When it’s time to celebrate you really do need to reach for a glass of bubbly, and we can think of many reasons to break out a bottle or two.
The first is that summer is nearly here, which brings with it events like weddings, the Melbourne Cup, Halloween - and a whole host of other occasions that call for a ritual raising of flutes. You may have even got involved in World Champagne Day, or #ChampagneDay on social media, on the 19th October. The 9th edition of the global celebration is a bit like a rehearsal for New Year's Eve, and is the initiative of American blogger Chris Oggenfuss who decided to honor the wine of kings and royalty. Which brings us to the question, do you know the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine? Champagne or sparkling wine? Champagne is actually a sparkling wine which comes from the Champagne region of France. A sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it is produced under the rules of the appellation, and use of the term is strictly controlled by the Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne. All grapes must be grown from specific areas in the Champagne region, and go through a secondary fermentation process - the Méthode Traditionelle - to create the carbonation or famous bubbles which are released when you pop the cork. Three different varietals of grapes are used: chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier, which are all picked by hand, with the whole process taking up to 10 years.
Sparkling wine is created in much the same way, but the process is a lot shorter - typically a few months using large pressurised tanks to add the bubbles. Sparkling wine is produced all around the world, including in Australia where it is classified as either Brut, Extra Brut, Extra Dry or Demi-Sec. So all Champagne can be called sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Champagne is not inherently better, but the term does tell you where the bottle you are drinking is from, and how it was produced. Having said that, the Champagne region in France is justifiably famous, and does produce some of the best examples of sparkling wine in the world. Few have not heard of brands such as Krug, Dom Perignon, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Mercier. What about prosecco ask the Italians? Good question. Prosecco is a sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy and is produced in stainless steel tanks. It is sweeter and fruitier than Champagne.
Â
An alcohol-free alternative: Sparkling Cuvee
If you are looking for an alcohol-free alternative to a sparkling wine or Champagne you are in luck! Our premium drop is crisp and fresh, with delicious rich fruit flavours, and aromas of ripe apples, subdued tropical fruit and citrus notes. Wonderfully refreshing on the palate, a glass of Sparkling Cuvee is a perfect accompaniment to any celebration. Proudly made from only the best selected South Eastern Australian wine grapes. This premium alcohol removed wine contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, well below the international standard for non-intoxicating, and a level similar to that found in natural fruit juices. Looking for an non-alcoholic wine for your event? All our varietals are available online. or check availability at your local stockist. Selected products are available in the beverage aisle at these retailers:
Â