taste and has its own name:

Russian champagne is a sparkling wine produced and sold in Russia. Demand for sparkling wine in the country exceeds a quarter of a million bottles per year. A New Year's table without a light, foaming cold drink sparkling with bubbles is equivalent to an Olympic stadium without a burning torch.

Producers of Russian champagne

Popular products often make profit lovers want to participate in business. But, lacking technology, technical standards, wine raw materials and winemakers, unscrupulous producers are pushing counterfeit products onto the market.

To suppress the appearance of low-quality wine products on the consumer market, the Association of Sparkling Wine Producers was created in 2010. The association includes 13 Russian enterprises and one Belarusian enterprise.

Consumers are confident that the presence on the label of an inscription about a manufacturer from the list of members of the Association is a guarantee of the production of Russian champagne in compliance with technical standards.

Winemakers competition

In Russia, winemakers annually hold a business meeting. In the category of sparkling drinks, they choose the best Russian champagne of the classical method and the tank production method. In 2016, two winners were awarded respectively: the Russian collection dry white champagne from Crimea “Golden Riesling” and the Krasnodar brut sparkling wine “Blanc de Blancs” (Phanagoria) 2015.

Ordinary consumers are delighted with Golden Riesling. Buyers do not skimp on compliments: “good”, “delicious”, “unearthly bliss”, “the most delicious champagne” and “the best memorable gift from Crimea”.

The aroma of "Blanc de Blanc" charmed tasters with fruity notes of peach, pear and apple. Customers praise the soft and fresh taste with hints of honey and spice. It goes surprisingly well with both cold appetizers and hot seafood dishes.

Criteria for classification of sparkling drink

Selecting by manufacturer does not mean the best search result. Consider three more options for classifying sparkling wine:

• by price,
• by popularity,
• in terms of quality.

In each class there is a product that is the best in terms of the main parameter.

Price plays a major role for the average consumer. It's nice to surprise a girl with a vintage wine. It is important to remember that there is no high-quality champagne for 150 rubles; this is a drink from a different category. The cost of Russian champagne, for example, from the winemaker Abrau-Durso, varies from 435 rubles for 0.75 liters of white or pink semi-sweet to 1875 rubles. collection variety brut.

Domestic show business figures note the quality of Abrau-Durso champagne, its refreshing taste, and the absence of headaches after drinking.

More often, champagne is purchased for a celebration - to emphasize the importance of the moment. A festive feast in friendly company begins with a glass of sparkling wine.

For an intimate dinner, for example, a decisive date or a marriage proposal, champagne is indispensable. It is important not to make a mistake in choosing a drink. As with any choice, experience is important here. Articles on the Internet provide a theoretical understanding of the drink being studied. The theory is verified by practice, so that at the decisive moment the wine does not present a “sour surprise”.

Learning the skills of a sommelier

Proper tasting helps you choose a sparkling drink wisely. Wine selection criteria:

1. Foam.
2. Aroma.
3. Taste.
4. Aftertaste.

First, let's feast our eyes. Then the delicious aroma captivates you and makes you want to taste the drink. And if, after a few minutes, no unpleasant taste collisions arise, but, on the contrary, the desire to repeat a sip of wine awakens, then the aftertaste convincingly proves the quality of the drink.

Champagne is poured over the wall of an inclined glass in a light stream, so that a mousse forms on the surface - a light, persistent foam, and the drink taster admires the play of small gas bubbles.

Feel the aroma of wine. Carry out a simple test - a pleasant or unpleasant smell. Even if the advertisement promises an exquisite aroma, but the consumer does not like the smell, then cross the drink being evaluated from the list of preferences and try a different brand of wine.

Pay attention to the champagne of the Northern Venice company. The company's winemakers use raw materials from Spain and South Africa. There the grapes ripen 100%. All types of pinot are used to create the drink, but the main grape is chardonnay. The color of the drink made on the basis of Chardonnay ranges from light yellow to dark pink. Consumers note a wide range of tastes: flowers, citrus, quince and honey.

Folk wisdom that has turned into a newspaper cliche, but remains wisdom: there is no friend according to taste. But if we leave aside the artistic description of the taste of the wine, the taster notes, firstly, whether the drink tastes like vodka or not. If it does, it's not champagne. The second observable characteristic of taste is sweetness. Each person has his own measure of sweets, but you will have to choose from at least two options: sweet - unsweetened wine.

