The most famous champagne in the world. How to choose the best champagne (sparkling wine). Which champagne to choose for the New Year
Tests of household appliances are carried out in conditions as close as possible to the conditions of their use in everyday life.
The test program is formed by the Customer
The test results (expert assessment) characterize exclusively those specific samples that are presented in the tests (examination) and do not apply to similar products of these manufacturing companies (brands)
WHAT A GOOD CHAMPAGNE
AiF conducted an examination of the fizzy drink in Rostest-Moscow
Which semi-sweet champagne is better?
We bought 5 bottles of semi-sweet champagne produced in Russia and Ukraine and sent them for examination to the Rostest-Moscow Testing Center for Food Products and Food Raw Materials.
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Test reports th"Rostest-Moscow" |
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Name of semi-sweet |
Manufacturer. Price |
Proportion of ethyl |
Concentration |
Concentration |
Concentration of total sulfur dioxide, mg/dm3*** |
Concentration of the given extract, mg/dm3**** |
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"Abrau-Durso". |
Novorossiysk. | |||||
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"Lights of Moscow". |
Moscow. | |||||
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"Crimean |
Sevastopol, Ukraine. | |||||
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"Silver |
Artyomovsk, Ukraine. | |||||
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"Novosvetskoe" |
Artyomovsk, Ukraine. | |||||
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*Normal - 10-12.5; **norm - 5.5-8; ***norm - no more than 200; ****norm - no less than 16. |
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Everyone play!
Only white wine can be called champagne. And sparkling wines (which are often confused with champagne) can be white, rosé, or red. At the same time, the foamy properties of these drinks are ensured by the fact that carbon dioxide naturally appears in them during fermentation. If it is added artificially, it is a cheap drink! “Sparkling, that is, the presence of small bubbles, fountains and a beautiful white cap (mousse) in the glass, shows that the drink is of high quality,” explained the Rostest experts who conducted the study. The longest-lasting champagne was Novosvetskoye. And the bubbles from the “Crimean Sparkling” evaporated the fastest.
The next indicator is the concentration of sugars. We checked it to understand whether our samples correspond to the declared “semi-sweet” category. “Among winemakers it is believed that added sugar corrects the shortcomings of wine. That is why professionals especially value brut varieties, where there is very little sugar and its level corresponds to the grape variety from which the sparkling wine is made,” explains Roman Gaidashov, expert of the Public Control Programme, “Public Control”. By the way, if the manufacturer adds more sugar than necessary (sugar and cognac are added to wine to make champagne), the drink may not have time to ferment and the champagne will turn out tasteless. In all samples, the sugar concentration was normal. But we found the most sugar in the Novosvetskoe sparkling wine, and the least in Abrau-Durso.
Isn't it sour?
An important indicator of the quality of champagne is the mass concentration of titratable acids. It depends on how the technological process was followed during production. If the concentration is below normal, you have an unnatural low-grade wine. If it’s higher, it means the drink has gone bad. Among our subjects, all were within acceptable limits.
By the way, if you think that guilt - natural product without preservatives, then you are mistaken. When producing any wine, including champagne, preservatives can be added to prevent bacteria from growing in the bottle. “Sulfur dioxide is the oldest and, one might say, the most harmless of them,” says Roman Gaidashov. - Domestic producers, as a rule, do not exceed the norm, but foreign wines often contain more sulfur dioxide. The point is in more stringent limits: in Russia the norm is no more than 200 mg/dm³, in the West - no more than 300. In our samples, the manufacturer of Silver Age champagne turned out to be the most careful - he did not put a lot of preservative. But “Lights of Moscow” contained the most dioxide. True, the experts immediately rehabilitated him and noted that this sample pleased them with the price-quality-taste ratio.”
The fullness of the wine, its taste, bouquet and richness are determined, among other things, by the mass concentration of the given extract. This is exactly the “component” that depends on the raw material - grapes.
The higher the concentration, the fuller the taste of the drink. Typically, in champagne made from white grape varieties (white sparkling wines), this figure is close to the lower limit of the norm. But in red, full-bodied wines it is high. Among the bottles tested, Silver Age champagne has the fullest taste - the high price is justified. But the Novosvetskoe champagne has the same price, but the intensity is much less.
“In general, experts noted the decent quality of inexpensive champagne,” sums up Roman Gaidashov. “If you can’t afford a bottle from French cellars, don’t be upset - choose domestic.”
WAITER, CHAMPAGNE!!
“Never ask for champagne... It's vulgar. Only wine! The waiter should understand by your appearance that you only drink wine and champagne!” - according to the memoirs of a contemporary, V. Mayakovsky taught good manners. The poet knew what he was saying: champagne is not just good wine, but a kind of symbol. A sign of exclusivity and elitism. A sign of good taste and respectability.
“Not everyone likes it, not everyone can afford it... But there is no strength to overcome the desire to bark at the whole hall: “Man, champagne!” Know ours! - this is from V. Gilyarovsky’s book “Moscow and Muscovites”.
