Among effervescent alcoholic drinks, sparkling wine has a more stylish feel than beer or sour drinks.
Champagne is a prime example, but what is the difference between champagne and sparkling wine?

This time, we will introduce basic knowledge about champagne and sparkling wine, as well as some tips for enjoying sparkling wine casually.

Champagne basics

Champagne is just one type of sparkling wine and there is no difference in ingredients.

Sparkling wine is a general term for effervescent wine.
However, only wines with a gas pressure of 3 atmospheres or more can be called sparkling wine.

Wines that are aged at a lower pressure are weakly sparkling .

In other words, the name changes depending on the amount of foam and the texture when drinking.

On the other hand, champagne is produced in the Champagne region of France.
"It meets the requirements of the AOC law established by the French National Institute of Appellation of Origin in 1935."
Only such products are permitted to use the name.

Champagne and sparkling wine are both effervescent wines made from grapes.
However, to this day, Champagne is subject to strict regulations to protect its quality and the unique character of its region.

Champagne and sparkling wine production

Besides champagne, there are other famous sparkling wines all over the world.

Well-known examples include Vin Mousseux and Cremant from France, Spumante from Italy, Cava from Spain, and Sekt from Germany.

As you can see, there are many delicious sparkling wines, and their production methods are extremely diverse, resulting in a wide range of flavors.


Now, let me give a brief explanation of each of the main manufacturing methods.

- Secondary fermentation in bottle method <br>Also known as the Champagne method, this is the most time-consuming and labor-intensive method.
The primary fermentation takes place in a barrel or tank, followed by a secondary fermentation after bottling.
It is also used in relatively high-end sparkling wines.

- Charmat method <br>This is a method in which secondary fermentation is carried out in the tank, and is also known as the "sealed tank method."
It can be produced in large quantities while still retaining the original flavor of the grapes, which has contributed to the popularity of sparkling wine.

- Transfer method <br>This is similar to the bottle secondary fermentation method, but by transferring the wine to a pressurized tank midway, it enables mass production and reduces time.

- Carbon dioxide injection method <br>This is a method in which carbon dioxide is forcibly injected after the grapes have completed fermentation.
This allows for mass production while maintaining stable quality.

-Countryside method <br>This method involves bottling before fermentation is complete and allowing the wine to ferment in the bottle until it is complete.
Since it is an ancient method, it is also called the "ancestral method."

To enjoy sparkling wine

When it comes to sparkling wine, champagne is well-known, but people have different preferences.

Champagne is produced and sold under strict controls, and the cheapest price is generally over 4,000 yen.

However, some people prefer a softer sparkling wine rather than the crisp taste of champagne.


"I want it to match a simple, ordinary menu."
"I want to enjoy a little sparkling alcohol on a hot day."
In such cases, feel free to choose a sparkling wine depending on the situation and menu.
There are many sparkling wines available, such as Italy's "Spumante" and Spain's "Cava," that are easy to drink even for beginners and are reasonably priced.


If you're looking for something that you can enjoy casually and won't regret, then something around 2,000 yen is a good choice.
Also, when you look at the product label and see the phrase "secondary fermentation in the bottle," which is the same production method as champagne, you can be assured of a certain level of quality.

However, if you are still unsure, please feel free to ask at the store.
They will surely give you accurate advice on choosing a wine that suits your mood and preferences.

summary

Champagne is strictly regulated and differentiated by French law.

・Sparkling wine is made from sparkling wine that has a gas pressure of 3 atmospheres or more.

・There are many different ways to make sparkling wine, and the flavors vary widely.

Champagne isn't necessarily your favorite.

If you don't know what to do, ask the store.

The more I learn about sparkling wine, the more I want to try different kinds.

Refreshing sparkling wines are especially recommended during the warmer months.
Recently, it has become possible to purchase high-quality sparkling wine at reasonable prices in Japan.

Splurge on champagne on special occasions.
Even on days like these, why not casually enjoy a glass of sparkling wine?

Please come and enjoy champagne or sparkling wine at RIVERET.