Champagne popular brands. Choosing champagne for the new year

On the eve of the New Year, it's time to talk about a wonderful sparkling drink, without which most Russians simply cannot imagine the chiming clock. Of course, we will not in any way diminish the merits of Veuve Clicquot or Dom Perignon champagne, but we will take into consideration products that the average Russian can afford. Our champagne rating will help you choose the best and tell you what ingredients should be present in it.

New World

This is real champagne, made in the Crimea by the bottle method. The first place in our ranking of champagne is deservedly given to this brand.

More than a century and a half ago, Prince Golitsin himself had a hand in ensuring that Russian champagne could compete with French. These traditions have survived to the present day.

Champagne is produced from Pinot Noir, Aligote, Chardonnay and Riesling grapes, according to the classical canons, with aging from 9 months to 3 years. All processes are done manually. Champagne "Novosvetskoye", "Pinot Franc" and "Crimean Sparkling" have long been loved by customers for their exquisite taste and rich aroma. And it's cheaper than French.

CJSC Sparkling wines, St. Petersburg

CJSC "Sparkling Wines" St. Petersburg

"Russian champagne" has been produced according to classical technologies for more than 80 years. Raw materials are delivered to them from all over the world, including from the Crimea.

All alcohol complies with GOST standards and is made by three common methods, and an innovative recipe for continuous fermentation in a stream was even sold to the French at one time.

The company produces only 3 types of white sparkling wines: brut, semi-dry and semi-sweet.

The brand "Lev Golitsin" was created in memory of an outstanding winemaker. The fame of the prince was so great that the St. Petersburg brand decided to use his name to create a new brand.

Cricova

Moldovan champagne with an optimal price-quality ratio (from 500 rubles). All products are created by the classical method, the drink is aged in oak barrels and stored in cellars.

In "Soviet champagne" there is little foam, bubbles play in the glass for a long time, the aftertaste is wonderful. And there is also “Muscat”, “Rose”, “De Luxe” - the choice of drinks is quite worthy.

Collection drinks are offered in rock crystal bottles.

Golden Beam

Sevastopol company, one of the oldest on the market, occupying a significant segment of the sparkling wine market. All products are created exclusively from our own grapes, harvested by hand.

To date, the tastes of consumers have changed - semi-sweet champagne occupies most of the produced, and the second half is divided among themselves by brut, semi-dry and dry.

The basic collection is made according to the Sharma method (from 350 rubles). They don’t really bother with the names here, so everything becomes immediately clear from the label - white or nutmeg.

The premium line is monosort, aged from 6 to 9 months.

Tsimlyansk wines

The Don steppes gave birth to this champagne, which is produced mainly in the tank way. But there are also three brands produced according to the classic champagne recipe - Bouquet of Victory, Onegin and Tsimlyanskoye Sparkling.

Today, the vineyards occupy more than 1,000 hectares used specifically for sparkling wines. At one time it was another Russian response to the French.

The main range: a series of "Soviet champagne", aged for at least 6 months and "Tsimlyanskoye Gold" with a high content of nutmeg.

ABRAU-DURSO

Production is located in the Caucasus, at the same latitudes as the famous Champagne province. Sparkling drink is produced in several ways - bottled and in tanks.

The first involves the classics: aging and infusing the drink in glass containers - the Victor Dravigny and Imperial brands (from 600 rubles). But the tank method produces "Russian Champagne" and "Light", which is with a black label (from 500 rubles).

Phanagoria

These are Taman wines of the brand of the same name, including the "Number Reserve" and "Madame Pompadour" lines. Drinks are easy to drink, pleasant enough, and at a ridiculous price (from 200 rubles).

Brut "Madame Pompadour" for lovers of dry unaccustomed seems sweetish, but "Fanagoria", which has the best reviews, is produced by secondary fermentation in tanks and aged in bottles.

Asti

Asti is the territory of the same name in Piedmont (Italy), which served as the name for this fragrant champagne. “Asti Martini” is a light and pleasant drink made only from white nutmeg. It has no sugar at all, just the natural sweetness of grapes.

At its core, Asti is a sparkling wine with one stage of fermentation, since the secondary fermentation takes place in steel vats, and not in bottles. That is the only reason why it occupies the penultimate place in our ranking of champagnes.

Nevertheless, the floral-fruity fragrance is liked by all the fair sex without exception. “Cinzano Martini” and “Mondoro” are famous and popular lines.

The price of the product starts from 700 rubles. for a bottle.

Bosca

Inexpensive sparkling wines from an Italian manufacturer. The brand has more than 15 items, but in the vastness of Russia, white and sweet ones, on which “carbonated wine drink” is written, are especially popular. The alcohol content of the Anniversary brand is 7.5% - due to the fact that sugar is replaced by malt. Foaming is moderate, without carbonic acid hitting the nose. Price - from 300 rubles.

Stronger drinks - "Chardonnay", "Red label", "Asti". They are produced according to classical technology, and the price is correspondingly more expensive (from 400 rubles).

There is also a premium segment - Verdi spumante, Classic, Anniversary double and Moscato.