Well, how can one not remember: in the morning either aristocrats or degenerates drink champagne! Be that as it may, there are days, there are events (and there are many of them) when we cannot do without champagne. Regardless of whether we love him or not. Which one, let's say New Year without champagne?! Well, how can you not raise a foaming glass to the happiness of the newlyweds? Or for the health of the esteemed hero of the day? And with the wishes of seven feet under the keel, they break not vodka, not french cognac or whiskey - only champagne! Champagne is a holiday drink. This wine is already champagne!
Buying champagne must be approached responsibly. After all, it can decorate a holiday, or maybe, if not spoil it, then seriously darken it... Not champagne, of course, but a drink that you can easily buy in a champagne bottle. It will hiss for about five minutes with large bubbles and fizzle out, calm down forever and ever before the eyes of an astonished public. Soda!
Not everything is champagne that fizzes and foams! The first officially registered scam had a shameful place back in the reign of Nicholas I. A certain Krich, who arrived in Russia “not even for ranks and awards,” but with one goal - to get rich as quickly as possible, being in the position of director of the Crimean State School of Winemaking, without further ado over grape varieties and wine preparation techniques, launched trade in Crimean wine under the French “Roederer” label. For counterfeiting, as we would now qualify this act, the unscrupulous foreigner was expelled from Russia in disgrace by the Emperor, who was quick to punish him.
We'll talk about what real champagne is and how not to be deceived when buying it, as well as about Russian traditions in the production of sparkling wines
Champagne, according to international law, can only be called wine produced in France, in the province of Champagne. This is a white or pink sparkling wine, which is saturated with carbon dioxide during secondary fermentation and subsequent aging. When producing champagne, strict rules stipulated by the country's legislation for this category of wines are strictly observed, concerning, in particular, the system of pruning vines and harvesting grapes, and yield per hectare. The entire process from picking berries to bottling is under strict supervision of both the producers themselves and French regulatory organizations.
Three varieties of grapes are used to produce champagne wines: Chardonnay - white, Pinot Noir - red, Pinot Meunier - red. Champagne made only from the Chardonnay variety is called “white of whites.” If champagne is made from red grape varieties, then it is called “white from black”.
The grapes are harvested by hand, and unripe, damaged and rotten berries must be removed from the bunch with tongs. They are delivered for processing in special plastic baskets with holes in the bottom so that the grapes can “breathe” and the juice from damaged berries flows out and cannot be used for the production of champagne, since it inevitably oxidizes during transportation.
The premises where the presses are installed are built near the vineyards. Pressing is a very important moment. The main thing at this stage is to separate the skins and seeds from the must (grape juice) as quickly as possible, so that the coloring and tannins contained in the skins of red varieties do not get into it. Pressing occurs in several stages. As a result, two fractions of wort are obtained. The first is called cuvée. The best champagnes are made from cuvées: they are distinguished by their special sophistication, freshness and ability to live longer in the bottle.
The second fraction of the wort is called tai. The squeezed juice (wort) is kept for 12 hours at a low temperature. This is how it undergoes primary fermentation. This makes the base wine for champagne. Part of it is left in reserve, sent to be stored in large tanks at a temperature of 10°C under inert gas. This ensures maximum freshness of the wines until they are used in subsequent years. The other part is assembled (mixed) with wines from different regions of Champagne, different grape varieties (and we already know that there are three of them) and, most often, different harvest years. The most typical champagne is just such a mixture. It is based on wine from the new harvest plus reserve wines, that is, wines from previous harvests. Such an assemblage can include up to 200 wines. This makes Champagne fundamentally different from other wine regions in France, whose best wines almost always come from a single vineyard and are made from grapes from the same vintage.
The peculiarities of winemaking in Champagne are predetermined by climatic conditions. In this region, depending on the weather, wines from the same vineyard but from different years can differ beyond recognition. Grapes in Champagne rarely ripen completely, and the assemblage allows you to compensate for the shortcomings of the grapes of a particular vineyard.
The purpose of the assemblage is not only to disguise and level out shortcomings, but also to strive to ensure that the sum becomes better than any of its components. The master winemaker in Champagne is often compared to an artist, and the reserve wines he uses are compared to a palette. In especially successful years, producers produce mille-winter champagnes or vintage champagnes from grapes of the same vintage.
To achieve the typicality and recognition of the style of his champagne, the master winemaker conducts numerous tastings and mixing of wines, after which he begins assembling. After creating the assemblage mixture, the wine is bottled. Since the sugar content in it is usually less than 1 gram per liter, it is used to provoke During the second fermentation, a batch liqueur is added to the bottle, which consists of cane sugar, yeast and an additive containing gelatin or bentonite dissolved in the reserve wine.
Bottles are sealed with special “working” stoppers equipped with metal brackets. After capping, the bottles are placed in a horizontal position in the cellars. Under the influence of the batch liqueur in the bottle, secondary fermentation begins, lasting from one to two months.
This time, the carbon dioxide formed during the fermentation process cannot escape and begins to dissolve in the wine. From time to time, shake the bottles slightly so that the resulting sediment (yeast decomposition products) does not stick to the walls.
After fermentation is complete, the champagne begins to age on its lees for a long time. During this period, the bottles are not touched at all. It is the long aging on the lees that gives champagne sophistication, richness and complexity. By law, non-millesim champagnes must be aged for at least 15 months, and millezimal champagnes must be aged for at least three years.
