Discover the Sparkling Difference: Traditional vs. Charmat Method Wines

Posted by Ed Haddon on

Discover the Sparkling Difference: Traditional vs. Charmat Method Wines

 

Are you ready to elevate your sparkling wine experience? The Foreign Affair Winery is excited to introduce you to the delightful world of sparkling wines, crafted using two distinct methods: the Traditional Method and the Charmat Method. Each offers a unique tasting experience that caters to different palates and occasions.

Traditional Method Sparkling Wines - 2022 Traditional Brut

  1. Craftsmanship:

    • Our Traditional Method sparkling wines undergo a meticulous and time-consuming process where the secondary fermentation (giving us the bubbles) occurs in the bottle. This method, also known as Méthode Traditionnelle, is the same technique that is used to create Champagne in France.

    • Finished wine is bottled and yeast is added to each individual bottle to initiate a second fermentation. These bottles will rest in place for at least 12 months. During this time the yeast cells will break down, releasing a series of aromatic compounds into the wine which is what gives "traditional method" sparkling wine its distinctive depth and complexity.

    • The next step is to get rid of the lees, which gave us the bubbles and provided a great deal of flavour to the wine, but also makes it cloudy and yeasty. This step is called “riddling” and in days gone by it was something done by a “Riddler” (not the comic book villain). Every day, each bottle of wine would be sharply twisted and slightly inverted, shaking the lees from the side of the bottle and moving it slowly down to the neck. After 6 to 8 weeks the bottle is “sur point” or upside-down with all those spent yeast cells sitting in a tidy pile in the neck. Nowadays, these bottles get stacked into a modern machine called a gyro-pallet which can riddle the wine robotically in as little as 7 to 10 days.

    • Disgorging and dosage are the final steps in the traditional method. Once “sur point”, the necks of the bottles are submerged in about an inch of frigid liquid, freezing the collected yeast. The bottle is then turned upright and the steel bottle cap is removed, allowing the frozen plug of yeast to be disgorged, leaving the wine free and clear. This small amount of space in the bottle gets topped up with a "dosage" of wine before being corked. It’s the last chance for the winemaker to balance the acidity in the wine with small amounts of sugar if needed, though to date all of our traditional method sparkling wines have been bottled without any added sugar.

  2. Tasting Notes:

    • Expect elegant, fine bubbles that dance on your palate.
    • Enjoy rich, toasty, and nutty flavours with a creamy texture, a result of the extended aging process.
    • Perfect for special occasions and celebrations, these wines are a testament to time-honoured winemaking traditions.

Charmat Method Sparkling Wines - Sparkling Rosé Brut

  1. Innovation:

    • The Charmat Method, also known as the Tank Method, involves conducting the secondary fermentation in large, pressurized tanks. This modern approach is quicker, allowing us to bring you fresh and vibrant sparkling wines.
    • The entire process takes just a few months, ensuring that the wine retains its youthful and fruity character.

  2. Tasting Notes:

    • Enjoy lively, larger bubbles that bring a refreshing effervescence to your glass.
    • Savour the bright, fruity flavours that are preserved through this method, making these wines light, approachable, and perfect for everyday enjoyment.
    • Ideal for casual gatherings, brunches, or simply to add a touch of sparkle to your day.

Why Choose Our Sparkling Wines?

  • Quality: We take pride in using the finest grapes and employing expert winemaking techniques to ensure every bottle meets our high standards.
  • Variety: Whether you prefer the complexity of Traditional Method wines (2022 Traditional Brut) or the fresh, fruity charm of Charmat Method wines (Sparkling Rosé Brut), we have something to suit every taste.
  • Experience: Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect sparkling wine for your special occasion.

Visit us at the winery (4890 Victoria Ave N, Vineland, ON) or explore our online store to discover our exquisite range of sparkling wines. Elevate your celebrations and everyday moments with the perfect bottle of bubbly.