How Do You Make Sparkling Wine?

All wines start off with a short primary fermentation. It is the second stage of fermentation, known as malolactic fermentation, which differs in the production of sparkling wine. Wine can sparkle because the gas carbon dioxide, which is given off during fermentation, is highly soluble. If the wine under fermentation is sealed in a pressurized container the carbon dioxide gas will be absorbed by the wine. Sparkling wine is therefore fermented wither in a sealed tank or a bottle. The gas will remain in the liquid for as long as the container remains pressurized. Hence the pop and foam of a bottle of sparkling wine once opened. This method involves a labour intensive series of steps being required to remove the sludge which accrues in all fermented wines. There are now several cheaper methods of producing sparkling wine including carbonation after fermentation.