Tank Method - How To Make Sparkling Wine That's Not Champagne....
The Traditional Method is how Champagne, Cava and Crémant are made. But how do the other wine producers make sparkling wine? It’s called the Tank Method a.k.a. Cuve Close or the Charmat Method. Prosecco, Asti, Moscato, Sekt, California Sparklers and other sparkling wines are made in the manner. Unlike the Traditional Method where the second fermentation happens in the bottle, the tank method, as it is so aptly named, happens in a large, pressure resistant tank. The CO2 that is produced during the second fermentation is trapt inside the tank which creates the creamy bubbles in this sparkling wine. Once the fermentation is complete, the wine is filleted of any lees (dead yeast cells) and other sediment, fined and dosage is added. A dosage (a mix of sugar and wine) is added to balance the acidity and adjust the sugar levels of the final sparkling wine. Whether it be Brut, Demi-Sec of Sec, it can be adjusted accordingly because this is where the final style of the wine is determined.
Why do producers use this method? Well it is the quickest and least expensive production method to make sparkling wine which makes it the most popular method worldwide. It also produces high volumes in a consistent method for large production. Lastly it is beneficial to use this method for fruity, fresh, aromatic styles of sparkling wine because it preserves the fruit characters of the grapes, ie. aromatic grapes such as Glera used to make Prosecco. These types of wines are meant to be be drunk upon release and are not suitable for aging like a Vintage Champagne.
Food pairings will vary depending on the sweetness level of the sparkling wine - a Moscato D’Asti or Sekt which are sweeter sparklers would pair well with sweet brunch dishes such as pancakes to Gorgonzola cheese. A dry Prosecco pairs well with Parma ham, soft cheeses, white asparagus and prosciutto rollups, quiches or shrimp cocktail. Whichever type of sparkling wine you enjoy the important thing to remember is that sparkling wine can be enjoyed every day and not just on special occasions. Happy tasting!
Courtesy of Wine Folly
