The ABC’s of Sparkling Wine and the Champagne Method

December 10, 2024
ABCs of Sparkling Wine and the Champagne Method Image

what is sparkling wine?

Sparkling wine is one of the most captivating creations in the world of winemaking. From its signature effervescence to the artistry of its production, sparkling wine is a celebration in a glass. In celebration of SAMsARA’s first sparkling wine release, let’s dive into the ABCs of sparkling wine—unveiling the Champagne method, its French terminology, and what makes our sparkling wine truly unique.  

The traditional Méthode Champenoise is considered the gold standard for crafting sparkling wine. This method requires exceptional climatic conditions to produce grapes perfectly suited for sparkling wine production. Remarkably, the Sta. Rita Hills is one of the few regions outside of Champagne capable of growing grapes with the same impeccable balance required for this method.

How Sparking Wine Is Made

Cépage (Grape Selection)

The foundation of every great sparkling wine starts with the grapes. The Champagne method traditionally uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. For our sparkling wine, we utilized 100% Chardonnay from the organically farmed Spear Vineyard.  Harvesting grapes that balance freshness, acidity, and character, ensures a vibrant and elegant base wine.  

Primary Fermentation

The journey begins with fermenting the grape juice into a dry, still wine. What makes our sparkling wine unique is that we barrel-ferment this base wine. This step imparts depth and complexity, enhancing the texture and adding subtle layers of flavor.  Only a select few of the highest-quality sparkling wines in the world are produced through barrel fermentation.

Assemblage (Blending)

Before secondary fermentation, wines from different vineyards or vintages are blended to create a balanced cuvée. This stage is an art form, where the winemaker crafts the wine’s flavor profile.  Our wine takes the approach of Growers Champagne and celebrates a singularity of grape, site, and vineyard.

Tirage (Bottling with Yeast and Sugar)

The still wine is bottled with a mixture of yeast and sugar, known as the liqueur de tirage. This triggers the secondary fermentation inside the bottle, creating the iconic bubbles.  

En Tirage (Aging on the Lees)

After fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees—dead yeast cells—for an extended period. This process, known as en tirage, develops the wine’s creamy texture, rich aroma, and nutty flavors. Our sparkling wines rest en tirage for 14 months, ensuring unparalleled complexity and refinement.  

Remuage (Riddling)

The bottles are gradually turned and tilted to coax the lees into the neck of the bottle. This precise, time-honored process ensures clarity and brilliance.  

Disgorgement (Removing the Lees)

Once the lees are gathered in the neck, the bottle is chilled, and the sediment is removed in a process called disgorgement. This leaves the sparkling wine beautifully clear and ready for finishing.  

Dosage

Before sealing the bottle, a small amount of sweetened wine, called the liqueur d’expédition, is added. This helps balance the acidity of the finished wine.  Our sparkling wines are crafted with a delicate touch and gentle dosage of 4g/L equivalent to an extra-brut Champagne.

What Makes SAMsARA Sparkling Wine Unique?  

While the traditional method provides a solid framework, we’ve added our own signature touches:

  • Barrel Fermentation of the Base Wine: By fermenting the base wine in barrels, we introduce richness and subtle oak nuances that elevate the flavor profile.
  • Extended Aging: Longer aging on the lees deepens complexity, yielding a wine that is elegant, creamy, and layered.
  • Cépage Precision: We meticulously choose our grapes to achieve perfect harmony, ensuring every bottle embodies finesse and vibrancy.  

Celebrate the Sparkle  

Each bottle of our sparkling wine is the result of countless hours of craftsmanship, science, and passion. From Cépage to Dosage, every step plays a vital role in creating the final masterpiece. The Champagne method is more than a process—it’s a tradition that transforms grapes into something extraordinary.  

Raise a glass of our first vintage and toast to the artistry of sparkling wine—crafted with care, celebrated with joy, and enjoyed in every bubbly sip.