Wine on the Radio - April 8, 2003

Champagne or Sparkling Wine? 

Is there a difference between Champagne and Sparkling Wine?

Well, Champagne is actually a legal term, and the real thing is more authentically French than the Eiffel Tower.  Real Champagne only comes from the Champagne district of France.

It's made from certain kinds of grapes following an exacting, expensive, and traditional process called "méthode champenoise."   Which explains some of those ooh la la price tags!

Anything else is - technically - "sparkling wine."

There are some terrific sparkling wines from other parts of France and Europe Even in the USA , including upstate New York near Syracuse.

The words "Fermented in this Bottle" or "Methode Champenoise" on the label usually indicates a more interesting fizzy.  Also, many Champagne houses have facilities in the US which turn out great sparkling wine . . . but not Champagne!

Pop the cork™.

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