The holiday season is reason for celebration, and what better accompaniment to an awesome affair than a sparkling wine from Spec’s?
Why call it “sparkling wine” instead of Champagne? You may have heard the word “champagne” used to describe all bubblies – but using the Champagne designation on the label of any sparkling wine produced outside of the Champagne region in France is outlawed almost everywhere.
France continues to fight to obtain Champagne as the unique moniker for the bubbles they produce, but almost every wine producing region/country produces an interpretation of Champagne. While several of these wines use similar production methods as classic Champagne, these regional bubblies are referred to as “sparkling wines.” Along with French Champagne, Spec’s stays stocked with these super sparklers.
Spain’s effervescent entry is Cava, which is crafted with the traditional French process using varietals that are more commonly found in Spain such as Xarello and Macabeo.
German bubblies are referred to as Sekt or Schaumwein, and, like Champagne, are graded on residual sugar content from driest to sweetest: herb (brut), sehr trocken (extra dry), trocken (dry or sec), halbtrocken (demi-sec), mild (doux).
Italy’s sparkling wine selections are Prosecco and sparkling Brachetto. Prosecco is popular for its quality and value. Brachetto offers an easy-drinking option for the increasing demand for rosé sparkling wine. This ruby-red sparkler pairs extremely well with chocolate.
South America and Australia are tapping into the sparkling wine market by offering wines that are not usually associated with traditional sparklers. Argentina has introduced sparkling Malbecs, and down under you can find a variety of sparkling Shiraz.
To finish your bubbly browsing, consider California, where winemakers have long been producing the closest thing to true traditional French Champagne. Whatever region you’d like to explore, the effervescence experts at Spec’s can help you select the perfect bold bubbly or soft sparkler.
Submitted by: Leonel Hurtado, Store #198 in Brownsville, Texas
