Sparkling wines are the go-to for glammies, but you probably didn’t know these weird facts:
1. Sparkling wines made using the “Method traditionelle” have 90 psi of internal pressure after secondary bottle fermentation– that’s almost 3 times the pressure of car tires.
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2. Yeast aging in the bottle is what makes “Method traditionnelle” wines so unique by developing bread-like, toasty, biscuit aromas and flavors. The best sparkling wines are aged over 3 years “on the yeast” before release.
3. Only sparkling wines elaborated in the French region of Champagne can be called “Champagne.” This was ratified internationally by the Treaty of Madrid in 1891, and reaffirmed by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which ended World war II. The treaty of Versailles was never signed by the United States. The United States did not see the need to agree to any rules concerning spirits because during that time, they were going through Prohibition and alcohol was banned in the United States. Some U.S. vintners took advantage of the loophole after Prohibition was lifted and began producing “American Champagne.” Some of these companies are still grandfathered in to distribute “American Champagne” in the USA, but cannot export to other countries.
4. Sparkling wines are the go-to drink of James Bond. He drinks sparkling wine more than anything else in all the movie adaptations.
5. “Champagne headaches” are actually caused by sipping too fast– the bubbles make their way in small parts into your bloodstream.
If you’re feeling adventurous, let go of the berries and champagne concept and pair a different sparkly sip with something wild. Try Mumm Napa’s Cuvée M (pictured above) with a spicy Thai curry dish, or Mexican fish tacos. If you’re less adventurous (and in need of a sugar fix), just pop open a bottle with a vanilla cupcake.
