Sparkling wine: Sparkling wine on offer

For a special toast, there is nothing better than sparkling wine. Sparkling wines have been synonymous with aperitifs and celebrations for centuries, an injection of energy to remember the most important moments in our lives. But that's not all: the wide variety of flavours and types make sparkling wine suitable for consumption with meals of all kinds, from hors d'oeuvres to desserts. On xtraWine you can find a wide selection of sparkling and sparkling wines. In this section you can choose from numerous bottles guaranteed by quality awards such as Bibenda, AIS, Gambero Rosso, Hachette. The range of producers is really varied and manages to offer all the best appellations such as Prosecco, Trento DOC, Franciacorta, Lambrusco, Nebbiolo. The xtraWine sparkling wine proposal is varied both for the presence of the best vintages and for the very heterogeneous offer of tastes and dosages: sweet sparkling wines, Nature, Brut, Dry, Extra-Dry, Demi Sec. The choice is also very varied in terms of the method of ageing with or without the use of wood, in barriques, in large casks. The selection also differs according to the formats of 0.75 litre or 1.5 litre. The wines available on xtraWine come from all Italian regions such as Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, Lombardy and Piedmont. And that's not all; xtraWine also offers a rich selection of sparkling wines from producer regions in foreign countries: you can choose from the best French sparkling wines from the best production areas such as Burgundy and Languedoc-Roussillon; from Spain specifically Catalonia; from Austria; or from countries such as New Zealand and California (USA).

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.