What is spumante?

The word "spumante" - which means "foaming" in Italian - is a general term used for almost any type of sparkling wine made in Italy. It is something like a phrase and as such includes wines that are dry, sweet and semi -sweet for a wide range of prices. Most wines that fit into this wide category also have more specific names that identify their geographical origin or grapes from which they were made.

types

Italy is well considered to be the largest producer of sparkling wines in the world, which means that the number of spumante varieties can be quite stunning. Most of them are classified on the basis of sweetness and overall feeling in the mouth. For example, spumante, which is very dry, will usually be marked secco , while the one that is sweet will be called dolce . Varieties directly in the middle are usually marked polosecco .

The growing area is another distinguishing characteristic. For example, grapes grown in the Piedmont area are usually taggedNY like "moscato", while those from Veneto bear the name "prosecco". The Emilia region leads to the popular Lambrusco. In most cases, these names apply to wines made from any grapes grown in this area, which can lead to significant differences in quality. Cheaper bottles tend to be made from mixtures or less desired grape varieties, while bottles made of multiple crops on request command a higher price-but not always. Much depends on how the product was made, the expertise of the winemaker and the prestige of the vineyard.

How is it produced

There are two primary ways to make spumante. The first, known as the Method of Champoise , is a traditional double fermentation approach that depends on the deliberate addition of fresh yeast and sugars, which is partially partial ripening process. All wines go through initial fermentation where they become alcoholic. Spark wines usually also require second fermentation. Under the Method of Champenoise, the winemakers bottle drinks about halfway,Add more sugar and yeast, then let the bottles get older before they are sent to stores or sold to consumers. Yeast will emit carbon dioxide gas when they fall apart, which is trapped in a bottle until it finally opens.

Method Charmat is much easier. There is a second fermentation in large barrels. Modern vineyards often use metal containers for this phase that come with special pressure adapters and temperature controls, he thought that the same result could often be achieved using traditional wooden barrels. The advantage of metal is usually flow control and a number of bubbles, because less is able to escape.

how to drink

spumante is usually served alone before or after a meal. It can also enjoy it in the morning, often next to cheeses, biscuits or other light snacks. The Italians often drink it from conventional wine glasses, although finer varieties and more expensive bottles are often served in grooved glasses, as well as champagne. The narrower is openThe flute, the more concentrated bubbles become and some believe, the more concentrated taste.

This wine can also serve as a basis for a number of different cocktails. Bellini is one of the most popular and usually includes a mixture of Prosecco and peach nectar. It is assumed that it was created in Venice, but has become something standard for the cocktail menu around the world. Fizzy drinks can also be mixed with a number of juices, flavored syrups and liqueurs to create a number of innovative and creative drinks.

where to find it

is probably the best place to find Italian sparkling wines in Italy, although the export market is quite wide. Wine shops Adonitors specialties in most countries store a number of wines that fall into the Spumante category, although identification of specific varieties, manufacturing processes and vineyards can take some work depending on the location. Most distributors are able to get a wide range of spumants for the participating customers, causing it to standTo ask for that.

restaurants and bars around the world often store Italian sparkling wines. Often you can buy a glass or bottle for pleasure next to food.

Comparison with Champagne

It may be easy to confuse Spumante with his more famous French cousin, Champagne - and many people misinterpret the "Champagne" label to describe any sparkling wine. In fact, this name can only bear wines that are grown and produced in the champagne area in southern France. There may not be a big difference in the taste between products made in Italy and products made across the border in France, but this is one case where it depends on the name and correct choice of words.

Basic History

Most scientists believe that the Italians and the French have begun to produce sparkling wines at about the same time, although there is evidence that spumantes may have actually been preceded by Champagnes. According to some scientists, this style of wine has become popular in ancient Roman times when winemakersThey unintentionally left the barrels too cold during mountain winters. Very cold conditions stop fermentation. When things in the spring warmed up again, the second fermentation process began and the barrels began to explode in storage by creating carbon dioxide bubbles. In ancient texts, there are a number of references to sparkling or "lively" alcoholic beverages that many believe that they support these claims.