Champagne is an obligatory and traditional attribute of any celebration or holiday. A wide range of sparkling wines available on the shelves of our stores allows each of us to choose a legendary holiday drink to suit our taste and budget. However, the bulk of the commercially available "champagne" is a drink made from the cheapest raw materials of dubious origin. The most that these drinks are capable of is not to pose a health hazard. There can be no talk of pleasure when using them. In addition, people who buy champagne only once a year (for the New Year) do not make the highest demands on it: to be cheaper, clapping like a cannon and foaming. It is this category of people that is the object of attention of charlatans who counterfeit wine and sell an infernal mixture of chemical powders in champagne bottles. An example of such gross fakes is pseudo-champagne Yves Roche (Yves Rocher), a carbonated mixture of alcohol, water and chemical powders. This potion does not contain a single drop of grape juice and its use is dangerous to your health.

How to be? How not to spoil your holiday? Where to buy good champagne or good wine? You can buy a good one in a hypermarket or in a wine boutique. Hypermarkets take volumes and try to conclude direct contracts with manufacturers or their official dealers, wine boutiques rely on the price of prestige, so they always work with trusted suppliers, but even at the same time, as a rule, exercising selective control. This does not mean that you cannot buy bad champagne in a hypermarket or boutique. You can. The point is different - along with the bad, there is also good, which cannot be said about other points of sale, to which standing champagne simply does not get.

Do not forget that the word "champagne" can only be used in relation to sparkling wine produced in France, in the province of Champagne. All other wines are called simply sparkling. In Germany and Austria, sparkling wines are called "sect", in Spain - "cava", in Italy - "spumante", in France - "champagne" (made in Champagne) and "cremant" (made in other French provinces).

How to choose champagne? Specialists would begin to choose champagne not from the category “semi-sweet, semi-dry, brut”, but by looking on the label for an indication of the method of production - “classic” or “reservoir”. The most expensive and prestigious type of sparkling wines are wines made using classical technology. "Classic" is almost always made from local grapes. An experienced champagne maker does not need additional risks in the form of unknown qualities of imported raw materials.

The production of classic champagne begins with the blending of several different dry white wines, often from different vintages, to maintain consistent flavor and style year after year. A strictly defined amount of special champagne yeast and sugar liquor is added to this mixture, the mixture is bottled (scientifically it is called drawing) into bottles, corked with a temporary cork and placed in a cold cellar. Here, in bottles, the so-called secondary fermentation takes place slowly, over a period of one and a half months, and the carbon dioxide released in its process slowly dissolves in the wine. After the end of fermentation, the bottles are stacked for long-term (from 1.5 to 3 years) aging, during which the taste and aroma of the wine acquire the special tones of aged champagne. Then the accumulated sediment is removed from the bottles, a small amount of sugar liquor (it is called expeditionary) is added (for semi-dry and semi-sweet wines), the bottles are corked with a permanent cork, labels are applied, the bottle neck is wrapped in foil and the wine is sent for sale.

Champagne, obtained in the classical way, is characterized by a complex taste, a delicate unsurpassed bouquet and outstanding sparkling qualities. It is characterized by a very long, for several hours, release of very small bubbles that form a finely porous foam. This is how French champagne is made, which is considered the standard of grace and harmony. It was this technology that was introduced to the world by the monk Pierre Perignon, who remains in history the inventor of champagne. In the taste of the “classic”, in addition to light citrus and berry shades, floral, creamy, cheesy tones, the tone of sunflower, fresh white bread, violets, hazelnuts, notes of ginger or field herbs can be felt.

Classic champagne is considered the best. The complete opposite of it are carbonated, or, as they are also called, saturated wines, that is, ordinary wines, forcibly saturated with carbon dioxide of artificial origin. They can be unmistakably recognized by the size of the bubbles - if the wine, after opening the bottle, throws large quickly rising bubbles onto the surface of the glass - this is it, cheap sparkling wine, a surrogate whose closest relative is lemonade, but not real champagne. By the way, anyone can make saturated wine on their own with the help of an ordinary household siphon. Carbonated wines do not have outstanding taste and aroma, which are entirely determined by the quality of the wine that went to carbonation. Saturated wines are quite cheap, their label will necessarily say “carbonated”, “saturated”, “effervescent” or “sparkling” (not to be confused with “sparkling”!). By the way, many buyers believe that most cheap sparkling wines are produced this way, but in fact, this is not the case.

The vast majority of wines presented in the sales areas are the result of a certain compromise between the two extremes described above, which is called "reservoir technology" or simply "reservoir". The difference between the "tank" and the "classic" is that the secondary fermentation takes place not in bottles, but in huge stainless steel tanks, which are called acratophores. The result is a sparkling wine that looks like a classic, but not in years, but in a few weeks. However, the taste and bouquet of these wines, no matter how hard the winemakers try, remains simpler - light fruity and citrus shades, tones of lemon, grapefruit, white currant, sunflower tones and fresh milk. A bad "reservoir", made carelessly or with violations of technology, may differ in a pronounced yeasty tone, which, of course, does not do honor to champagne.

