The Mystery of Sparkling Wine
The thought of tiny bubbles racing to the surface of a
delectable Sparkling Wine can bring a smile to even the most
hardened of individuals. The sound of corked pressure being
released into the motionless atmosphere brings about memories of
joy and happiness. Sparkling Wine is a mainstay at almost every
celebration and has come to represent achievement and special
occasions in people's lives.
There is something inherent in Sparkling Wine that is difficult
to describe. The nutty, apple freshness of a fine Sparkling Wine
can be recognized and discussed among friends and lovers. But
the mystery behind this ageless drink is an aspect that cannot
be easily deciphered.
Breathing the gaseous Carbon Dioxide's refreshing aroma that is
released from a recently opened bottle of Sparkling Wine is an
experience that is unparalleled. As a true pleasure of all
senses, drinking Sparkling Wine can turn the loneliest working
class man into an aristocratic giant; at least in his mind.
Although the true nature of Sparkling Wine is an esoteric
unknown, its obscurity is overwhelmed by its injection into
mainstream society. Sparkling Wine consumption is associated
with the bourgeoisie's decadent behavior. The Sparkling Wine's
crisp, delicate flavors are not what elevated this drink to its
eternal heights. Like beautiful diamonds, Sparkling Wine has an
aura of elegance and romance that separates it from other wines.
A monk named Dom Perignon discovered Sparkling Wine was
discovered in France's Champagne region. His accidental finding
was made while working as the cellar master of Benedictine
Abbey. The public did not embrace this discovery, and his method
was hidden for many years.
Every truly brilliant idea is ridiculed and condemned, and Dom
Perignon's Sparkling Wine was no exception to this rule. But as
the years passed, the idea of a sparkling wine grew in the eyes
of his peers and the wine consuming world. Soon after this, Dom
Perignon became a legend, and one of the most important figures
in the annals of France's winemaking history.
The techniques and formula Dom Perignon used became known as the
traditional Champagne method. This process is still used today,
and produces the best Sparkling Wines in the world. Many argue
that the finest Sparkling Wines are produced in the Champagne
region, the birthplace of the traditional Sparkling Wine.
Only Sparkling Wines from Champagne can be called Champagne.
Although this has become the common name for Sparkling Wine, it
would be incorrect to call a Sparkling Wine from the Napa
Valley, Champagne. But whatever you call it, its bubbling
effervescence can bring a person's taste buds to a perpetual
climax.
Regardless of the method used to make Sparkling Wine, it all
begins with the production of still wine. The still wines are
mixed in the proper proportions and a second fermentation is
implemented to give Sparkling Wine its characteristic bubbles.
But it is still wine that gives it flavor and complexity.
In the traditional method, the three varietals that constitute
Sparkling Wine are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Chardonnay gives Sparkling Wine its elegance and color; Pinot
Noir gives it weight and Pinot Meunier gives it softness. The
combination of these three varietals in the right proportions
turn out Sparkling Wines that transcend this world.
Sparkling Wines from the Champagne region were once regarded as
being exclusively for the wealthy or for special occasions. And
a few select wines from certain Champagne houses live up to that
reputation and beyond. But in recent years, the drink
affectionately known as "bubbly," is making its way onto dinner
tables and tranquil nights in front of the fire.
It seems as if the mystery of Sparkling Wine has been debunked.
Sparkling Wine is now a part of everyday life. But how could
this embodiment of elegance and mystery turn into a conventional
drink? As wine makes its way into the mainstream, Sparkling Wine
producers are marketing it as an everyday drink. The subsequent
influx of "value driven" Sparkling Wine into every Supermarket
and liquor store has definitely contributed to its
demystification.
But in the connoisseur's eyes, the majesty of Sparkling Wine
will never die. It will always be the manifestation of
achievement and celebration. And not knowing exactly what it is
about Sparkling Wine that gives it its magnificence ignites
curiosity's fire in our souls. It is within this that will
always keep Sparkling Wine on a level above all other drinks.