At the end of aging, the next process begins - remuage. The essence of this operation is to reduce the resulting sediment to the plug. Traditionally, this operation is carried out on wooden music stands, reminiscent of a sliding ladder with two boards, in which holes are made at a certain angle, allowing the bottle to be given any angle of inclination. The bottles are first placed in a horizontal position, then daily rotated around their axis by 1/8, gradually tilting the neck downwards, gradually giving the bottle an almost vertical position. It is believed that the idea of remuage belonged to Madame Clicquot (whose name is named after one of the most famous champagnes), who for a long time was looking for a way to get rid of sediment in the bottle until she found an original solution by sacrificing the dining table, in which, on her orders, holes were made for bottles. Much later, tables were replaced by music stands, which took up much less space.
When the sediment collected on the plug is sufficiently compacted, the stage of disgorgement begins, that is, removal of the sediment. The neck of the bottle is placed in a coolant at -20°C, the sediment turns into ice and literally “shoots out” when the bottle is uncorked.
Before the bottle is finally sealed, dosage (or dosage) liqueur is added to it - sugar dissolved in wine, the amount of which varies depending on the type (from completely dry to sweet).
The champagne is sealed under strong pressure with a cork stopper, which is always marked with the champagne house marking. A metal cap is put on the cork, which protects it from chafing by the muzle - a wire structure that protects the cork from spontaneous flight.
The classic bottle champagne method is complex and labor-intensive, but guarantees high quality wine. Using this method, at the end of the 19th century they began to prepare champagne in Russia, in the Crimea, under the leadership of Prince Golitsyn, who is called the founder of the production of Russian champagne. Having deeply studied the winemaking of France, Golitsyn boldly set about organizing the production of champagne on his estate “New World” near Sudak, where he planted vineyards. First-class cellars were built according to his design.
After ten years of experiments in producing sparkling wines using the champagne method, in 1890 Golitsyn began industrial production of champagne. In 1896, Golitsyn champagne was featured at the ceremonial dinner during the coronation celebrations of Nicholas II. In the same year, Golitsyn organized the production of champagne wines in Abrau-Durso. In the spring of 1900, at the Paris World Exhibition, Lev Golitsyn presented Russia’s “New World” champagne from the 1899 edition. Russian champagne unanimously received recognition from experts and was awarded the highest award of the competition - the Silver Grand Prix Cup.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the founder of the production of “Soviet Champagne”, academician Frolov Bagreev, developed the acratophor champagne method, in which secondary fermentation is carried out in special metal tanks - acratophores, which reduced the duration technological process 30 times.
A variation of this method is the continuous champagne method, when the primary fermentation wine material is pumped through a system of 7-8 huge hermetically sealed tanks and turns into sparkling wine within 20 to 30 days. This is a cheaper, more affordable wine, but it meets the main, “generic” characteristic of sparkling wine: it is saturated with carbon dioxide in an absolutely natural way.
The bulk of the wine that we drink “in life”, calling it champagne, is produced using this simplified technology. Sparkling wines “champagne style” are produced in many countries. In Italy they are called “spumante”, in Spain - “cava”, in Germany - “sekt”... Sparkling wines produced using the “champagne method” are produced in all wine-producing provinces of France, but they are called “crema”. In our country “champagne” stuck. But we have to say goodbye to this name that we love so much. Alien Brand!
In 1997, Russia recognized the exclusive right of France to this trademark and committed itself not to use the designation “champagne” (as well as “cognac”) in the future. Russian drinks, going for export. Within 20-25 years, the name “champagne” should be replaced with “sparkling” in the domestic market. By implying champagne, we will drink sparkling wine!
These days, the sparkling wine market is large and diverse. True connoisseurs can, if funds allow, treat themselves to a bottle of real French Veuve Clicquot champagne...
Or Moet and Chandon. There are many other famous brands. To be honest, drinks of this class are not available to everyone. But this is not a reason for frustration if you are not driven by snobbery (“it must be French!”), but by a natural desire to provide yourself with gastronomic pleasure with wine of excellent quality. There are many worthy wines in the stores, made here or by our closest neighbors and sold, as they say, at our prices. Some of them still continue to be called champagne for the time being. Others assert themselves in the minds of consumers under the correct label “sparkling.”
Classic sparkling wine is produced by our "Abrau" Durso, "Novy Svet" in Crimea, "Artemovsky" in Ukraine, "Crikovo" in Moldova. Red sweet sparkling wine with a fruity aroma is produced according to the old Cossack method by the Tsimlyansky plant, located in the Rostov region.
Wineries located far from the climatic zones where grapes grow, use wine materials purchased in the south of Russia, Moldova, Spain, Italy, and Argentina.
Champagne has a very subtle, unique bouquet and taste. The color is light straw or golden with a greenish tint. Alcohol content no more than 12.5%. The smaller the bubbles, the longer they play in the glass, reminiscent of rosary beads or a string of beads, the better the quality of the wine.
Left in an uncorked bottle overnight, real sparkling wine will not fizzle out, will not calm down, and will continue to play in the morning. When purchasing, carefully study the information on the label, which should indicate the manufacturer, its address and trademark of the enterprise, as well as the designation of the taste characteristics: from absolutely dry to sweet.
