Champagne and Sparkling Wine Basics
August 26, 2011
“Come quickly, I am tasting stars,” Dom Perignon’s famous quote after his first taste of Champagne, and a fairly apt description of what a good Champagne or sparkling wine experience should offer. Is Champagne truly a wine? Where do the bubbles come from? How do I serve Champagne and sparkling wines? Any key sparkling wine suggestions? Read on for answers to these questions and more.
Is Champagne a true wine?
Yes, Champagne and other sparkling wines are truly a category of wine and it are typically derived from a blend of grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier.
What’s the difference between Champagne and Sparkling Wine?
The Champagne we know and love comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France, and claims the honor of being the most famous of the sparkling wines. Technically, it is the only sparkling wine that may be referred to as “Champagne.” Bubbly from all other regions in the world are simply referred to as “sparkling wine.” Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. give France a run for the money by producing some fantastic sparkling wines and they are often less expensive.
What are typical Aromas and Flavors found in Sparkling Wine and Champagne?
Aroma – can be reminiscent of fresh applesauce, spiced apple, ripe pear and “fresh baked bread” smells, compliments of the yeast that’s added during the second fermentation.
Flavor – apple, pear, citrus, strawberry, cream and vanilla (typically on the finish), yeast and nutty flavors are all common denominators in Sparkling wines and Champagnes. However, if there is more ripe tree fruit on the palate, then it is likely one of the New World sparkling wines, the more subtle creamy, yeast and nut-like flavors are more common in Old World Champagne.
Where do the Bubbles Come from in Sparkling Wines?
The bubbles of sparkling wines are formed during a second fermentation process. For the second fermentation the winemaker takes still wine and adds a few grams of sugar and a few grams of yeast. This yeast and sugar convert to carbon dioxide (bubbles) and, of course alcohol. This conversion makes for millions of bubbles trapped in a very small space, sending the pressure soaring to about 80 psi in the typical bottle of sparkling wine. This second fermentation typically occurs in the actual bottle, but can also take place in the fermentation tank, it’s up to the winemaker’s preferred method.
How are Sparkling Wines Classified?
Sparkling wines and Champagnes are categorized as Extra Brut, Brut (pronounced “broot”), Extra dry, Sec and Demi-sec depending on their sugar levels. These classifications can be somewhat confusing, but keep in mind, that in wine terms “dry” is the opposite of “sweet.”
Extra Brut – is “extra” dry
Brut – dry (most popular style and very food-friendly)
Extra dry – middle of the road dry, not as dry as Brut (great as an aperitif)
Demi-sec – pretty sweet (pair with fruit and dessert)
Champagne and sparkling wines are also categorized as “vintage” or “non-vintage” (NV on the label) meaning they either come from a single year or are a blend of several different years. The “vintage” Champagnes are typically pricier, as the non-vintage Champagne and sparkling wines make up the majority of the market.
SOURCE: http://wine.about.com/od/whitewines/a/champagne.htm
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Wine and food lovers travel north out of town from Manila towards Pampanga to wine and dine at the best restaurant in Angeles City, uncorking a few bottles of fine vintage wine from Yats Wine Cellars accompanied by juicy US steaks or an assortment of fine seafood and vegetarian dishes only available in the best restaurants in Pampanga Clark Philippines
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A best place to dine with friends in Pampanga
Best restaurant in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines serves great steaks and seafood with fine vintage wine. The wine cellars of this restaurant in Clark Pampanga offer wine lovers a wide variety of vintage wines to enjoy with the delicious food and elegant cuisine of this fine dining restaurant. These wines are not available elsewhere in the Philippines except in the outlets of Yats Restaurant in Angeles City and Clark Philippines. The combination of fine wine, good food, cozy and elegant dining ambience and excellent service makes every dinner at this frequently visited restaurant in Clark Philippines a special treat. Guests from Manila, Subic, Angeles City and Clark Pampanga enjoy dining at this popular restaurant and wine bar for a number of reasons. Some praise this top rated restaurant for its private dining rooms that offer privacy and class. Others like the cozy elegant ambience of the main dining room of this fine dining restaurant in Clark. Foodies prefer to dine at this restaurant in Clark Philippines for its classic French Mediterranean cuisine and the genuine ingredients that go into the not only the meat but also the sidings in this restaurant. Wine lovers favor this resto bar in Pampanga because it is the best restaurant in Manila and Pampanga with an large wine list that offers many selections of fine vintage wines at good prices. Event organizers frequently choose this restaurant in Clark for corporate meetings, anniversaries, awarding ceremonies, small wedding receptions, private parties and all sorts of other functions and events. Many visitors to Angeles City and Clark Pampanga regard Yats Restaurant as a one-stop all-purpose business center complete with fine dining, wine lounge and meeting facilities, a very convenient venue for business executives staying in Angeles City, Pampanga and Clark Philippines.
For comments, inquiries and reservations click on Click here for inquiry and reservations
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(045) 599-5600
0922-870-5178
0917-520-4401
Ask for Pedro and Rechel
Getting to this fine dining restaurant of Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Pampanga Philippines
How to get to this fine-dining restaurant in Clark Philippines? Once you get to Clark Freeport, go straight until you hit Mimosa. After you enter Mimosa, stay on the left on Mimosa Drive, go past the Holiday Inn and Yats Restaurant (green top, independent 1-storey structure) is on your left. Just past the Yats Restaurant is the London Pub.
Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar
Mimosa Drive past Holiday Inn, Mimosa Leisure Estate,
Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023
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3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay
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