5 Top Facts All About Sparkling Wine

ONE – A VERY HAPPY ACCIDENT!
Champagne first came about by accident in northern France. To the dismay of early vintners, wines made with the grapes grown in the region became unexpectedly fizzy and had an acidic taste. By the 1600s they added some sweetness and embraced the bubbles!

TWO – THANK YOU MADAME CLICQUOT
One woman is responsible for making Champagne the popular luxury product it is today. When she became a widow in 1805, 27-year-old Madame Clicquot took charge of her father-in-law’s business. She not only perfected the techniques used to create Veuve Clicquot, but also worked hard to popularise it.

THREE – MAKING THE MAGIC HAPPEN
Sparkling undergoes two fermentations. With the Traditional Method, or Méthode Champenoise, the secondary fermentation happens within each bottle. Added yeast converts sugar to alcohol and releases carbon dioxide (the bubbles) as the wine ages. Finally, spend yeast is removed and a dosage (a mixture of sugar and wine) is added. This method originated in France’s Champagne region.

FOUR – A VERY SPARKLING CELEBRATION
There are no set rules when it comes to enjoying a bit of bubble, so don’t restrict it to just special occasions and parties. It can be made from several grape varieties which means you choose from Sparkling Whites, Rosés and Reds. Cheers!

FIVE – GLASS WARS – FLUTE vs COUPE 
If you want to sip Sparkling the old-fashioned way, pour a small amount into a rounded coupe glass rather than filling a tall flute. The bubbles will escape more quickly, meaning you’ll be better able to smell and savour the wine’s aromas. Always hold the glass by the stem to ensure your Sparkling stays cool.

To explore the wonderful variety and selection of Australian sparkling wines check out Wine Selectors for a great selection.