Without reading the label, you run the risk of purchasing, at best, sparkling wine instead of champagne, or at worst, a flavored sparkling drink made from alcohol, water, sugar, flavoring, which is artificially saturated with carbon dioxide. At the same time, the prices are as if it were really champagne, and not a liquid that promises heartburn.
It happens that on the label, cleverly made in the familiar style of “Soviet champagne”, it is written in large letters - “Soviet semi-sweet”, and on the back label, which not everyone bothers to read, - “Semi-sweet carbonated wine”. “Sparkling” is not “Sparkling”. Probably everyone understands that this is not the same thing, but in a hurry and due to lack of experience, you can not read it carefully and buy artificially carbonated sparkling wine instead of noble sparkling wine. Fizzybrew!
If you bought real champagne, you should know:
Champagne is usually served at a temperature of 8-10 ° C, which best contributes to the perception of the aroma and taste of the drink. To cool the wine, you can put it in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for about an hour, or use a special ice bucket to cool it. It is not recommended to store champagne in the refrigerator for more than two days - the cold kills the aroma and flavor of the drink. In general, champagne should not be stored for more than 2-3 years: the quality is lost. Champagne glasses should be washed with cold water without any detergents.
Oh, this is champagne! Drink of royalty and aristocrats.
Subtle and sparkling, slightly intoxicating to the mind and awakening the emotional senses. This is what we will be talking about in this article!
Choosing champagne as a gift, at first glance, may seem like a simple matter, because champagne is sold in any store and is presented in a wide range. But this is only at first glance. If you delve deeper into the topic of production, study the technology and varietal component, questions may arise regarding its choice. Thanks to a competent approach to choosing a gift, the result will not take long to arrive. 13 sommelier tips will come in handy!
At the beginning of the article I would like to say a few words about the fact that real great champagne is produced only on the unique chalk and limestone soils of the Champagne region. There are no such soils anywhere in the world! It is this drink that can bear the proud name of champagne, and everything else is essentially sparkling wine.
Classics of the genre are the key to success, or briefly about
the main thing
The main rule when buying champagne is to know the method of its production. A self-respecting producer never violates age-old traditions and classic technologies for producing sparkling wine. Only the method of secondary fermentation in a bottle, with elements of manual labor called remuage and disgorgement, can serve as a 100% guarantee of quality.
Real champagne is made only in the Champagne region. It was so many centuries ago, it is so and it will always be so. The famous champagne is very expensive! Look for the name on the label « a sparkling wine » , and remember that the price of a good sparkling wine starts from 600 rubles.
Champagne must have a minimum amount of residual sugar and must be brut or at least dry. Blanc de Blanc is cool and means the white-on-white method, while Blanc de Noir refers to the method of producing white champagne from red grapes with white flesh. Interesting, isn't it?
Note to the average person: No country in the world considers it permissible to write the word “champagne” on the label of its sparkling wine. The only exception is Russia.
"Bubbles" do not guarantee quality.
What should you not give?
When choosing champagne as a gift, do not stop your gaze on the product located on the shelves at the so-called “eye level”. Usually there is an economy segment product that is not suitable as a gift. Neither the shape of the bottle, nor the cork stopper, nor the notorious bubbles in the drink serve as a guarantee of quality in this situation.
The recipient, if desired, can buy it himself. The category of such “sparkling wines” includes factories RISP, MKSHV(Moscow city) DZIV(Derbent), some factories in St. Petersburg, Krasnodar Territory and others. The price of such drinks belongs to the budget category and does not exceed 200 rubles.
These sparkling wines undoubtedly can and should be consumed in a friendly company, during a wedding feast or a fun evening party. However, for a gift they are too “weak” in their internal content, since they were made not using classical technology (secondary fermentation method in a bottle), but using the so-called acratophoric method (fermentation method in a vat). It is unlikely that a bottle of such a drink will please the hero of the occasion. But joy is the main goal of any gift.
Champagne or sparkling wine? Key Similarities
and differences
Wines are divided into still and sparkling. This law cannot be argued with. Champagne is nothing more than sparkling wine. It is important to consider production technology here. In addition to classic sparkling wines, you can find carbonated wine drinks on store shelves. A striking example of such a drink is the beloved "Bosco" at a price from 250 to 300 rubles (manufacturing country - Lithuania, Russia, Italy).
Another example is the wonderful Lambrusco, which belongs to the category of pearl wines (producing country - Italy), the price varies from 250 to 800 rubles, depending on the manufacturer. Tasty and sweet, low-grade Lambrusco is liked by many young girls and women. But don’t chase a low price - good Lambrusco cannot be cheap!
Remember that neither Bosco nor Lambrusco are examples of sparkling wines and are produced using completely different technology!
Read the label and back label carefully. Many manufacturers, in the race for sales volumes, are disingenuous and write the following: Labrusco, Lambrusco. This is a so-called marketing ploy and is not punishable by law. The main thing to remember is that this product has nothing in common with real Italian.
You can buy such wines in almost any store. It is likely that such a gift would be suitable for a visit or for a modest romantic date. It is better to refrain from presenting such drinks to the hero of the day or a high-ranking official, so as not to get into a delicate situation.