After a few sips of the drink, evaluate the aftertaste. What grape variety comes to mind, whether the tannins in the barrels where the wine was matured tie the tongue. They classify persistent and unstable, weak and strong aftertaste. Try to evaluate and remember, it will come in handy when forming a collection of champagne wines.

It's all about the sparkling bubbles

The organizations “Russian Quality System” and the Federal Service for Regulation of the Alcohol Market before the New Year holidays examined Russian champagne on the shelves of Russian stores. Compliance with GOST was checked using thirty parameters. Critics couldn't stand 17 product names out of 56 tested. The first remark is about the method of filling the drink with carbon dioxide. Yes, the country has allowed artificial carbonation of wine since 2012, which reduces the cost of sparkling wine production by half. But this is no longer champagne. According to GOST, champagne is filled with carbon dioxide during natural fermentation.

The second non-compliance with the standard is the quality of primary raw materials for drink samples from the “popular segment” that does not comply with GOST. Unfair, from the point of view of manufacturers, the establishment of excise taxes directly affects the cost of production. We have to get out, as representatives of wine producers say.

The third parameter is the alcohol content. In the rejected samples, the percentage of alcohol was recorded either below the norm, as in the “Crimean Sparkling”, or above the norm, as in the white semi-sweet “Royal Traditions”. The contents did not match the label on the wine bottle.

Consumers called the taste of Ariant's Royal Traditions sparkling wine mediocre. Even the design of the label does not stand up to criticism.

The opinion of professional tasters about the unsatisfactory quality of another sparkling wine from the Rostov Champagne Winery: “Too much sugar, you can feel the essence... Too sweet... Taste of plastic... Bitter aftertaste, dubious smell.”

Degrees - remember the main thing

About. is an abbreviation for the unit of measurement of alcohol in a wine drink, “percentage by volume.”

The degree measure of wine is determined by the place where the drink is made and its brand.

The parameters of Russian champagne are given in the table.

We prepare sparkling wine from our own raw materials

Russian white champagne is made from white technical grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.

These varieties are acclimatized to the conditions of the Krasnodar Territory, Crimea, and Stavropol Territory. Wine grape varieties are also grown in Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine.

To brut or not to brut, that is the question

Russian sparkling wine differs in degrees and amount of sugar. The classification of wines based on sugar content is as follows:

• Brut zero - 6 g/l.
• Brut - up to 15 g/l.
• Extra dry - from 12 to 20 g/l.
• Semi-sweet - 17-35 g/l.
• Sweet - 33-50 g/g.

This is just what they say - Russian semi-sweet champagne. In fact, 35 grams of sugar is four heaped teaspoons. People who jealously watch their weight and figure know that sweet champagne is a high-calorie product.

Gone are the days when only wealthy people could afford French champagne. Now a quality product can be bought in any large supermarket. And here the main problem awaits uninformed people: how to choose the right brand? In this article we will look at the main French champagne brands, as well as reviews about them.

From the history of French champagne

Champagne is a sparkling wine that takes its name from the Champagne region located in France. Still wine has been produced here since the early Middle Ages. French kings traditionally drank it during their coronation in Reims, and also sent it as a gift to the rulers of other countries. Britain has especially taken a liking to French wines. Some believe that it was the British who invented the recipe for the famous champagne. The first sparkling wine created for commercial distribution appeared only in the 16th century in Toulouse. According to legend, the first French champagne was invented by the monk Perignon, but there is no information confirming this fact. On the contrary, many believe that he only improved the process of its manufacture.

The favorites of the French king Louis XIV brought champagne worldwide popularity. It was for them that it appeared on all festive tables. Until this time, sparkling wine was consumed only by a narrow circle of aristocrats, most of whom lived in Great Britain. In 1891, many European countries pledged to call only wine produced in the region of the same name champagne. This rule is still in effect, but it has not become widespread in the USA and Russia. In the post-Soviet space, it is customary to call sparkling wine champagne, regardless of its origin.

French champagne: brands

There are a huge variety of champagne brands - both budget and prestigious. The price and quality of sparkling wine largely depend on the method of its preparation, as well as on the grape variety, soil and climate. In France, more than 300 communes produce champagne, but only 17 of them produce Grand Cru - the most expensive and elite drinks. More than 5,000 companies bottle wine, but only 250 of them create a high-quality product.

What French champagnes are considered the most popular, expensive and delicious? Let's list the main brands:

• "Mumm."
• "Circle".
• "Veuve Clicquot"
• "Moet and Chandon"
• "Louis Roederer".
• "Dom Perignon"

And this is not the entire list of world-famous companies. Let's take a closer look at the history of each brand, its features and types of champagne produced.

