With the holidays here, you might find yourself opening a few sparkling wines. If you are unsure of yourself with this process, check out this video....
I find that most sparkling wine tastes far better using a champagne flute then those wide shallow glasses.
If you don't own a champagne flute, then reach for the narrowest wine glass you own and enjoy!
Here's a quick guide to Champagne classifications:
Extra Dry/Extra Brut: this is the driest style of champagne. No sugar, nada, nilch, zippo. If you like dry, crisp wines, then go for this one.
Brut: This category can have a touch of sweetness to it, but not too much - up to about 1.5% sugar, depending on the producer. This style usually doesn't taste sweet to me, but that sugar does help mellow out the acidity quite a bit.
Dry/Sec: O.k....what in the wine world is our industry thinking??!! Seriously, regular table wine that says 'dry' means that there is no, or very little sugar in it. But champagne labeled 'dry' means there can be up to 4% sugar. I have no explanation...I can only offer an apology.
Demi Sec: getting sweeter now - up to 8% sugar or so.
Doux: Sweet sparkling wine!
Well, I hope this little champagne guide helps you choose and open up those celebration bottles. Do you have a favorite sparkling wine?
Happy Trills, Katie
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