Russia and its centuries-old traditions
Let's be patriots of our Fatherland and start our rating of champagne wines with a Russian producer. Since pre-revolutionary times, Russian winemakers have tried to produce decent sparkling wines. Historical evidence of this is Prince Golitsyn, who is considered the founder and progenitor of the glorious Russian winemaking.
As a gift for a reasonable price you can buy sparkling wine from a popular producer "Abrau Durso". You should pay attention to its endurance. It is this that determines the final price of the product. Choose vintage options in gift boxes. The price for 0.75 liters of goods is from 1,800 rubles. Do you think it's expensive? It's actually worth it!
Factory New World produces classic, aged, sparkling wines produced in compliance with all rules. The assortment line is widely represented in the branded stores of Crimean winemakers. The aging of wines ranges from 9 months to 3 years, which significantly affects the price. Champagne can have different sugar content, white, pink and red. Only seasoned versions of it are suitable as a gift. For such a gift you will have to pay from 1,000 to 2,500 rubles.
With the right approach, any buyer will be able to buy excellent and high-quality “champagne” as a gift from TD "Fanagoria". For example, at a price of 500 rubles.
How much sugar should you put?
The correct sparkling wine or, as we used to call it, champagne should be brut or dry. Only the most fermented sugar allows you to enjoy the true taste of the contents. The presence of sugar suggests that it may be used to smooth out defects; such “champagne” does not leave a harmonious aftertaste.
Brut or dry is an ideal aperitif, but sweet or semi-sweet are only suitable for dessert.
When choosing a gift, you should still take into account the preferences of the hero of the occasion. If a person does not like acidity, then it is better to present him with sweeter versions of sparkling wines. The best gift will be the well-known Italian sparkling wines produced in the small province of Asti, which is geographically located in the world-famous Piedmont region. These sparkling wines are made from the famous Muscat grape variety. Thanks to him they are so tasty and rich. Look for the letters DOCG on the front and back labels. Their presence indicates that you have in your hands true, sweet, nutmeg gold originally from Piedmont.
The best seller in this category is undoubtedly Italian sparkling wine "Mondoro Asti". Many people recognize it by its original bottle, which has a screw, spiral shape. Retail price for 0.75 liters is from 1,250 rubles. But don't confuse Asti with Mondoro Brut, as it is a completely different story.
Undoubtedly, for a sweet tooth lover they will be a good gift. « Asti Martini" And « Asti Cinzano». These drinks occupy second and third places in the market for sales of sparkling sweet and semi-sweet wines, and are not much inferior in quality to their more expensive brother, Mondoro. Their price on the shelf is approximately 850-900 rubles. There are often promotional discounts on such products. Sparkling wine is sold in convenience stores and is a product of mass demand.
France – Pretentious and expensive
Do you want to follow French fashion and be in trend, as modern youth say? Do you want to deliberately emphasize the significance of your gift and have a tidy sum of money at your disposal? Then feel free to go to a wine boutique or look at the top shelves of reputable stores. In ordinary stores that are located in the courtyard and belong to the economy class category (for example, the Magnit chain of stores), such sparkling wines are not sold.
We are talking about France and its incomparable champagne wines. The Champagne region is the best in the world and offers the buyer a choice of champagne in several categories. Category AOC indicates that the wine is especially controlled by origin (literal translation: appellation original control). The other two categories are of higher quality and are called Grand Cru And Premier Cru, respectively read as great and first.
An unmistakable gift option can be "Veuve Clicquot" And Moet & Chandon ". These trading houses are among the top five global brands. The price for 1 bottle of such champagne varies from 5,500 rubles and depends on the trade markup and design option (for example, an iron tube is more expensive).
An excellent gift for a sophisticated gourmet will be millesim champagne, which is produced from the best grape harvest, hand-picked in one calendar year. Excellent quality dictates the high price of such a drink. It can reach more than 10 thousand rubles. and even 20 thousand rubles. for 0.75 liters.
Famous Dom Perignon The 2006 harvest is estimated at 18,000 rubles per bottle.
There are also completely rare exclusive names of champagne wines. Awesome "Crystal"- every collector's dream. The minimum price of such liquid gold starts from 22,000 rubles.
Italy – sparkling traditions
One of the leaders in the supply of sparkling wines to the world market and a competitor to France is sunny Italy. The aforementioned region of Asti gives the world sparkling wines with a high content of natural sugar. To select the dry and brut category, the well-known product is universally suitable Prosecco, produced from the grape variety of the same name. It has two quality categories - DOC And DOCG. Both categories indicate that the wine is particularly controlled by origin, and the letter G indicates a higher quality guarantee.
In addition to Prosecco, Italy is also famous for other sparkling wines made from various varieties of red and white grapes. They are not particularly popular among consumers and can most likely be purchased only by special order in an online store or in a specialized wine boutique. It contains decent quality and is made in the Piedmont region from a rather rare white grape variety, Nebbiolo. The price for 0.75 liters cannot be called budget - from 5,300 rubles.
Spain – quality in a glass
Every self-respecting country, one way or another, produces sparkling wines. Spain is known for its tannic red wines from the Rioja region. Not many buyers know that one of the best examples of sparkling wines is Spanish Kava. It comes in white or pink and combines the best champagne traditions. Cava is produced using the traditional classical method and guarantees excellent quality at a reasonable price (compared to the Champagne region). Shelf price – from 700 rubles and above.
