Sparkling Wine Terms
VINTAGE In short, the “year” or season of winegrowing. But vintage wine, by U.S. rules, is defined different- ly depending upon whether the wine label shows a lowly political appellation (like a state or county) or a stronger one (like a Viticultural Area). For wines with a Viticultural Area, the rule is 95%; for lesser appellations, the rule is only 85%: i.e., either 95% or 85% of the wine in the bottle has to have been harvested in the stated calendar year. DEMI -SEC A French Champagne term signifying that the product is medium-sweet. Not used in the U.S. See Extra-Dry. BLANC DE NOIRS If red grapes are pressed and the juice is allowed to ferment after being separated from the skins, the result is white wine, referred to as “blanc de noirs” meaning a white wine from dark grapes. BLANC DE BLANCS A champagne or sparkling wine term referring to white wine made from only white (usually Chardon- nay and Pinot Blanc) grapes.
EXTRA DRY In Champagne, France this term usually means “extra sweet.” You knew that al- ready if you’ve checked the Brut entry. Only in Sherry can you rely on the term to mean that the wine is really dry. This is one of the confusions that surround wine for no good reason other than to keep you on your toes. See Demi-sec. CREMANT A category of champagne or sparkling wine that con- tains less carbonation than standard champagnes or sparkling wines. Cremant champagnes are usually quite light and fruity but not often very bubbly.
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