Sparkling Wine at Empire WineSM

Frequently Asked Questions About Sparkling Wine

How is sparkling wine made?

The bubbles in sparkling wine are produced by carbon dioxide (CO2), which is absorbed into the liquid when fermentation occurs under pressure in a closed container. This second fermentation can happen rather quickly in a tank⁠—known as the Charmat method⁠—or very slowly in a bottle, which is best known as methode tradicionelle.

If vinified in the tank, wines are very aromatic and fruit-forward (which doesn't necessarily mean sweeter), and are meant to be enjoyed young. Wines fermented in the bottle, such as Champagne, spend a long time in contact with the lees and turn out richer, with toasty or nutty notes. The longer the lees contact, the more complex the wine becomes.

What's the history of sparkling wine?

It may be hard to believe, but bubbles in wine were not always considered a good thing. In previous ages, European Vignerons struggled with bottles that would re-ferment in summer, producing those unintentional bubbles. The story of how this began to be considered a positive attribute is in part thanks to Dom Perignon (1638-1715), a French monk who is well known to have said: "Come quickly, I'm drinking the stars."

What makes a great quality sparkling wine?

Bubbles: Small and persistent bubbles are considered to be a sign of high-quality wine, as they leave a pleasant cleansing feeling on the palate.

Freshness: Lively acidity lifts the aromatics, brightens the mouthfeel, and extends the length of sparkling wine. A well-balanced sparkling has that delicious zesty mouthfeel.

Precision: On the tongue, the wine should feel direct and penetrating. It’s mostly about the acid, which is mandatory for good sparkling wines.

Flavor and aroma intensity: Regardless of whether we’re looking at a fresh floral-fruity Prosecco or a richly delicate and expressive Champagne, who doesn't enjoy a great flavor intensity when sipping their favorite sparkling?

Looking for pairing and cocktail inspiration? Italian aperitifs, especially Aperol Spritz, is the signature cocktail to make with Prosecco. It’s super easy to make and a perfect drink for spring/summer sunsets with friends and family.

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Why are sparklings priced so differently?

Three factors determine the price of sparkling wines:

How much labor was involved in the winemaking process

Where the vineyards are located

The size of the wine production

The "methode champenoise" is used to make Champagne, Cava, and most U.S. sparkling wines (remember? When second fermentation occurs in the bottle). This is a more complicated process that requires much more labor, time, and resources, forcing the winemaker to handle each bottle many times. In contrast, Prosecco, for instance, is made using the Charmat method, which allows for larger-scale production in much shorter timeframes.

How do I read sparkling wine labels?

If you see a sparkling wine called "Blanc de Blancs," it means it’s made exclusively from Chardonnay. If you see it referred to as "Blanc de Noirs," it's made solely from Pinot Noir.

When it comes to sweetness:

• Dry sparklings are frequently labeled as pas dosage, zero dosage, brut zero, or brut nature, depending on where they come from.
• Extra brut refers to wines that have slightly residual sugar below 3 g/L, which can also be considered dry.
• Brut and Extra Sec both mean that the wine is off-dry or moderately sweet.
• If you enjoy the sweeter spectrum, Sec, Demi-sec, and Doux are the way to go.

Wine in a can? Why not?

Shop Empire Wine’s Canned Wine & Cocktail category