Champagne "Mumm"

This company was founded in 1827 by German winemakers from the Mumm family, who lived in France. The popularity of this sparkling wine was brought not only by its extraordinary taste, but also by the famous red ribbon surrounding the bottle. This design element was reminiscent of the ribbon of the French Legion of Honor. Subsequently, the company was nationalized by the country's authorities. Now the Mumm company produces a third of all wine produced. French champagne is exported all over the world. Residents of Russia can also purchase it in their stores. This wine can hardly be called budget, because the average price per bottle starts at $90.

Champagne produced by the Mumm company is considered a drink for active people who love travel and sports. It has a pronounced fruity aroma. The taste of the drink is not sour or bitter. The taste is reminiscent of a combination of citrus fruits, grapes and honey. This sparkling wine is usually consumed only chilled. The Mumm company, which produces French champagne, is a sponsor of the Formula 1 competition and also supplies drinks to the British royal court.

Champagne "Krug"

This company was founded in 1843 by Joseph Krug. In production he used only the best quality grapes. Now the company is managed by the fifth generation of the Krug family. The famous sparkling rosé wine was invented by brothers Henri and Reni in 1983. When creating a drink, it must be aged for several years. In total, the company produces about 100 thousand bottles per year, which is several hundred times less than the largest manufacturers. The price for this drink is appropriate. For example, a collectible 1928 bottle recently sold at auction for $21,000. The minimum price is about $400-800 per bottle.

This French pink champagne will delight you with the aroma of forest berries, which are combined with exotic spices and flowers. Has a long-lasting taste. The longer it remains in the glass, the more rich notes you will be able to perceive. It is served with gourmet dishes such as lobster, Japanese delicacies, truffles and salmon.

Champagne "Veuve Clicquot"

The famous French company Veuve Clicquot was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot. It was subsequently inherited by his son François, who married Barbara Ponsaradin. In 1805, the woman became a widow and took over the reins of the company. It was she who made her famous throughout the world. She also invented a wire bridle that fits over a cork. According to her recipe, French champagne, the names of which are listed in our article, turned out to be absolutely transparent. Subsequently, all major sparkling wine producers began to use this technology. She bequeathed her company to a friend who was also passionate about winemaking. It is his descendants who continue to produce wine to this day.

You can recognize Veuve Clicquot champagne by its characteristic design. The dark bottle is surrounded by a yellow label. The drink has a sweetish taste, combining fruit notes, raisins and vanilla aroma. Rose and golden sparkling wines are produced. You can buy a bottle of inexpensive champagne in Russia for $80, but most of the sparkling wines from this company cost much more.

Champagne "Moet and Chandon"

Moet and Chandon is the world's largest producer of champagne. The winery was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët. You can recognize a drink from this company by the black bow with a gilded border, which is fastened under the neck of the dark bottle. The company produces about 30 million bottles annually, which is double the production of Veuve Clicquot, its main competitor. This best French champagne was especially loved by Emperor Napoleon and the British Queen Elizabeth II. For many years, the company has been a partner of the famous Golden Globe film awards, and actress Scarlett Johansson recently became the face of Moet and Chandon.

Thanks to its huge production, the company sells sparkling wine at an affordable price. A bottle of champagne will cost $70, although there are more expensive types. The aroma of the drink combines notes of green apple, pear, citrus and nuts. It is served with fish dishes and fruit desserts.

Champagne "Louis Roederer"

If you are looking for expensive French champagne, then you should pay attention to the Louis Roederer company. It produces premium drinks, among which Crystal sparkling wine is especially popular. In the 19th century, it was supplied to the Russian imperial court in crystal bottles, which depicted a double-headed eagle. Until 1945, this sparkling wine was not sold. It was supplied on special orders only to privileged persons. Nowadays, a bottle of Crystal can be purchased for $400–$1,200, depending on the quality of the vintage. Cheaper types of Louis Roederer champagne cost about $150.

Crystal's aroma includes notes of toasted almonds, citrus, melon and apricot, which are combined with a bitter finish. Before sale, it is aged for at least 6.5 years in cellars.

Champagne "Dom Perignon"

Another company producing premium champagne is Dom Perignon. It was founded in 1921, and was named after the monk Pierre Perignon, who, according to legend, invented sparkling wine. Champagne of this brand is released every few years - during special harvest years. For example, the last vintage year for rose wine was 1998. The famous designer Karl Lagerfeld worked on an exclusive set released in 2007. It included 6 bottles of rose wine and crystal glasses. Its cost was approximately $100,000. At the official presentation, the set was presented to buyers by top models Eva Herzigova and Claudia Schiffer. The taste of Dom Perignon champagne combines notes of spices, figs and strawberries. It is served with poultry or fish dishes.

