Sparkling Vouvray is a unique and delightful style of wine that is produced in the Vouvray region of the Loire Valley in France. It is made from the Chenin grape, which is known for its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of wine styles. Sparkling Vouvray, also known as Vouvray Mousseux, is made using the traditional method, also known as the Champagne method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle.
The process of making sparkling Vouvray begins with the harvest of the Chenin grapes, which typically takes place in the early autumn. The grapes are carefully hand-picked to ensure that only the highest quality fruit is used for the wine. The grapes are then pressed to extract the juice, which is fermented in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels to preserve the fresh and fruity flavors of the Chenin grape.
After the initial fermentation, the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle. This is achieved by adding a mixture of sugar and yeast, known as the liqueur de tirage, to the base wine. The bottle is then sealed with a crown cap or cork and placed in a cool cellar, where the second fermentation takes place. During this time, the yeast converts the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, creating the bubbles that give sparkling Vouvray its effervescence.
The length of time that the wine spends undergoing the second fermentation can vary, but it is typically at least nine months. During this time, the wine develops complex flavors and aromas, and the bubbles become fine and persistent. The wine is then aged on its lees, or dead yeast cells, for a period of time to further enhance its flavors and textures.
Once the aging process is complete, the bottles are carefully riddled, or turned, in order to collect the sediment in the neck of the bottle. This is done by gradually rotating the bottles and gradually tilting them upside down over a period of weeks or months. Once the sediment has collected in the neck, the bottles are quickly frozen and the crown cap or cork is removed. The pressure in the bottle ejects the frozen plug of sediment, leaving the wine clear and ready for consumption.
Sparkling Vouvray can vary in style, from dry to off-dry to sweet, depending on the amount of residual sugar in the grapes at harvest time. This makes it a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or paired with a wide range of foods. Its crisp acidity and lively bubbles make it a refreshing and enjoyable drink, perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
In my personal experience, I have had the pleasure of tasting several sparkling Vouvray wines and have been consistently impressed by their quality and complexity. The combination of the Chenin grape and the traditional method of production results in wines that are elegant, vibrant, and full of character. Whether enjoyed as a standalone wine or paired with food, sparkling Vouvray is a delightful choice that never fails to impress.