Distinguishing the "classics" is very simple. On the label of domestic champagne produced according to the classical technology, it will definitely say “Classic” or “Aged”, on imported - “Metodo Classico”, “Methode cap Classique” or something similar, and the price tag will start from 450-500 rubles per bottle. All other sparkling wines, on which there are no such inscriptions, are tank wines. But that doesn't mean they are bad at all. On the contrary, many examples of wines in this category are widely known for their high quality. And only true experts are able to distinguish such a "reservoir" from the elite brands of "classics". Basically, these are wines produced directly in the grape growing regions - in the south of Russia, in the Crimea, as well as in France, Italy, and other wine-growing countries.

Thus, the choice of champagne begins with the method of production - "classic" or "reservoir". And then we decide which is better - semi-sweet, semi-dry, dry or brut.

By the way, what do you choose? Semi-sweet, semi-dry, dry or brut? The opinion of experts is as follows: it is best to open a feast with sparkling wine with a low sugar content, brut or dry, which is an excellent aperitif. Such a wine will not muffle the taste sensations either from the on-duty “Olivier”, or from king prawns garnished with salmon caviar and mascarpone cheese, as semi-sweet or sweet champagne will surely do.

Semi-dry is a good compromise. Semi-dry is suitable for lovers of semi-sweet, and for fans of brut. Well, semi-sweet is perfect for light desserts, it can be opened closer to the night and served with a cake when the Olivier has already been eaten, but the soul still needs a holiday.

So, summarizing the above, we postulate:

Buy champagne in a hypermarket or wine boutique.
Choose champagne without haste, surveying the entire range.
Brut or dry - for drinking under the Chimes. Semi-dry - to the dishes of the festive table. We choose semi-sweet champagne for dessert.
If you choose expensive champagne, take the "classic".
If, after taking the bottle, you find on the label the inscription “carbonated”, “saturated”, “effervescent” or “sparkling” (not to be confused with “sparkling”!), put the wine back. Read the description of the wine on the back label (back label). The description written in small-small print according to the rules of trade is always given in Russian, and if you hold carbonated wine in your hands, this will be indicated on the counter-label by one of the four terms above.
If the bottle says “Champagne” or “Sparkling wine”, but does not say “Classic”, “Aged” or foreign analogues of these terms, then you have a wine produced by a tank method.

The most important criterion determining the correct choice of champagne is the name of the manufacturer. The most famous Russian companies today:
1. OJSC Kornet. Founded in 1942. (Moscow) The firm was awarded the Grand Prix and gold and silver medals.
2. CJSC "Agrofirma Abrau-Durso". Founded in 1870. Currently, it produces a very worthy "reservoir" under the brands "Russian Champagne Abrau-Durso" and "ABRAU", as well as a magnificent "classic" under the brands Millezim, Imperial, Dravigny.
3. JSC "Moscow Plant of Champagne Wines" (MKSHV). Founded in 1980. Awarded with gold and silver medals.
4. RISP LLC. (Moscow) The enterprise was founded in 1994 on the production facilities of OAO MKSHV. In less than five years of its existence, it has been awarded 4 gold and 12 silver medals.
5. CJSC "Sparkling wines". It was founded in 1945 in Leningrad on the basis of the 5th marmalade factory and the fruit water plant.

Of the Russian producers, it is also worth highlighting: JSC Tsimlyansk Wines. The best brands: "Onegin", "Victory Bouquet", "Tsimlyansk sparkling wine prepared in the old Cossack way." "Millstream - Black Sea wines" (champagne "South Russian"). Fanagoria (brands Fanagoria, NR, Madame Pompadour). "Kuban-Vino" (brands "Chateau Tamagne Reserve", "Chateau Tamagne"). Quite good champagne is also produced by the Myskhako agricultural company. In Crimea, the Novy Svet factory, founded by Prince Lev Golitsyn and bringing Russia the first Grand Prix back in 1900, currently produces breathtaking quality champagne wines under the brands Coronation, Paradisio, Brut Cuvée and Novy light".

Speaking of the quality of domestic sparkling wines, regularly challenged by high professionals from among young people who have completed short-term sommelier courses abroad: along with France, Russia is the owner of Grand Prix cups for champagne wines. The quality of the best samples of Russian champagne has been repeatedly confirmed at the highest international level. . And by the way, not all French champagne can be considered a reference.

There are more than 120 champagne companies in France, and only 16 of them are highly ranked in the world. Among the most famous French companies specializing in the production of champagne are, first of all, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Louis Roederer, Mumm, Laurent-Perrier, Ruinart, whose share is Russian champagne market exceeds 95%. If you prefer French champagne, then you may be interested in: Special - Cuvee special or Prestigious - Cuvee de pretige. These champagne wines are made from the best grape varieties, carefully adhere to the technological process and put a mark on the year of release. There is also a separate one, according to which types of champagne are distinguished depending on the grape variety, sugar content, crop year and characteristics of the drink production.

The most famous brands of champagne:
1. Widow Clicquot (Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin)
2. Moet and Chandon (Moët & Chandon)
3. Dom Pérignon
4. Louis Roederer
5. Piper-Heidsieck
6. Mumm (G.H. Mumm)
7. Circle (Krug)
8. Paul Roger
9. Bollinger
10. Salon

But if the above Top 10 is more likely not a “table of ranks”, but “everyone knows (or should know) them”, then the prestige rating (of flavor and aromatic qualities) may be somewhat different. The most prestigious champagne wines: Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Champagne Armand de Brignac (Armand de Brignac, colloquially "Ace of Spades" (Ace of Spades)), Bolinger (Bollinger Champagne), Champagne Crystal (Crystal), Perrier Jouet and Krug champagne.