Sparkling wines, which we traditionally call “champagne” (although this is incorrect, this name can only be given by the real one) are an indispensable attribute of any holiday. Understanding the huge existing range of sparkling wines is not easy. We offer a brief overview of popular brands.

In the article:

Sparkling wine Lambrusco (Lambrusco)

Lambrusco wine is made in Italy from the grape varieties of the same name. Translated from Italian, Lambrusco is a wild grape. One of the oldest grape varieties, known to Virgil. Due to the characteristics of care and cultivation of the vine, the taste of the drink may vary in different areas.

Unlike classic and standard varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot noir and others, Lambrusco is an open-pollinated grape of which there are many varieties. If this variety is not harvested on time, the wine greatly loses color and aroma. In this case, it is corrected by adding Ancelotta grapes. The drink has a pronounced aroma of strawberries, cherries, and raspberries. Using the tank production method in production, it is recommended to drink it young, up to 2 years of aging.

The name “Lambrusco” is not patented, which affected the production of wine. Very often you can find wine of varying quality under the Lambrusco brand. And although Italian winemakers have achieved the use of the name only within Italy, not all wine brands produced have received access to the DOC - a classification of wines with a protected and guaranteed designation of origin.

Currently, the Lambrusco brand is going through hard times. The peak of fashion for it and the boom in consumption remained in the 70s of the last century, when sweet and semi-sweet varieties of wines were popular. Not everyone knows that dry, semi-dry versions and still wines (vino fermo) are produced under the same name. Among the sparkling wines, there are “frizzante” - slightly sparkling, foamy, the label of such wines says frizzante, or "spumante" ( spumante) – drinks with a lot of bubbles.

This wine is produced using the Charmat method, through secondary fermentation in huge, hermetically sealed steel containers. This reduces the cost of the production procedure, but does not allow the production of complex sparkling wines, which are obtained as a result of long aging. Lambrusco Can be white, pink, red.

Of the wide variety of wines produced under the Lambrusco brand, only a few types received the DOC category:

Lambrusco di Sorbara.

Lambrusco di Sorbara

Red, pink foamy sparkling. Dry or semi-dry. A drink of high quality, rich color and aroma. Made from the grape variety of the same name. Leaves a violet aftertaste, with strawberry and cherry notes. Pairs well with meat dishes.

Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce.

Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce

Red, pink foamy sparkling. Dry, semi-dry, sweet. Wine made from the Lambrusco Salamino variety, with minor inclusions of Bruno and Ancelotta. They drink this wine young. It, like the previous drink, contains a high content of acids. Served with meat.

Reggiano

Red, white, still, foamy sparkling wine, produced from Lambrusco varieties, from the province of Reggio Emilia. It has a delicate fruity hue with notes of grape skin flavor. A wonderfully balanced wine. Suitable for cheese and ham.

Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro.

Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro

Red, pink, foamy, sparkling. Dry, semi-dry, sweet. Made from Lambrusco Grasporossa grapes with minor inclusions of other types of Lambrusco. It has a rich, purple color. Burgundy foam. Contains a large amount of tannins.

Lambrusco Mantovano.

Lambrusco Mantovano

Foamy, sparkling red, pink, dry, semi-dry. Made from Lambrusco Viadanese grapes with a slight addition of Anchalotta or Grasparossa. A fairly simple ruby-colored drink with a traditional fruity-violet aftertaste.

Sparkling Prosecco (Prosecco)

This wine is made using the Charmat method, which means it is drunk young, no older than 2 years of aging. Produced from a grape variety called Glera, which received its name only in 2009 after Prosecco wine passed quality control and received the right to display the DOC symbol on its labels, denoting the legality of geographical origin and strict control of the grape varieties used and the methods of production of this wine. Before this, the grape variety was also called Prosecco.

This wine is available only in “white” vinification. Initially, it was made sweet to hide defects in taste. After 1960, production technology improved, and Prosecco began to be produced in brut, extra dry, dry, Demi sec, semi-dry versions. According to the degree of carbonation, the drink can be frizzante - foamy, spumante - highly sparkling, or trangule - calm.

