Wine 101- All things bubbly
WINE 101- All Things Bubbly
There’s no better partner for celebrating all of life’s moments–the big, the small, the exciting, and even the mundane–than a nice glass of bubbly!
It is a wine that many love and is exceedingly popular amongst a multitude of countries, but how much do you know about its production?
Do you know the difference between the production of Cava, Prosecco, Champagne, or Pet Nats? Or do you know how winemakers disgorge a bottle?
If your answer is no, that is ok! Many don’t, but if you would like to expand your wine knowledge, then you have come to the right place.
We are by no means experts on the subject, but we do know a thing or two about its production; having three different styles available for purchase–Elodie Bubbles, Elodie Bubbles Rose, Ash Ridge Methode Traditionelle (all equally delicious and fun to make if we might add).
A QUICK OVERVIEW TO ALL THINGS BUBBLY
Sparkling wine is one of the most difficult wine styles to make but is also one that is so easily enjoyed. With over 6 different methods to its production—Ancestral, Carbonation, Charmant, Continuous, Methode Traditionelle, and Transfer—there’s no wonder why there can be some confusion.
The two methods of sparkling wine production we employ at Ash Ridge are Methode Traditionelle and the carbonation method.
Methode Traditionelle
This form of sparkling wine follows seven main steps; the creation of a base wine, tirage, secondary fermentation, ageing, riddling, disgorgement, and dosage. Here the overall production of the wine in this style can take several years until its release, especially with ageing.
It is arguably one of the more appreciated methods of sparkling wine production in relation to its quality. Namly do the costs of its production and its niche selling point being that the wine transforms from being a still to a bubbly within the bottle, where the pressure sits between 75-99 psi.
Carbonation Method
Is a form of sparkling wine production where the bubbles are added through the injection of carbon dioxide in a pressurised tank or at bottling. The base of the wine is made at the specification of the winemaker and there is no disgorgement, secondary ferment, riddling, triage or dosage involved in the process. The wine also sits at a lower pressure of 45 psi.
Other important notes to keep in mind include the varietals used, its typical flavour profile, and its different levels of sweetness:
- Primary Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Grenache, and Glera (Prosecco).
- Flavour Profile and Pairing Suggestion: Savoury, refreshing, and fruity. Pairs well with salty foods such as potato chips, caviar, and sea foods.
- Levels of Sweetness: Brut Nature (0-3 g/L), Extra Brut (0-6 g/L), Brut (0-12 g/L), Extra Sec (12-17g/L), Sec (17-32g/L), Demi Sec (32-50 g/L), and Doux (50+ g/L).
EAGER TO LEARN MORE AND KEEN TO MAKE YOUR OWN BOTTLE OF BUBBLES?!
Come Pop, fizz, and sip the afternoon away with our first ever Salute to Sparkling party! Spend three hour's learning about all things bubbly with our small team of winemakers. We will take you through the process of disgorgement, have a bubble popping competition, and even teach you how to re-ferment a sparkling wine.
It will be all bubbles and fun, with you each being able to take home a bottle of our first ever Ash Ridge Methode Traditionelle Sparkling. Once all the hard work is over, we will finish off the afternoon back at the cellar door with some light nibbles, and of course a glass of some delicious bubbly.
The event will occur on 17th of August from 3 pm to 6 pm. It is important to note that this is a limited ticket event, so get in quick. Wine Club member's can purchase up to four tickets at the club member price of $65, and non-members can purchase tickets at $80.