The 'sparkles' in sparkling wine are bubbles of carbon dioxide.
Sparkling wine 'sparkles' because it contains bubbles of , which are created during a secondary round of fermentation. Sparkling wines have a lower alcohol content than most wines.
Making Sparkling Wine
The grapes used to make sparkling wine are pressed immediately, and go through an initial round of fermentation in a vat or tank. When the wine is bottled, a small amount of dissolved sugar and yeast is added, to provoke a second round of fermentation. This secondary fermentation is what creates the bubbles of carbon dioxide that make the wine 'sparkle.'
Properties of Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine has a lower alcohol content than most table wines, due to the low sugar content of the grapes that are used. Because the grapes are pressed immediately, the chemical reactions that give color to wine are avoided, and so sparkling wines are pale.
Serving Sparkling Wines
For many people, sparkling wine - in particular, champagne - is associated with special occasions. However, sparkling wines have a low acidity and a delicate flavor that make them a versatile accompaniment to many different foods.
Tags: bubbles carbon, bubbles carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide, round fermentation, alcohol content