Oct 12, 2022

Sparkling Brut 101

What is Sparkling Brut Wine?

Sparkling brut wine is a type of sparkling wine that is made from a blend of different grapes and has a dry, crisp flavor. The term "brut" refers to the level of sweetness in the wine, with "brut" wines being the driest.

Sparkling brut wine is made using the traditional method, also known as the Champagne method, in which the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle. This process creates the bubbles and gives the wine its effervescent character.

Sparkling brut wine is usually pale in color, and has a crisp and refreshing taste with flavors of citrus and green apples. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods, including seafood, salads, and light cheeses. Many people also enjoy it on its own as an aperitif or as a refreshing drink during a meal.

There are many different sparkling brut wines available, with the most famous being champagne, which is made in the Champagne region of France. Sparkling brut wine is also produced in other regions around the world, including Italy, Spain, California, and Australia. Overall, sparkling brut wine is a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations, and is a versatile and sophisticated drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings.

What is the history of Sparkling Brut?

Sparkling wine has been made for centuries, with the first recorded mention dating back to the early 17th century.

The term "brut" refers to the level of sweetness in the wine, with "brut" wines being the driest. The use of the term "brut" to describe sparkling wine likely originated in France in the 19th century, although the exact origins are unclear.

Sparkling brut wine has become increasingly popular in recent years, and is now produced in many wine-growing regions around the world. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif or with a meal, and is a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

What pairs well with Sparkling Brut?

Sparkling Brut wine pairs well with a wide variety of foods, including seafood, poultry, and light pasta dishes. Some specific dishes that go well with white wine include:

Shellfish: Sparkling Brut pairs particularly well with shellfish such as lobster, crab, and shrimp. The light and delicate flavors of the seafood are complemented by the crisp and refreshing taste of white wine.

Chicken: Sparkling Brut goes well with many chicken dishes, especially those with lighter sauces.

Pasta with light sauces: Sparkling Brut pairs well with pasta dishes that have light and delicate sauces, such as Alfredo or cream sauces.

Salad: The light and refreshing flavors of a salad go well with the crisp and refreshing taste of white wine.

Cheese platters: Sparkling Brut pairs well with a variety of light and creamy cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and goat cheese.

In general, Sparkling Brut goes well with light and refreshing foods that have a balance of flavors and textures. It's also a great choice as an aperitif on its own, or as a refreshing drink during a meal.

How is Sparkling Brut wine made?

Grapes are harvested and crushed to extract the juice, which is then fermented to create a base wine.

The base wine is blended with a small amount of sugar and yeast, and the mixture is bottled.

The bottles are sealed and stored in a cool, dark place for a period of time (usually several months to a year or more).

During this time, the yeast consumes the sugar and produces carbon dioxide, which becomes trapped in the wine and creates the bubbles.

The bottles are then chilled and the sediment that has formed during fermentation is removed, either through riddling (turning the bottles upside down and slowly rotating them) or through the use of a centrifuge.

The wine is then ready to be enjoyed.

Overall, the traditional method for making sparkling brut wine involves a series of steps that require careful attention to detail and a lot of patience. The result is a crisp and refreshing wine with a complex flavor profile and a delicate effervescence.

What grapes are used to make Sparkling Brut wine?

Sparkling brut wine is typically made from a blend of different grapes, with the most common being chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier.

Chardonnay: This grape is known for producing wine with a crisp, citrusy flavor and a medium to full body. It is often used to make sparkling brut wine, especially in the Champagne region of France.

Pinot noir: This grape is known for producing wine with a delicate flavor and a light to medium body. It is often used to make sparkling brut wine, especially in the Champagne region of France.

Pinot meunier: This grape is known for producing wine with a fruity flavor and a medium to full body. It is often used to make sparkling brut wine, especially in the Champagne region of France.

The specific grapes used to make sparkling brut wine can vary depending on the region and the winemaker's preferences. Many winemakers blend different types of grapes to create a wine with a unique flavor profile.

What's the difference between Prosecco, Champagne and Sparkling Brut?

Prosecco, Champagne, and sparkling brut are all types of sparkling wine, but there are a few key differences between them:

Grapes: Prosecco is made from glera grapes, which are native to the Veneto region of Italy. Champagne is made from a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes, which are grown in the Champagne region of France. Sparkling brut can be made from a variety of grapes, including chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier.

Production method: Prosecco is made using the Charmat method, in which the wine undergoes a second fermentation in a large tank rather than in individual bottles. Champagne is made using the traditional method, also known as the Champagne method, in which the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle. Sparkling brut is also made using the traditional method.

Flavor profile: Prosecco tends to have a fruity, floral flavor with a medium body and moderate acidity. Champagne has a complex flavor profile with flavors of citrus, baked bread, and stone fruits, and a full body. Sparkling brut wine is usually dry and crisp, with flavors of citrus and green apples.

Overall, the main difference between Prosecco, Champagne, and sparkling brut wine is the grapes used and the production method, which results in differences in flavor and body.