Les Bulles aka French Bubbles
I have the pleasure of introducing new Contributor to our Magazine: Eveline Chartier, DipWSET, BSc(Eng). Bienvenue Eveline, welcome!
This is a series where we enjoy the expertise that Eveline brings, and really delve into French wine. Each contribution is a few articles around a theme, enabling you to gain a greater understanding… This one being “bubbles”.
Bonne Lecture
Judy MacMahon
LES BULLES aka FRENCH BUBBLES!
French bubbly wines have not always been as we know them today, but they are very much an appreciated part of what makes France, France. Read about how to enjoy sparkling wines as well as their different styles.
- Why Bubbles Matter – Les bulles sont importantes!
- Learn the tricks of the trade – by respecting the bubbles! The key to enjoying sparkling wines is preserving their bubbles, from cold bottles to seal tops. Contrary to the belief that a bottle must be finished once opened, sparkling wines can be kept for several days! Here are some rules to live by!
- Champagne – Truly Special
- Dive into the history of Champagne, touching on its early mishaps and the breakthrough discoveries that shaped its production and developed its distinctive styles. The Champagne region grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier grapes, each contributing to unique flavors and characteristics. Explore this iconic sparkling wine!
- Crémant de Bourgogne
- In past articles I have been less than kind to Prosecco. I’m extending an olive branch to Prosecco fans by exploring a traditional method sparkling wine that could appeal to Prosecco lovers too. Medium-dry traditional method sparklings pair perfectly with seafood dishes like crab cakes and tempura shrimp with a spicy sauce. Dive into this sparkling experience!
1. Why Bubbles Matter: “Bursting” Sparkling Wine Myths (Plus Hacks You Need to Know)
– and yes, wine IS a solution!
Moet et Chandon Champagne cellar – credit: Eric Malcolm
In my Beaujolais Blanc Chardonnay article I touched on sparkling wines. Now, let’s dive deeper into the practical aspects of these wines.
I don’t buy sparkling wine because once open I must finish it all.
In fact, this is not the case. You can keep a sparkling wine open for several days if you …
Rule # 1 – Respect the bubbles.
This is the mother of all sparkling wine rules because it all comes back to respecting the bubbles. Bubbles are what makes the wine a sparkling wine, afterall!
The trick is keeping the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in solution.
Nerd.
The bubbles are a result of the CO2 produced during fermentation, which is done in a closed vessel (tank or bottle). Since the gas cannot escape, it becomes part of the wine. In other words, the CO2 gas is ‘in solution’. The solution being the wine.
THEY say drinking wine is not a solution.
Ha ha!
Rule #2 – Start with a very cold bottle
Open the bottle very cold – refrigerator cold, which is 4 to 5 degrees Celsius. Bubbles will stay in solution longer at lower temperatures.
So either cool the bottle in the refrigerator or in an ice bucket. The ice bucket should be about 50% ice and 50% water. The water helps conduct temperature better – so don’t leave that step out.” writes Eveline Chartier.
2. Bubbles, Blunders and Brilliance – How Science Saved Champagne
– choosing the right Champagne style for you – inside the world of Champagne blends – Drappier’s 200 year legacy
Stacked Champagne bottles ageing in Moet & Chandon cellars – credit: Eric Malcolm
You are finally doing it!
Finally writing about Champagne! […]
Yes, I was putting it off and writing about other sparklings as I do try to focus on value wines … and well … Champagne is not a value wine! But my hope is to give you an appreciation of why it is a special wine!
Champagne. It is an acquired taste. Not everyone likes it. Here, we will explore different Champagne styles. My wish is to help you find a style that is right for you should you care to explore!
Let’s start with its history and origins.
The Champagne region, 145 km northeast of Paris, is the first region to make sparkling wine in any quantity. As the wine world has grown, Champagne is now responsible for only about 8% of total global sparkling wine production. However, Champagne is the model that many sparkling regions globally aim to emulate, often with the same grapes.
Interestingly, the Champagne region’s wines were not initially bubbly…” writes Eveline Chartier
3. Crémant de Bourgogne, Prosecco, and a Confession
– theory on Prosecco lovers’ appreciation of a touch of sweetness
Traditional Method Sparkling Wine Bottles in Cellar – Photo credit: Eric Malcolm
From past posts, a lot of you know my strong opinion on Prosecco. 😊
You also know that I respect that you are you, and I encourage you to do you! (if you don’t know, check here)
But today I extend an olive branch to the Prosecco camp as a bridge … rather than a sign of peace, as this is not a war of the sparklings, but an exploration of the palates!
I am hoping that we can test things a little.
My theory is that people who like Prosecco…” writes Eveline Chartier.
Are you a Champagne, or Prosecco or Cremant drinker? What is your preference? Please share below in the comments.
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About the Contributor
Eveline Chartier