Of course, all brands of these famous champagne houses are real works of wine-making art, but the prices for high-quality French champagne are usually sky-high - such is the price of prestige. So, "Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame", depending on the year, can cost from 10-12 to 18-25 thousand rubles. In addition, there is hardly a professional in the world (with the exception, perhaps, of Veuve Clicquot tasters) who would distinguish these wines from the best examples of Abrau-Durso. At the same time, the above-mentioned masterpieces of Abrau-Durso will be an order of magnitude cheaper than elite French champagne. But, as they say, the choice is yours.

In addition to Russian and French sparkling wines, products of Italian winemakers are also presented on store shelves. Sparkling wines "Martini Asti" and "" enjoy special (and well-deserved) popularity among buyers. So "Martini Asti", distinguished by a harmonious sweet taste and inimitable nutmeg aroma, and "Mondoro Asti" - sparkling white wine in the original emerald bottle, have long and deservedly received flattering customer reviews and are an excellent alternative to expensive French champagne.

If you prefer domestic champagne, then in accordance with GOST 13918-88, depending on the method of manufacture and sugar concentration, they distinguish:

"Soviet champagne collection" (aging for at least three years in a bottle, with a designation on the label, the year of champagne wine): brut, dry, semi-dry;
"Soviet champagne": brut, dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet;
"Soviet champagne of special names": dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet.

Soviet champagne can be made by three methods: classic bottle, reservoir or continuous reservoir.

Russian champagne is produced in accordance with GOST R 51165-98. The difference between Soviet and Russian champagne is that Russian champagne is produced only by the continuous tank method. Russian champagne is divided into brut, dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet. Russian champagne, depending on the exposure, is divided into

Russian champagne without aging
Aged Russian champagne - the aging time after the completion of the champagne process is at least 6 months.
Russian collection champagne - the aging period is not less than 3 years in a bottle, it marks the year of champagne wine.

How to drink champagne

1. Champagne is supposed to be opened not with a loud pop, but with a quiet hiss. A quality drink should behave quietly and delicately.
2. Champagne should be poured two to three minutes after opening the bottle. It is believed that this will help you better appreciate the taste of the drink. Pour the champagne slowly, slightly tilting the bottle, trying to make the liquid flow along the wall of the glass - this will help reduce the amount of foam. It is customary to fill the glass three-quarters.
3. Sour champagne (dry or brut) is poured into tall elongated glasses with the romantic name "flute" (flute). Sweet champagne is poured into wide glasses that resemble a stemmed bowl. It is believed that the “right” glass will deliver champagne straight to the right taste buds and you will be able to fully experience its taste. Holding a glass of champagne should also be done in a special way. Some, drinking sparkling wine, hold a glass, clasping its upper part with their palms - as if they were drinking cognac. But, unlike cognac, which becomes more aromatic when slightly warmed by the warmth of the hand, champagne loses its taste and sparkling. Therefore, a glass of champagne must be held by the leg.
4. The bottle should lie so that the wine wets the cork, otherwise the drink will stop "playing". However, this applies only to champagne with a cork stopper.
5. Champagne is drunk both before meals (as an aperitif) and during meals - for main courses and dessert. Cheese, olives, seafood, white meat and game, fruit desserts, strawberries and, of course, classic pineapples are considered a good snack. But “snacking” champagne with chocolate is categorically not recommended.
6. To better appreciate the taste of champagne, before swallowing the drink, you need to savor it in your mouth for a few seconds.

Champagne is a symbol of aristocratic fun, a grandiose celebration. They are admonished by ocean liners when launching and celebrate the main stages of human life: birth, wedding, the onset of the New Year. The main thing is to remember the insidiousness of the traditional holiday drink. After all, champagne is often drunk at the beginning of the celebration, and then they drink other drinks. Carbon dioxide, which is contained in the "pop", increases the absorption of alcohol. Therefore, if possible, you should not mix strong alcohol with champagne, as well as other drinks. If you still have to break this iron rule, then you need to do this "without lowering the degree."

Oh, it's champagne! The drink of royalty and aristocrats. Subtle and sparkling, slightly intoxicating to the mind and awakening spiritual feelings. That's what this article is about!
The choice of champagne as a gift, at first glance, may seem like a simple matter, because champagne is sold in any store and is presented in a wide range. But this is only at first glance. If you delve into the topic of production, study the technology and the varietal component, then questions may arise about his choice. Thanks to a competent approach to choosing a gift, the result will not be long in coming. 13 sommelier tips will come in handy!

At the beginning of the article, I would like to say a few words about the fact that real great champagne is produced only on the unique chalk and limestone soils of the Champagne region. There are no such soils anywhere in the world! It is this drink that can bear the proud name of champagne, and everything else is inherently sparkling wine.

