Sparkling wine is considered to be a festive drink. Indeed, without it, not a single feast passes. But not everyone knows that red champagne and sparkling wine are two completely different drinks. What is the difference and how not to make a mistake when choosing?
What is sparkling wine like?
If we are talking about the distinguishing feature of this drink, then it is carbon dioxide. It is the presence of carbon dioxide in sparkling wine that adds sparkling and magical, playful bubbles. This specific ingredient is obtained through natural fermentation, and not through artificial saturation. Also, sparkling wine is characterized by a specific “shot” when opening the bottle, as well as the formation of a high froth. Similarly, excess carbon dioxide leaves the drink. After you pour the drink into the glass, you can see the chaotic movement of the bubbles.
History of occurrence
Considered by everyone, their favorite alcoholic drink appeared by chance in the Middle Ages. In that historical period, church ministers were mainly involved in wine making. In the Middle Ages, the monks performed many experiments on a wine drink in order to get a special, unrivaled taste. Just in one of the attempts to get a new variety, it was noticed that in winter, when the temperature decreased, the wine slowed down or practically stopped the fermentation. If the temperature increased due to the onset of spring, then the fermentation rate increased.
In such experimental varieties, in closed bottles, carbon dioxide dissolved in a liquid, but when opened, it escaped with the specific sound of a strong pop. At that time, the monk winemakers believed that sparkling was a significant flaw in wine. This was due to the fact that when the bottle was opened in the winery, the carbon dioxide emission generated a chain reaction, causing a lot of damage to the owners of the cellars. In the Middle Ages there was a serious struggle with sparkling wine. For this purpose, a holding wire bridle was put on, which was put on the cork.
Manufacturing Features
To create a red sparkling wine it is necessary to take exclusively dark shades of grapes. In order to maintain a saturated red color, pulp, peel and even peel of fruits are used in the fermentation process. This type of wine differs in chemical composition and high viscosity. But these criteria are known exclusively to winemakers. Ordinary lovers of sparkling wine can observe a steadily forming froth, as well as a slow release of bound carbon dioxide. It is worth clarifying that with repeated fermentation, wine hermetically sealed in bottles is saturated with carbon dioxide.
According to the established standards, the following grape varieties are used to make red sparkling wine: Bastardo Magarachsky, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lambrusco, Mattress, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Saperavi and others. The main condition is that the grapes should be slightly ripened, because then the necessary level of acidity is in it.
How to make the right choice?
Let's start with the basics. By the presence of sugar, there is red sparkling wine semi-sweet, semi-dry, sweet and dry.
First of all, when buying this alcoholic drink, you should choose a manufacturer. Because each manufacturer uses their own unique recipe, which is unlike any other in the world.
One of the most famous varieties of the considered alcoholic beverage is considered to be Italian Lambrusco, which quenches thirst well and is distinguished by expressive acidity. This red sparkling wine from Italy attracts lovers of such wines with its ease of taste and quite decent price. If we talk about taste characteristics, then in this sparkling drink you can feel the pleasant fruity notes of lingonberries, cherries, red currants, raspberries.
To serve with dessert, choose Bracketto, who is also from Italy. Sweet, weak. When using this wine, you can feel the taste of cherries, raspberries, cherries.
Shiraz is an Australian representative of red sparkling wines with a good density. This variety can be recognized by its pronounced and saturated color, as well as its light, spicy aroma of cherries and plums.
If we talk about domestic sparkling wine, then we should mention Abrau Durso. Cabernet grapes are used at the heart of this variety . It is characterized by a bright ruby color, astringent taste of dark forest berries.
Red sparkling wines are recommended to be served with any dishes, except for very sharp and fish ones. Before serving, the drink should be cooled to 6-8 degrees.
Crimean sparkling wines
Crimea is known worldwide for its famous vineyards. Three types of Crimean red sparkling wine are made on this earth: semi-sweet, semi-dry and brut.
If you need to choose a drink that will be suitable for an aperitif, then recommend stopping on your trouser. This variety goes well with various types of cheeses, especially in combination with nuts and berries. If you touch on the main dishes, then a great combination will turn out with poultry and seafood. Crimean bruise has a bright mineral taste, which is fraught with delicate fruity and citrus notes. If we talk about the presence of sugar in this sparkling wine, then its amount is 15 g / l.
As for the Crimean representative of semi-dry sparkling wine, it is distinguished by the optimal combination of aromas of fruits and steppe flowers. Another distinguishing feature of this variety is light sweetness (32-50 g / l). Such an alcoholic drink goes well with seafood, low-fat fish, and is also suitable for an aperitif.
If we talk about the Crimean red semisweet sparkling wine, then first of all it is worth noting the unique cooking recipe, which is disclosed in the Sharma-Martinotti method: in the hermetically sealed containers, the second fermentation takes place, which emphasizes the aroma and taste of the grapes. Great for serving desserts. The amount of sugar is from 50 g / l.
Italian red sparkling wine
Wines from this country are famous for their prestige and quality throughout the world. One of the most famous varieties is Asti. It has a light and sweet fruity aroma, all thanks to Muscat grapes. This red sparkling wine from Italy is made in the Piedmont region.
Also, many connoisseurs choose Prosecco. It refers to dry wines from the Glera variety. It stands out with floral and fruity notes, light minerality.
Tsimlyansk red sparkling wine
The considered wine variety is considered one of the oldest in Russia. It got this name due to the place of manufacture, namely the Don village of Tsimla. This area was famous for its favorable climate for growing grapes. The following grape varieties are used priority for the preparation of this drink: Aligote, Muscat, Rkatsiteli, Chardonnay.
A distinctive feature of the Tsimlyansk plant is the mark on the bottle, which reads "Prepared in the old Cossack way", and the image of the portrait of A.S. Pushkin, who was a fan of sparkling wine.
The benefits of a sparkling drink
As mentioned earlier, there are certain differences between red champagne and sparkling wine. They relate not only to taste characteristics, but also to what health benefits the drink you have chosen. If we talk about red sparkling wine, then it can prevent cancer. But the grape variety, which has a large amount of natural sugars and antioxidants, is the most important value.