Sparkling wines of the New World
The countries of the New World include Chile, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina. If we talk about Chile, then this country offers both white, pink and red types of sparkling wines to the Russian market. Among others, you can find sweeter options.
For a gift to a lovely lady you can choose "Fresita, gift box" sparkling rose, sweet costing from 1,300 rubles per 0.75 liter.
For a drier option, opt for Conchay Toro, « Sunrise» Sparkling Brut. Its price is quite affordable and amounts to 600-650 rubles, and you don’t have to worry about the quality. Both options are presented in a gift box, which is very important for a gift.
Give high-quality alcohol, and let the recipient be delighted!
The famous publicist and wine expert Elin McCoy spoke about champagne that is definitely worth its money.
Most champagne houses have absolutely outstanding wines, but this does not mean that you should buy any expensive bottle of sparkling wine.
In October, I stood on the terrace of a luxury penthouse in Chelsea with a glass of champagne in my hand. On this day, the incredible 2009 Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne debuted in the United States. The wine matched the look perfectly and I happily finished every drop.
Just so you know, today Cristal has become the favorite drink of rappers, but once upon a time, in 1876, this tête de cuvée, that is, a wine of the highest class, was created for the Russian Emperor Alexander II. Most Champagne wine houses, from the famous Moët to the lesser-known Jacques Selosse, offer customers at least one wine of this level, and it usually costs exorbitantly - from $150 per bottle to infinity.
The world is full of good sparkling wines, take for example Italian prosecco or many other drinks made to the highest standards. different technologies. Is this terribly expensive champagne worth the money? Do not doubt. Let humanity go to hell - as long as there are these amazing wines in the world, it is not hopeless.
What are you paying for? These wines use the best grape varieties from the best vineyards (“grand cru” and “premier cru”), then the wine is aged for years in cold cellars with chalk deposits (which gives the drink a more complex taste and aroma). And besides, of course, for uniqueness and prestige.
The recent fashion for viewing Champagne as an investment has sparked a wave of "limited edition" and "special edition" collectible wines. Champagne houses are unashamedly exploiting the market situation, packing bottles in velvet boxes and ordering label designs from famous avant-garde artists.
However, you shouldn’t overpay for packaging and big words - a true connoisseur is interested in the contents of the bottle. For example, you can buy a 2002 Cristal Gold Medallion Jeroboam in a 24-karat gold mesh for 17-22 thousand dollars. And four regular bottles of the same wine will cost only $1,200 - and the taste will still be delicious.
However, if funds allow, you can find a diamond-trimmed bottle of Goût de Diamants, introduced three years ago - the wine is no longer produced, but it can still be bought for $1.8 million.
The best luxury champagne brands are characterized by style rather than quality, and each champagne house has its own unique style. A wine made entirely from Chardonnay will be light and elegant, while a wine made primarily from Pinot Noir will be full, rich and distinctive.
For some reason, rose wines always cost more. They are indeed a little more difficult to produce (most producers add a little red wine to the blend), but this does not justify the 30 percent extra charge.
But to enjoy the refined taste of these wines, you should forget about the standard champagne glass. Krug has created a unique crystal glass called the Joseph - a cross between a champagne flute and a white wine glass, but in practice any tulip-shaped glass will do.
So, the best sparkling wines in the world.
1. Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Brut 2004
The wine was created in 1935 - this is the first brand of champagne made from a single grape variety grown on a steep chalk slope. This is a striking wine: powerful and rich, with lively energy and flavors of lemon zest, pear, hazelnut and mint. For such quality it is very inexpensive.
Price: 10−13 thousand rubles.
2. Bruno Paillard Extra Brut N.P.U. (Nec Plus Ultra) 2003
3. Clos Lanson Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006
The House of Lanson released this wine quite recently. It is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes harvested from a 1-hectare vineyard located right within the city of Reims, famous for its cathedral - 7,870 bottles in total. The taste is elegant and brightly fruity, with complex mineral notes.
Price: 13 thousand rubles.
4. Louis Roederer Cristal 2009
This is the last vintage from the house's own vineyards to date.
Louis Roederer; many of them are farmed according to the ideas of biodynamics - it's like organic farming, but with additional esoteric considerations. This is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from seven grand cru villages with a satiny texture and fine, delicate bubbles.
Price: 13-16 thousand rubles.
5. Taittinger Collection Champagne 2008
Despite the Taittinger label, the bottle actually contains Comtes de Champagne, a pure chardonnay champagne. However, this is one of the most affordable collectible sparkling wines: the taste is light, elegant and crisp, and the bottle was designed by Brazilian photographer Sebastiano Salgado.
Price: 13-20 thousand rubles.
6. Dom Pérignon Rose 2005
In October, I attended the first American tasting of this blend from the latest Dom Pérignon vintage. Oenologist (that is, a scientist who studies wine) Vincent Chaperon says that this wine uses extremely high quality pinot noir grapes. As a result, the taste is so complex that the wine seems 20 years old.
Price: 22 thousand rubles.
