Metodo classico, charmant method, prosecco, Franciacorta- what's it all about?
Essentially, there are two techniques used to produce bubbles in sparkling wine. One is known as the methode champegnoise , originating from the Champagne region of France. In Italy, this same method is called metodo classico. In this process, the secondary fermentation, which generates the bubbles due to trapped pressure, occurs inside the bottle. The second, called the charmat method, the secondary fermentation takes place in large stainless steel tanks which are sealed to create pressure thus causing bubbles to form. The former is more labor intensive and therefore more expensive, but most critics would agree the result is superior.
Metodo classico wines undergo a process known as riddling, where the bottles are stored horizontally and then gradually tilted and rotated to a vertical upside-down position. This technique's purpose is to capture the sediment in the top of the bottle so that it can be frozen and removed. While riddling was traditionally a manual task, producers frequently incorporate the use of machines to effectively carry out this task with less manpower.
Franciacorta, Trento, and Oltrepò Pavese are among the Italian regions that require the use of this method, although high-quality metodo classico wines are produced across Italy. Franciacorta has a catchy name and has really done an excellent job in marketing. Its a young region with the first vintage being 1961. Oltrepò Pavese, on the other hand, is relatively unknown but was producing their sparkler over a century earlier.
There are certain Franciacorta wines that are made with reduced pressure, known as satèn.
But let's not rule out the charmat produced prosecco, the darling of batcherlorette parties everywhere. In particular, wines from small producers in the Cartizze sub-region are a highly impressive product that can rival the metodo classicos, although they may be challenging to come across beyond Italy. Producers in the Conegliano district are authorized to produce metodo classico which is gaining popularity.
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