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The Elegance of Sparkling Wine: A History Shrouded in Mystery

The exact origin of sparkling wine remains shrouded in mystery, but its appeal is undeniable. While the French are often considered the pioneers of this effervescent wine, its history is much older. The first traces of sparkling wine are said to date back to 1000 BC, even mentioned in the Book of Psalms. Bubbly wine was already appreciated in ancient times, and Homer himself mentions it in the Iliad, describing peasants enjoying the"sparkling wine of sweet Bacchus."

The Roman Era and the First Bubbles

In Roman times, there are more detailed accounts of sparkling wine. The ancient Romans delighted in two types of sparkling wine: Aigleucos and Proptropum. Aigleucos, also mentioned by Pliny, was made from concentrated must immersed in cold water, where slow fermentation generated bubbles in the wine. Proptropum, of superior quality, was created by the same method but from flower must. Azinatio, made from dried grape must, probably sparkling, also stood out alongside these wines.

Dark Ages and Rebirth

After the fall of the Roman Empire, grape production went through dark centuries. The renaissance of sparkling wine did not occur until the Renaissance, when doctors coined the term 'ispumante' to describe the beneficial effects of the drink. In the Middle Ages, the book of the Scuola Medica Salernitana recommended the moderate consumption of bubbly.

From Dom Pérignon to Modern Methods

In 1570, the Brescian physician Girolamo Conforti described the methods of preparing sparkling wines produced in Franciacorta as 'mordacious' due to their slight froth. In addition, the legendary Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon, or his brethren, perfected bottle re-fermentation, a crucial step towards modern Champagne. They introduced stronger glass bottles and corks that could handle the internal pressure of the wine. These wines were sweet, made from concentrated musts.

The Italian Federico Martinotti, in 1895, developed the method for processing wines in containers, also known as the Charmat method, which became fundamental for the production of sparkling wines such as Prosecco.

Sparkling Wines Today: A Symbol of Cheerfulness

Today, sparkling wines are a feather in the cap of Italian and international oenology. They are ideal for celebrating special occasions but also for accompanying more informal events. The bubbles bring joy and liveliness to every moment.

The Production Methods of Sparkling Wines

The production of sparkling wines involves a refermentation of still wines to which sugar and yeast are added. The main methods include the Classical Method (Champenoise) and the Charmat Method (Martinotti).

Classical Method: This method, created by Dom Pérignon, involves re-fermentation in the bottle. The process begins with the selection and blending of base wines. The wine is bottled with a liqueur de tirage, consisting of wine, sugar, yeast and mineral substances. The yeasts transform the sugar into alcohol, carbon dioxide and aromas. After 'prise de mousse,' the wine ages on the lees for several months. This is followed by disgorgement to remove sediment, and finally, dosage with a dosing syrup.

Charmat Method: This method involves re-fermentation in stainless steel autoclaves. After assembling the cuvée, yeast and sugar are added. 

The Best Italian Sparkling Wines

Italy boasts a vast production of high-quality sparkling wines from different regions. From Trento DOC to Franciacorta, from Prosecco to Moscato d'Asti, these sparkling wines represent the art of Italian winemaking. Each region offers unique interpretations, using local grape varieties and different production techniques. xtraWine offers a selection of the best Italian and foreign sparkling wines at bargain prices, perfect for any occasion.