7. Piper-Heidsieck Rare Rose 2007
This champagne house, which was bought by the French company EPI, which produces luxury goods, is usually underestimated, and in vain. This year they released their first rosé from the 2011 vintage. This is the pink version of their sparkly Rare champagne. This is a spicy and rich wine with a hint of pomegranate, strawberry flavors and an exotic smoky note.
This bright, clean wine is made from grapes harvested from a small walled vineyard in the heart of the Chardonnay growing region. In my opinion, it is much better than the champagne of the same manufacturer made from pinot noir - Clos d'Ambonnay. The taste is complex and clear, with an aroma of warm spices, citrus and white flowers.
Price: 50−70 thousand rubles.
10. Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2002
This is the only wine on the list that is difficult to obtain. It is made from pinot noir grapes harvested from very old vines in two small vineyards. The taste is very rich and strong, with layers of refined fruit, smoke and dried flowers, with a long, long finish.
Price: 64−96 thousand rubles.
The study involved semi-sweet sparkling wine (champagne) of 56 brands from Russia, Abkhazia, Georgia, Italy, France and Ukraine. The cost of the bottle at the time of purchase ranged from 150 to 6121 rubles.
The samples were checked for 30 quality and safety parameters, including the concentration of carbon and sulfur dioxide isotopes, compliance of the drink composition with labeling, compliance with sugar content requirements and ethyl alcohol. The experts also discussed the organoleptic characteristics, bouquet and taste of the drinks.
For those products that received different interpretations from experts during the first round of tests, a repeat study was conducted. Roskoshestvo gathered industry experts - certified specialists in the field of sparkling wines - and conducted additional tests.
Manufacturers rating
According to the results of the study, the products of the following brands were recognized as the best:
gold standard
Lev Golitsyn
Moskovskoe
Moscow Elite
Russian champagne
Saint Petersburg
Chateau Taman
- "Gold standard";
- "Lev Golitsyn"
- "Moskovskoe";
- "Moscow Elite";
- "Premium";
- "Russian champagne";
- "Saint Petersburg";
- "Chateau Taman";
- Marleson.
The test results debunked the popular myth that domestic champagne is worse than imported champagne. All nine of the best samples were made in Russia. After checking the production, all brands were awarded the Russian Quality Mark.
The outsiders include 11 brands of champagne produced in violation of the requirements of the technical regulations of the Customs Union and the law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights.” These are products manufactured under the following brands:
Venecian mask
Zolotaya Balka
Crimean sparkling
Russian champagne
Rostov Gold
Soviet Champagne
Stavropolskoe
Tsimlyanskoye
Madame Pompadour
Sandiliano Desser Grand Cuvee (Italy)
- "Venecian mask";
- "Golden beam";
- "Crimean sparkling";
- "Russian champagne";
- "Rostov Gold";
- "Firework";
- "Soviet champagne";
- "Stavropol";
- "Tsimlyanskoe";
- Madame Pompadour;
- Sandiliano Desser Grand Cuvee (Italy).
During the research, it was discovered that some of the manufacturers added carbon dioxide to the drink, essentially passing off ordinary “fizzy” wine as sparkling wine.
One of the samples (Madame Pompadour) revealed an excess of the permissible content of sulfur dioxide, a toxic substance that in high doses can cause suffocation, poisoning and headaches.
In the Crimean Sparkling champagne and Sandiliano Desser Grand Cuvee, the declared volume of ethyl alcohol does not correspond to reality. During laboratory studies, it was also revealed that in champagne under the trademarks “Venetian Mask”, “Zolotaya Balka”, “Rostovskoye Zolotoye”, “Stavropolskoye” and “Tsimlyanskoye” (semi-sweet white) the mass concentration of the extract responsible for the rich taste of the drink is below the level specified in GOST.
How to choose champagne
Wine or lemonade?
If you want to purchase real wine, look for the names “sparkling wine” or “Russian champagne” on the product label. There is none of them? With a high degree of probability, you took the so-called “ wine drink carbonated."
“They (drinks - editor’s note), as a rule, have beautiful “foreign” names, reminiscent of Italian wine brands. The same shape of the bottle, beautiful multi-colored foil and a cork with a wire mesh. It can smell like anything - from peach to strawberry. They only have a very distant relationship with classic sparkling wine,” says Ilya Loevsky, deputy head of Roskachestvo, curator of the project “ Wine guide Russia."
The value of the “fizzy drink” is questionable even at its low price. This drink can be made at home using a siphon, grape juice, alcohol and water.
Question of price
The cost of sparkling wine made from Russian grapes starts from 300 rubles (about 200 during the promotion). Even in this “budget” price category you can find very good drinks from local large producers.
Look for the words “wine of protected geographical indication” and “wine of protected appellation of origin” on the label. This is a guarantee that the drink is made from grapes grown in Russia in a specific region - by law it must be indicated in the labeling.
The inscription PGI - it can be found not only on the label, but also on a special federal stamp - serves as confirmation of payment of a preferential excise tax on this wine (on wines from Russian grapes it is now lower, which also helps make the wine cheaper on the shelf).
To produce wine in large quantities, grapes can be harvested not by hand, but by special combines. This also reduces costs and makes the finished product cheaper.
What do we pay for
According to technology, sparkling wines undergo two stages of fermentation. The yeast converts the grape sugar into alcohol, then the “liquor liqueur” is added to it, and the second stage of fermentation begins.
