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An in-depth celebration of the world of bubbles
22 November 2021 by Rebecca in Classic Wine Library, Wine and spirits
Consumers today are faced with a dazzling array of sparkling wines, from around the globe. But as little as two decades ago the picture was quite different, with Champagne the only real choice for anybody interested in quality fizz. Then came Prosecco. Although not a serious contender to Champagne itself, its huge growth in popularity this century (with sales increasing tenfold over the period), demonstrated a thirst for sparkling wine to which producers around the world have responded accordingly. (Read more)
Extract: Fizz! by Anthony Rose
10 November 2021 by Rebecca in Classic Wine Library, Extracts, Uncategorized, Wine and spirits
A short history of the bubble beyond Champagne
According to the historian Benoît Musset, the first recorded mention of sparkling wine is found in an Egyptian papyrus document dated AD 522. Sparkling wines were considered flawed, and secondary fermentation in spring is listed as one of the factors making wines unfit for sale. (Read more)
Extract: The wines of Roussillon by Rosemary George MW
21 July 2021 by Rebecca in Classic Wine Library, Extracts, Wine and spirits
Setting the scene
Roussillon stands alone, proud and independent. For many years it suffered a union of convenience with the Languedoc, when the wines of two relatively unknown areas lacked any reputation, and when it was simpler to refer to the departments of the south, without differentiating between them, as Languedoc-Roussillon. (Read more)