There are five ways to make a "sparkling wine".*! Since sparkling wines were first introduced (starting in the mid 1500’s), several processes have been developed and each result in a unique sub-style of sparkling wine. There five methods for making Sparkling wine: Traditional, Transfer, Charmat/Tank, Asti and Carbonated Methods
The Charmat Method? It is named after one of the people that helped create this method, but not the original inventor, it was first created and patented by Federico Martinotti, an Italian in 1895, but the method was later improved and patented by the French inventor Eugène Charmat in 1907, it is from him that we get the name Charmat Method.
This isn’t the only name that refers to Charmat Method, in Italy they will sometimes call it Metodo Martinotti, so as to give credit to the Italian, rather than the Frenchman, it can also be called Bulk Method, Tank Method & Cuve Close. *2 It has at times been known as the "Tank" method
The Charmat Method method is quicker than the Traditional (Champagne) Method, where Prosecco can be created in months, Champagne takes upwards of over a year.
This method also creates more fruity notes which appeals more to the younger drinker out there.
As the process is quicker than the Traditional Method, bottles can be placed on the shelves for a cheaper price, in turn, means more people will be likely to purchase a bottle or two.
The method is widley associated with Prosecco. There are five steps to this method.
1 The wine undergoes its primary fermentation in stainless steel vats, this creates a fruity still wine with low alcohol.
2 The wine is put into a stainless steel tank called the autoclave, to undergo its secondary fermentation, a mixture of yeast and sugar is then added which is called tirage to induce the secondary fermentation, this fermentation process will last between 3 to 12 months, it is also when the bubbles appear and it becomes Sparkling Wine.
3The Wine is then cooled to stop fermentation and filtered into another tank, this removes the dead yeast cells called lees.
4 This is the time where more sugar can be added, if you choose to add sugar it is called dosage, this will determine how sweet the wine is going to be.
5 The wine is bootled under presuure.
One major producer in Nova Scotia Canada L"Acadie Vineyards Foie de Virve:
"Charmat method is a famous Italian sparkling style of second fermentation occurring in specialized pressure tanks to produce natural bubbles the same way that Prosecco is made. This complements our diverse Traditional Method sparkling portfolio and offers a new sparkling that is fresh, vibrant, fruity, and dry.
Lees stirring for four months in charmat tank and finished with a higher dosage (8.5 g/l) than our Prestige Brut but still to the customary brut style."
Lightfoot & Wolfville winery also in Nova Scota produces Sparkling wines using the Charmat Method.
Reviews by Rick VanSickle
AMO Pinot Grigio Sparkling 2021 ($35, 90 points) — As with all the grapes harvested at AMO, there are at least two picks to ensure both acidity and ripeness in the wines. Both sparkling wines made in the charmat method are finished at Ridgepoint Estate Winery (shout out to Ramsey Kahriallah). It shows a soft effervescence in the glass with a bright nose of melon, tropical fruits, peaches, apple skin and citrus zest with a lovely saline edge. It’s more vigorous on the palate with a melange of ripe orchard fruits, guava, lemon zest and a vibrant, fresh finish.
AMO Sparkling Rosé 2021 ($29, 91 points) — This is made as above in the charmat method and is a blend of Cabernet Franc with a bit of Riesling and Pinot Gris. It shows a delicate bubble in the glass with fresh red berries, subtle herbs, and citrus/lime zest. It has electric acidity on the palate and an elegant bead with brambly red berries, herbs, and a vibrant, fresh finish. Delicious!
The Foreign Affair Brut Rosé Sparkling NV ($25, 89 points) — A smartly priced charmat style blend of Riesling with a bit of Gamay and Malbec (mostly for colour). It’s bright and lively on the nose with persistent effervescence and plenty of citrus, apple, and red/dark berries. It’s flavourful and zesty on the palate with citrus, green apple, and berries. “This is just way more fun than serious sparkling,” said winemaker Rene Van Ede. “I have no problem crushing this bottle.”
Lailey Sparkling Rosé 2022 ($28, 90 points) — The blend is predominantly Vidal with just a bit of Zweigelt for colour purposes. It’s a sparkling wine made in the charmat method and has pretty nose of sweet raspberries, lime/lemon/citrus, and candy apple notes. It has persistent bubbles on the palate with a range of bright red berries, citrus zest with a touch of sweetness. It’s juicy and fresh on the finish, and nicely balanced. A fun wine in an attractive package.
League of Farmers Sparking Rosé NV ($19, 89 points) — This is a blend of all four of the League of Farmers’ fruit including Vidal, a pinch of Chardonnay and “blushed with our token Cabernet Franc” for colour and made in the charmat method. Winemaker (and co-owner of the brand) Marty Werner said this is a wallet friendly sparkling wine that “people can drink on a Monday by the pool.” The Cabernet Franc gives this pleasant sparkler its light salmon colour in the glass. It’s fresh and fruity on the nose with a vigorous bead in the glass and notes of peach, lemon, citrus zest, and apple. It’s bright and lifted on the palate with orchard fruits, a touch of earthiness and pleasant effervesce through a lifted finish.