The classics of the genre are the key to success, or briefly about

main

The main rule when buying champagne is knowledge of the method of its manufacture. A self-respecting manufacturer never violates the age-old traditions and classic technologies for the production of sparkling wine. Only the method of secondary fermentation in the bottle, with elements of manual labor of masters, called remuage and disgorging, can serve as a 100% guarantee of quality.

Real champagne is made only in the Champagne region. So it was many centuries ago, so it is, and so it will always be. The famous champagne is very expensive! Look for the name on the label « a sparkling wine » and remember that the price of a good sparkling wine starts from 600 rubles.

Champagne must have a minimum residual sugar content and be brut, or at least be dry. Blanc de Blanc is cool and means the white-on-white method, while Blanc de Noir refers to the method of making white champagne from red grapes with white flesh. Interesting, isn't it?

Note to the layman: No country in the world considers it permissible to write the word "champagne" on the label of its sparkling wine. The only exception is Russia.

"Bubbles" do not guarantee quality.

What should not be given?

When choosing champagne as a gift, do not stop your eyes on the goods located on the shelves at the so-called "eye level". Usually there is an economy segment product that is not suitable as a gift. Neither the shape of the bottle, nor the cork, nor the notorious bubbles in the drink serve as a guarantee of quality in this situation.

The donee, if desired, can buy it on his own. The category of such "sparkling wines" includes factories RISP, MKShV(Moscow city) DZIV(Derbent), some plants in St. Petersburg, Krasnodar Territory and others. The price of such drinks belongs to the budget category and does not exceed 200 rubles.

These sparkling wines undoubtedly can and should be consumed in a friendly company, during a wedding feast or a fun party. However, for a gift, they are too "weak" in their inner content, since they are made not according to the classical technology (secondary fermentation in a bottle), but the so-called acratophoric method (fermentation in a vat). It is unlikely that a bottle of such a drink will be able to please the hero of the occasion. But joy is the main goal of any gift.

Champagne or sparkling wine? Key Similarities

and differences

Wines are divided into still and sparkling. This law cannot be disputed. Champagne is nothing but sparkling wine. It is important to consider production technologies here. In addition to classic sparkling wines, you can find carbonated wine drinks on store shelves. A striking example of such a drink is the beloved "Bosco" at a price of 250 to 300 rubles (producing country - Lithuania, Russia, Italy).

Another example is the wonderful Lambrusco, which belongs to the category of pearl wines (producing country - Italy), the price varies from 250 to 800 rubles, depending on the manufacturer. Delicious and sweet, low-grade Lambrusco is liked by many young girls and women. But do not chase the low price - a good Lambrusco cannot be cheap!

Remember that neither Bosco nor Lambrusco are examples of sparkling wines and are produced using a completely different technology!

Read the label and back label carefully. Many manufacturers in the race for sales are cunning and write the following: labrusco, lambrusco. This is a so-called marketing ploy, it is not prosecuted by law. The main thing to remember is that this product has nothing to do with real Italian.

You can buy these wines in almost any store. It is likely that such a present is suitable for visiting or for a modest romantic date. It is better to refrain from handing such drinks to the hero of the day or a high-ranking official, so as not to get into a delicate situation.

Russia and its age-old traditions

Let's be patriots of our Fatherland and start our rating of champagne wines from a Russian manufacturer. Since pre-revolutionary times, Russian winemakers have been trying to produce worthy sparkling wines. Historical evidence of this is Prince Golitsyn, who is considered the founder and progenitor of the glorious Russian winemaking.

As a gift for a reasonable price, you can buy sparkling wine from a popular manufacturer "Abrau Durso". You should pay attention to his endurance. It is she who determines the final price of the goods. Choose vintage options in gift boxes. The price for 0.75 liters of goods is from 1,800 rubles. Do you think it's expensive? Actually it's worth it!

Factory New World produces classic, aged sparkling wines produced in compliance with all the rules. The product line is widely represented in the branded shops of the Crimean winemakers. Wine aging - from 9 months to 3 years, which significantly affects the price. Champagne can have a different sugar content, be white, pink and red. As a gift, only its seasoned versions are suitable. For such a gift, you will have to pay from 1,000 to 2,500 rubles.

With a competent approach, any buyer will be able to buy as a gift an excellent and high-quality "champagne" from TD "Fanagoria". For example, at a price of 500 rubles.

How much sugar should you put in?

Proper sparkling wine or, as we used to call it, champagne should be brut or dry. Only the most fermented sugar allows you to enjoy the true taste of the contents. The presence of sugar suggests that they may smooth out imperfections; such “champagne” does not leave a harmonious aftertaste.

Brut or dry is an ideal aperitif, but sweet or semi-sweet go only for dessert.

When choosing a gift, you should still take into account the preferences of the hero of the occasion. If a person does not like acidity, then it is better to present him with sweeter versions of sparkling wines. The best present will be the well-known Italian sparkling wines produced in the small province of Asti, which is geographically located in the world-famous Piedmont region. These sparkling wines are made from the famous Muscat grape variety. Thanks to him, they are so tasty and rich. Look for the letters DOCG on the front and back labels. Their presence suggests that you are holding true, sweet, nutmeg gold from Piedmont.