Wines produced from Russian grapes using the classical method (the drink goes through a second stage of fermentation and aging in the bottle) are much more expensive - their price starts from 1,500 rubles.
Only wine produced using the classical method and aged in a bottle for at least two years can be called “collectible”.
How to serve champagne correctly
Sparkling wines are cooled to 6-9 degrees before serving. Expensive collection wines can be cooled to 10 degrees. This temperature regime helps to fully reveal the complex aroma of the drink.
Inexpensive wines with residual sugar are drunk ice-cold, that is, kept in a bucket of ice. Just don't fill it with cubes all the way to the top. It is better to fill a third of the volume with ice and 2/3 with cold water.
Champagne is a favorite holiday drink, without which no celebration or significant event can take place. New Year's table It’s hard to imagine without a bottle of sparkling wine, which has become a good tradition to uncork at the chimes. This is an indispensable attribute of any holiday: a few sips of this enchanting drink will help make any celebration unforgettable.
What is the secret of the success of this drink, and what is the best Russian champagne to choose, you will learn from our article.
No celebration is complete without champagne
What you need to know about champagne before buying
The classic recipe for making sparkling wine belongs to the winemakers of the French town of Champagne, in whose honor the drink got its name. The method of secondary fermentation directly in the bottle formed the basis of production.
Careful selection of raw materials and special requirements for growing grapes is the key unique taste and aroma of the finished product.
Most often, any carbonated drink is called champagne, but this is far from true. According to winemaking standards, only wine that is produced using special technology can bear this proud name.
Manufacturers offer a huge selection of champagne for every taste.
Based on sugar content, the main types can be distinguished:
- brut;
- semi-dry;
- semi-sweet.
Our compatriots prefer sweet and semi-dry sparkling wines. In the homeland of champagne, France, dry wine is the standard of taste; according to aesthetes, only brut has a unique bouquet and exquisite taste.
Champagne originated from France
Traditionally, champagne is a white wine; beige-yellow shades in a light range are allowed; if red wine is added during blending, the color of the sparkling wine becomes pink.
Somehow it is estimated that one bottle contains about 250 million bubbles.
In restaurants, in order to enhance the process of releasing bubbles, wine glasses are pre-rubbed with cotton napkins. Cellulose particles remaining on the inside walls of glasses contribute to the formation and persistence of bubbles.
How to choose the right drink
When purchasing champagne, use your taste preferences and experience. In addition, it’s a good idea to know a few secrets and pay attention to them when purchasing.
Price
This is one of the main indicators of a quality product. Remember that good wine cannot be cheap. The production process includes costs that are reflected in the cost of the finished product.
The price of sparkling wine depends on many factors
Bottle
It is better to pay attention to dark containers that do not allow light to pass through. If champagne is kept in the light for a long time, it loses its taste and acquires a bitter aftertaste. Dark bottles prevent this and preserve the properties of the drink.
Label
Must be of factory quality, in no case glued by hand. It must contain all information about the product: name, composition, place and date of production. Make sure that the label contains the name “sparkling wine” and not the drink. It is better to avoid options that contain dyes, flavors and other additives that are not typical for this drink.
Cork
Self-respecting manufacturers use natural materials to make corks; unlike rubber and plastic ones, they do not affect the taste and quality of the drink.
If it is not possible to purchase elite champagne, opt for a proven example of the mid-price segment of Russian production.
Sparkling wine from domestic producers
Rating of the most delicious champagnes
In order to determine which champagne is the best, Roskontrol specialists offer a rating of quality sparkling wines.
Research shows that there are decent domestically produced products on the market that meet high standards. Among them are champagne wines not only of premium class, but also of the mid-price segment. We bring to your attention the top Russian champagne, which will help you make your choice.
The best champagne is presented in our rating:
INKERMAN
This type of champagne has and is distinguished by containing the largest number of bubbles in the glass. It has a balanced taste with pronounced berry shades.
Anniversary
This drink comes in a raspberry hue and a fruity berry aroma. The Yubileiny winery uses Kuban grape varieties in its production.
FANAGORIA
This sparkling wine has a clear consistency, bright taste and a sweet, fruity aftertaste.
Kuban-Vino
Experts appreciated the shade of the drink and its taste characteristics. It clearly has a floral-fruity flavor with a long fruity aftertaste.
ZB
Sparkling wine is produced from selected grapes grown on Crimean soil. Fruity and nutmeg shades are immediately felt after opening the bottle. The taste contains hints of floral honey and ripe fruit.
Chateau Tamagne
The sparkling wine of this brand is golden-straw in color, with abundant bubble formation. Rich aroma with nutmeg notes, sweet and balanced taste.
Abrau-Durso
Roskachestvo experts put this champagne in a leading position. The range of products of this plant is designed for a wide range of consumers: elite drinks are presented in the premium class segment, and young wines are also available on the shelves at an affordable price.
Bosca
The main difference between the champagnes of this manufacturer is the combination of price and quality. There are up to 14 types of this drink on store shelves. Affordable prices and a wide range ensure the products' continued popularity.
You learned which champagne is the best in Russia from the rating presented to your attention. According to consumers, Abrau Durso was recognized as the best producer of sparkling wine.