Wines from the Glera variety are light, with the aroma of citrus and peaches, tropical fruits, apples, and pears. Sometimes there is a biscuit aftertaste and mineral notes. Minimum strength – from 8.5%. Serve as an aperitif or with seafood. Used as the main component in alcoholic cocktails.

Valdo Marca Oro, extra dry.

The wine is produced in the northern Italian region of Valdobbiadene from the famous grapes from the Cartizze hill. Classic, fresh with a floral aftertaste, with notes of linden and acacia.

Nino Franco, brutal.

Nino Franco, brutal

Produced there. A more austere wine, with mineral notes and a citrus aftertaste.

Ruggeri Giall Oro, extra dry.

Ruggeri Giall Oro

The wine is all from the same region. Well balanced, juicy, with a fruity and floral aroma.

Tenuta Ca Bolani, brut.

Tenuta Ca Bolani, brut

Wine from the Veneto region. Not a very elegant wine, bright, fruity and floral.

Bacio della Luna, extra dry.

Bacio della Luna

Wine from the Veneto region. Balanced, calm, classic wine with sweet citrus and floral notes.

Botter, extra dry, produced in the Veneto region.

Balanced wine with smooth taste, floral and fruity aftertaste.

Belstar, extra dry. Produced there.

A classic, stylish wine, soft, with juicy acidity and delicate taste.

Danzante, extra dry. Wine from the Veneto region.

An elegant, unobtrusive wine with a subtle melon note and a citrus aftertaste.

Col di Luna, extra dry, produced in the Treviso region.

A balanced, full-structured, elegant wine with a mixed aroma of citrus and floral-fruity tones.

Prosecco Colfondo

Prosecco Colfondo

Prosecco Colfondo, a unique lees drink, is made in the classic “country method” with unfiltered spent yeast.

Sparkling wine Asti (Asti)

In Piedmont, one of the northwestern regions of Italy, the magnificent sweet sparkling wine Asti is made from white Muscat grapes. It contains very little alcohol. It stands out against the background of all other wines with its bright, floral-honey aroma. It is produced using the Charmat method, or a modified method, in which already during the first fermentation the wort is placed in sealed autoclaves. The yeast from such wine is filtered out before it has time to process all the sugar, which is why it is so sweet. Microfiltration and bottling of the drink occurs in a chilled state, when the strength of the wine reaches 7 degrees.

Asti is rightfully considered one of the most popular Italian wines. This drink is the national brand of the country, so the cost of some brands is somewhat overpriced and is not inferior to the price of expensive aged wines. If the name of the wine contains the prefix “d Asti”, then this is a slightly different drink, also produced in the Piedmont region, but not covered with the D.O.G.G sign, which means the presence of special control and guarantee of origin. The production process is labor-intensive, streamlined, standardized, which gives consistently high results.

Asti has three popular brands - Martini, Mondoro.

Martini Asti has been produced since the 1860s.

Winner of many medals, it was supplied to many royal courts in Europe. Pale yellow in color, sparkling, spumante, semi-sweet with a mild taste, with notes of pear, strawberry, pineapple. Serve chilled with fish dishes.
Mondoro Asti

A specially blended drink, deservedly appreciated at many international competitions and festivals. Golden color, with a taste of pineapple, pear, sour apples. Sparkling wine 7-8 degrees of strength.

Asti Cinzano (Cinzano Asti), sparkling, spumante, made from Muscat Bianco grapes, a light straw drink, with a bright and thick apple and peach aroma, with a saffron aftertaste.

Lesser known drinks:

Sparkling wine Bosca (Bosco)

It first appeared in Italy in 1831. It was produced according to the original recipe. It is an inexpensive analogue of elite brands of sparkling wines, with the addition of beer malt instead of sugar, fruit extracts, spices, and citric acid. Over time, it became in demand among the Italian aristocracy. Gained European fame in the 20th century. In 1960, Bosco's descendants patented several new types of Bosco wine drink. Today there are about 15 varieties.

There are still ongoing debates about whether this wine can be classified as alcoholic beverages or sparkling wines. In fact, this is an artificially carbonated wine drink. Thanks to a successful recipe, it does not leave a hangover. It is also called ladies' wine.

In 1990, the company launched an original marketing move - it released wine in a gift version. It came with wine glasses. By 2015, 1 million of these packages had already been sold.

Inexpensive sparkling wine with consistent taste and fruity aroma. Served as an aperitif, with desserts and baked goods.

Line of sparkling wines Bosca Aniversari:

The company also produces a whole line of wine: Chardonny, Red Label, Asti. As well as premium wines: Verdi spumante, Classic, Anniversary double, Moscato.