The best seller in this category is undoubtedly Italian sparkling wine. "Mondoro Asti". Many recognize him by the original bottle, which has a helical, spiral shape. The retail price for 0.75 liters is from 1,250 rubles. But do not confuse Asti with Mondoro Brut, as this is a completely different story.

Undoubtedly, for a sweet lover, a good gift will be « Asti Martini" And « Asti Cinzano». These drinks occupy the second and third places in the market for sales of sparkling sweet and semi-sweet wines, and are not much inferior in quality to their more expensive counterpart Mondoro. Their price on the shelf is approximately 850-900 rubles. These items are often discounted. Sparkling wine is sold in convenience stores and is a product of mass demand.

France - pathetic and expensive

Do you want to follow French fashion and be in trend, as modern youth say? Do you want to deliberately emphasize the significance of your gift and have a tidy sum of money? Then feel free to go to a wine boutique or look at the top shelves of reputable stores. In ordinary stores that are located in the courtyard and belong to the economy class category (for example, the Magnit chain of stores), such sparkling wines are not sold.

We are talking about France and its incomparable with any other champagne wines. The Champagne region is the best in the world and offers the buyer a choice of several categories of champagne. AOC category says that the wine is especially controlled by origin (literal translation: appellation original control). The other two categories are of higher quality, they are called Grand Cru And Premier Cru, respectively read as great and first.

An unmistakable gift option can be "The Widow Clicquot" And Moet and Chandon » . These trading houses are among the top five world brands. The price for 1 bottle of such champagne varies from 5,500 rubles and depends on the trade margin and design option (for example, an iron tube costs more).

Millesime champagne, which is made from the best grapes harvested by hand in one calendar year, will be a great gift for a sophisticated gourmet. Chic quality dictates the high price of such a drink. It can reach more than 10 thousand rubles. and even 20 thousand rubles. for 0.75 liters.

Famous Dom Perignon (Dom Perignon) the 2006 harvest is estimated at 18,000 rubles per 1 bottle.

There are also quite rare exclusive names of sparkling wines. awesome "Crystal" is every collector's dream. The minimum price of such liquid gold starts from 22,000 rubles.

Italy - sparkling traditions

One of the leaders in the supply of sparkling wines on the world market and a competitor to France is sunny Italy. The aforementioned region of Asti gives the world sparkling wines with a high content of natural sugar. To select the category of dry and brut, the well-known Prosecco produced from the grape variety of the same name. It has two quality categories - DOC And DOCG. Both categories indicate that the wine is especially controlled by origin, and the letter G indicates a higher quality assurance.

In addition to Prosecco, Italy is famous for other sparkling wines made from various varieties of red and white grapes. They are not particularly popular among consumers and will most likely be purchased only by special order in an online store or in a specialized wine boutique. Decent quality contains it is made in the Piedmont region from a rather rare variety of white Nebbiolo grapes. The price for 0.75 liters cannot be called budgetary - from 5,300 rubles.

Spain - quality in a glass

Every self-respecting country, one way or another, produces sparkling wines. Spain is known for its red tannin wines from the Rioja region. Not many buyers know that one of the best examples of sparkling wines is Spanish Kava. It comes in white or pink and combines the best traditions of champagne. Cava is produced using the traditional classical method and guarantees excellent quality at a reasonable price (compared to the Champagne region). Shelf price - from 700 rubles and more.

Sparkling wines of the New World

The countries of the New World include Chile, Australia, South Africa, Argentina. If we talk about Chile, then this country offers both white, rosé and red types of sparkling wines to the Russian market. Among others, you can find sweeter options.

For a lovely lady gift, you can choose Fresita, gift box sparkling rose, sweet, costing from 1,300 rubles per 0.75 liter.

For a drier option, opt for Conchay toro, « Sunrise» Sparkling Brut. Its price is quite budgetary and amounts to 600-650 rubles, and you don’t have to worry about the quality. Both options are presented in a gift box, which is very important for a gift.

Give high-quality alcohol, and let the donee be delighted!

France is historically the birthplace of champagne. Therefore, the phrase French champagne is synonymous with the quality and classic taste of a real sparkling drink.

In the article:

Real French champagne

Real champagne has certain criteria:

The homeland of the largest producers of champagne in France from time immemorial to this day is the Province of Champagne.
For real French wines, the following grape varieties are used: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay.
Special production technology method (Champenoise). This method is the final fermentation for a long period of time (more than a year) in a vessel from which it will subsequently be bottled.

Also, wine from the famous province of France has a certain label, which must indicate:

Information about the name of the champagne.
Brand name or manufacturer.
Each bottle is numbered.
The presence of any of the following abbreviations: "NM" (wine produced from purchased grapes), "CM" (wine produced by a cooperative of winegrowers), "RM" (wine from grapes grown by the manufacturer), "MA" (under the brand name wine is only bottled in bottles).

French champagne production technology

Champagne is produced using a special technology - champagne. The author of this technology is Pierre Perignon. This method is the main process for obtaining champagne from any grape variety. There are two ways to age the future drink: the first way is the classic fermentation followed by bottling, the other way is the complete fermentation of the noble drink in a darkened bottle.

