Many people know that genuine wine, called champagne, is made in the French province of the same name from certain grape varieties using special technologies. However, sparkling wine produced for several decades, first in the Soviet Union, and then in Russia, is not inferior to the original samples. This is confirmed by numerous international awards. Let's try to figure out how to choose the best Russian champagne for the festive banquet, the taste and quality of which is as close as possible to the original.
Original French technology
If we discard the very specific grape varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier - and consider only the technological process of production, we see that the production of original champagne is a very laborious process for which secondary fermentation technology in bottles is applicable. The whole process of bottle champagne should take at least three years. It is this exclusive technology of French winemakers that guarantees excellent quality and incomparable taste of champagne.
Production in large tanks
It would be ridiculous to imagine that for such a large country like ours, champagne directly in bottles would not be superseded by advanced technologies. The bright minds of the Soviet Union in the middle of the last century discovered and patented first the technology of champagne in large tanks, and then the production of sparkling wine in a continuous reservoir way. Produced in this way, Soviet (Russian) champagne was noted as the best example, not inferior to the classic counterpart. Moreover, many foreign manufacturers adopted the experience of Soviet know-how.
The abundance of modern manufacturers
In Soviet times, there were no problems with the choice of sparkling wine, because the range was very scarce. The monopolist factory, which supplied store shelves for the holidays, was an uncontested option. And now, given the fact that distilleries grow like mushrooms after rain, it is no wonder to get confused, even if there are already some of the most preferred brands. How to choose Russian champagne from the abundance of brands represented on the shelves and what you need to know before going to the supermarket?
We go to the store
From the abundance of bottles presented on the shelves, we immediately discard the options poured into light containers. Why? The dark glass of the bottle does not let light in and does not allow sparkling wine to age, turn yellow and become bitter in taste. For example, we need semi-sweet Russian champagne. We will carefully study the labeling. We know that there must be some sugar in the wine. However, the presence of citric acid, alcohol, colorants, and flavors will cause the drink to dry out quickly. Well, of course, there can be no talk of any foaminess in this case. In addition, if we do not want to have a headache in the morning, we reject this option.
Russian champagne: authentic samples
Real domestic samples of sparkling wine necessarily go through a cycle of natural fermentation. Cheaper drinks pass only the carbonation process with the help of special devices. Reading the markings on the label will also help determine this. We reject the option if we see the inscription "Carbonated" or "Sparkling" wine.
Next, pay attention to the cork of the bottle. Many manufacturers clog containers with plastic cork. For example, the taste that Russian brut champagne has with a similar cork will be significantly inferior to the taste of a similar drink contained under a cork cork. In this case, air inside the bottle is almost completely absent, and the characteristic sourness in taste will never appear. What can not be said about the blockage of sparkling wine with a plastic stopper.
Additional selection criteria
Pink sparkling wine, by definition, cannot be considered champagne. Exclusively all of the aforementioned grape varieties that go into the production of the original drink are white. As a result, the most popular drink among Russian consumers was a drink such as Russian champagne, white, semisweet.
What else should we note? We avoid the capacious inscription "With the addition of flavorings." Naturally, every self-respecting producer places his legal address on the label, and also indicates the method of producing sparkling wine.
Differences in price categories should not confuse the buyer. If he orders a banquet and is not ready to spend an impressive amount on champagne alone, he only needs to pay close attention to the date of release of the drink. For budget options, the shelf life should not exceed 1 year from the date of manufacture. Expensive drinks only become tastier over time, and with mid-priced options it’s better not to risk it.
And the last one. To scare away the buyer should be too low a price. Here you need to estimate the cost in mind and immediately draw the appropriate conclusions. We also say our strong “no” to bottles containing sediment and suspicious substances at the bottom.
Champagne Russian: reviews of manufacturers
In fact, the preferences of champagne consumers fully coincide with the recognition of professional experts. So, the St. Petersburg manufacturer - the company "Sparkling Wines" - produces the brand "Heritage of the Master Lev Golitsyn", which has been repeatedly celebrated at various international competitions and took home gold and silver medals. It is worth noting that the company was founded back in 1945.
Also an impressive history is the Moscow enterprise "Cornet", founded during the Great Patriotic War. Products are also marked with gold and silver medals, and in the consumer market is particularly respected and in demand. If we consider all categories of sparkling wines, according to consumer reviews, the most popular is Russian champagne brut, white sparkling wine, traditionally containing the least sugar. Many experts and connoisseurs of the drink believe that sugar can muffle the true taste of champagne. The Moscow company offers all lovers of the original taste of "Cornet" brut.
Champagne category "economy"
“How?” You ask. “Are there really good producers of inexpensive champagne?” It turns out there are. Well proven, including among international experts, the Beslan company "Source". Southern traditions of wine production came in handy. Inexpensive and high-quality raw materials makes products one of the most popular in their segment. The ratio of relatively low price and excellent southern quality is very popular with customers. Istok products are also awarded high prizes.
Independent Examination Marks
Some brands of sparkling wines passed an independent expert assessment. In addition to the above-mentioned popular and well-established manufacturers in the market, the expertise passed:
- Russian champagne "Crimean".
- Semi-dry champagne "Russian Golden" Togliatti company "Rosinka".
- Semi-sweet Vladikavkaz "Vintrest-7".
- Petersburg "Northern Venice".
Choose from the best
Now we have learned a lot about how real sparkling wine is made and which leading companies in the country supply excellent quality products to the market. Forgery and poor-quality goods we will see with the naked eye. But how to choose your own drink from known quality products?
So, look at the sugar content. To do this, you do not need to memorize tables of indicators or consider familiar letters on the label. We just need to understand that the minimum amount of sugar has Russian champagne white brut, and the maximum is any sweet or semi-sweet sparkling wine. In addition, semi-dry and dry champagne is made exclusively according to the classical technology, but the increased sugar content indicates an accelerated production method.
The final factor in choosing the perfect drink will be a dense cork stopper. Champagne of our dreams will not allow itself plastic on the top.
Domestic champagne for connoisseurs and gourmets
Our country also produces aged sparkling wines with a maturity of at least 6 months after the completion of the champagne process. For true aesthetes and gourmets, they produce collection stamps with a holding period of at least three years from the date the champagne process ends.
Alkali - the enemy of bubbles
Sometimes people who buy champagne wine of a high-quality brand are surprised at the absence of characteristic bubbles in the glass. They are indignant: is there really a fake under a famous brand? In fact, it is necessary to ask a question to the housewives washing the glasses before serving the festive table. What tools do they use to wash glasses? If any alkaline solution was used when rinsing the dishes, it cannot be washed off completely with plain water. Residual alkali inside the glass can give a chemical reaction, and the bubbles will simply disappear.
In order for the joyful mood of the festive evening to be further emphasized by playful bubbles, the glasses must be washed exclusively with water, and then dried in a natural way, without resorting to napkins and towels. Connoisseurs of good wines are in a hurry to share another subtlety. No wonder champagne glasses have a thin leg. It is for the leg that you need to hold the glass in order to feel the integrity of perception and not to miss the volatile compounds.