The production of champagne is a complex process. In accordance with the precepts of the first winemakers, the berries, like centuries ago, are harvested by hand, after which they are sent to a special press.

There are several stages of pressing:

First spin. Obtaining better quality juice (cuvee). This juice is used to produce the best sparkling wines. This champagne has sophistication, freshness and is able to live long in the bottle.
Second spin (tai). Juice of the third extraction. Also used in production.
After obtaining the juice, the primary fermentation takes place. It is carried out in specialized tanks, which include stainless steel. Further, to reduce the acidity, a secondary fermentation is performed (most often it is malolactic). At the end of the process, the finished champagne is bottled. And the most important thing is the addition of circulation liquor. It is a liquid based on cane sugar and yeast. This liquid is added to move the drink to the next stage - champagne.
After that, the most important stage in the manufacture of champagne takes place. The vessel is sealed and stored in the basement. When secondary fermentation occurs, the alcohol concentration increases by 2%. Carbon dioxide is formed and the future sparkling drink is saturated. The formation of sediment indicates the fermentation process. In order for champagne to acquire a unique taste, it must be infused for at least 10 months..

When the required period has passed, each bottle is placed in specialized stands, neck down and an angle of 45 degrees is observed. Turn each bottle 90 degrees every morning in the morning. This leads to a slow settling of yeast residues. When each bottle is standing upright (the neck will be pointing down). The sediment moves to the cork and the next stage occurs - opening. The neck is immersed in cold liquid (-29), and some of the champagne will freeze. When the bottle is opened, this frozen part will be removed. After that, the bottles are corked again. Insert natural cork from cork wood. Before closing the bottle, dosing liquor is added.

Types of French champagne by amount of sugar

« Extra brut". This type of champagne contains the least amount of sugar.
« Brut". The composition of the drink includes no more than 14 g / l of sugar.
« sec". Dry champagne. Contains 16-34 g/l of sugar.
« Demisec". Semi-dry. The amount of sugar is 32-49 g/l. Considered a dessert drink.
« Doux". Sweet champagne. It is very rare, contains more than 50 g/l of sugar in its composition.

French champagne brands

Expensive French champagne is produced by elite producers. For the manufacture of such wines, only selected wine material is used. Therefore, the taste of expensive champagne is unique. Brands of expensive French sparkling wine:

The Widow Clicquot (Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin)

It is the most popular brand of champagne in the world. produced since 1722. Philippe Clicquot is considered to be the founder. After the death of Philip, his son took over, but died in a short time. His widow invented a new method for producing champagne. With this technology, the drink turned out to be transparent. The bottles were stored with the neck down, this is necessary to collect the sediment to the neck, after which they freeze and remove the ice plug.

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

The widow always monitored the quality of products, bought more vineyards. For the production of champagne, several types of varieties were used (Pinot meunier, Pinot noir, Chardonnay), their combination gives a unique and harmonious taste.

According to individual technology, a blend was produced that combines Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Thanks to high achievements, this drink today occupies the second position among the giants of world trade.

This wonderful drink is best served with cheeses, desserts, appetizers or seafood dishes. The average price is 2500 rubles per bottle.

"Moët and Chandon" (Moët & Chandon)

For more than two hundred years, the company has been producing the best drinks on the world market. It is difficult to overestimate the dignity of the drink, which was once served on the dining tables of rabbits and queens of France and England. During the prosperity of cinema and various pop cultures, champagne also occupied its leading position.

Proof of this is that Moet and Chandon has been the official drink of the prestigious Golden Globe Awards for the third decade now. The taste of this champagne is amazing. Serve the drink, like other noble sparkling wines, with dessert or appetizer.

Since 2016, the brand has been the official sponsor of the "royal" Formula 1.

Depending on the year of harvest, the price varies from 2000 to 7000 rubles.

Dom Pérignon

This exclusive drink is named after the man who stood at the origins of the craft for the production of champagne Monk Pérignon. The world-famous company Moet and Chandon has been making this drink for almost 100 years. For such a long period of time, the taste qualities have not lost their former glory, they have only strengthened the names among the most popular champagne brands on the international market.

The unique taste of this wine brings bliss to anyone who tastes it. Therefore, it can rightfully be considered the most refined and expensive drink. The price ranges from 7000 - 22000 rubles per bottle.

Louis Roederer

Another great brand of champagne, taking its origins from the depths of centuries. In addition to the general recognition of quality in Europe, it was once delivered to Russia on the personal order of the emperor. Perhaps the producer Louis Roederer is the only wine producer in the Champagne region who has not sold out to companies and is running a family business.

Since this wine has a soft, deep taste and is produced in small batches, its price starts from 4,000 rubles. However, there are specimens with a certain vintage, the price of which reaches 35,000 thousand rubles.

"Piper-Heidsieck" (Piper-Heidsieck)

Favorite drink of Marilyn Monroe, as well as the official drink of the Oscars. A very famous brand with its origins and history of more than 50 years. The wine has a chic taste, delicate and refined aroma, giving not only grapes, but also flowers.

Despite the fact that the brand is world famous and well promoted, its cost is quite acceptable for such a drink. An ordinary bottle of such champagne can be purchased for 1500 rubles, which cannot be done with an exclusive gift set. Since it is made exclusively to order and its circulation is limited. The affordability of the price for an ordinary bottle is due to the gigantic scale of production, exceeding several million bottles a year.

"Mumm" (G.H. Mumm)

This drink takes an honorable third place among the largest wineries in France in terms of sales and supplies. The drink takes its history in the 18th century, in France. Even then, he acquired a unique style - a red ribbon, which became his symbol and makes him recognizable among other drinks.

The history of the Mumm drink is closely connected with sports, therefore it is the “champagne of sports”. Sponsoring various extreme sports, wine has long been the official face of Formula 1, but in 2016 it passed the baton to Moet. The refined taste of champagne is transmitted in the best degree when cooled to 8 degrees and, complemented by desserts and ice cream, will not leave anyone indifferent. The price for one non-gift and non-collector bottle starts from 2500 rubles.

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by secondary fermentation in the Champagne region of France. As you may have guessed, this drink was named after the province where it comes from, but in the post-Soviet countries almost any carbonated drink can be called champagne, which of course is wrong.

Interesting fact. Real champagne glasses have inner walls with a microscopic relief layer for bubbles to stick to the walls.

Often, difficulties arise when choosing champagne for a wedding or other festive events, where the main task is to combine good quality and reasonable price. We will help you not to make a mistake when choosing a fizzy drink and reveal many nuances.

By following these tips, you will definitely choose a good champagne, but remember that the taste and color will not please everyone, so you can only find your ideal option by trial and error.

Interesting infographics on the topic of champagne. Lots of interesting facts and useful tips.

Champagne variety

The amount of sugar added after fermentation and aging affects the production of any variety. Champagne is divided into:

Sweet (Doux / Du) - very high sugar content. More than 50 g/l
Semi-dry (Demi-sec / Demi sec) - contains about 33-50 g/l
Dry (Sec / Sek) - sugar content in the range of 17-35 g / l
Extra dry (Extra sec / Extra sec) - sugar content within 12-20 g/l
The most dry or brut (Brut / Brut) - the sugar content is less than 15 g / l
Extra brut (Extra brut / Extra brut) - sugar is not added to such champagne at all

The most common variety in the world (but not in Russia)- brut. In Russia, they prefer sweet or semi-dry sparkling wines, choose these varieties if you arrange events with a large number of guests. If you are on a diet, then it is better to choose brut, because. it contains almost no sugar

I really like champagne, namely French, real, and not "Soviet", Spanish, etc. But I agree, it takes a little getting used to brut, especially after many years of “Soviet sparkling”.
Feedback from the forum

Champagne quality

Producers divide champagne into:

Champagne without year (champagne sans annee)- currently occupies a huge share of the wine market. This is a champagne that has not even been aged for a year. Only the type of champagne is written on such bottles. (white, pink, etc.) and be sure to indicate the sugar content.
millezimnoe (millesime)- such wine is wholly or partly made from grapes of the harvest of the year indicated on the label.
Prestigious (cuvee de prestige)- champagne made from the highest quality must, the year of production must be indicated and often the bottle can have an individual name.

It is also worth paying attention to the presence of an abbreviation, if there is one, then you are holding real, French champagne in your hands and you can be sure of its quality.

NM: negocian manipulant. These are companies (including most major brands) that buy grapes and produce wine;
CM: cooperative manipulation. Cooperatives that produce wine from grapes grown by members of the cooperative, with the entire crop pooled together;
RM: Recoltant manipulant. Producers who independently grow grapes and produce wine from them. They are allowed to purchase no more than 5% of the grapes from outside;
SR: Societe de recoltants. Association of winegrowers who produce common champagne but do not form a cooperative;
RC: Recoltant cooperateur. A member of a cooperative selling champagne produced by the cooperative under its own brand;
MA: Marque auxiliaire or Marque d'acheteur. A brand not associated with producers or growers; the name of the wine owned by someone else, such as a supermarket (such as Private Label);
ND: Negotiant distributeur. A merchant selling wine under his own brand.
Wikipedia

Grape sort

Traditionally, champagne is made from white chardonnay, red grape varieties are very rarely used, and these varieties are also rarely mixed.

Good to know. Champagne almost always comes out white (possibly yellowish) color, even if it was made from red grapes. This is because the juice has very little contact with the skin, which gives the grapes their color.

bottle size

Most often, champagne is bottled in standard bottles. (750 ml) and large bottles (1.5 l) they are called magnum. Champagne in large bottles, usually of better quality (because they have less oxygen), respectively, it costs much more than champagne in a standard bottle.

It is very difficult to find magnum bottles in Russia, as it is very difficult and costly to produce them. (This can only be done by experienced glassblowers). If this bottle is not made correctly, it is likely that it will burst due to high pressure, so manufacturers use a more reliable option, a standard bottle for 0.75 l

Video about choosing champagne

The video will tell you how to choose the right champagne (a sparkling wine) in the store, they will also tell you which variety is better and which snack to use when serving it.

Conclusion

You have learned enough about champagne to pick it up for the festive table or just buy it for dinner. Now you can feel free to experiment and find your own taste without worrying about which champagne to choose.