The term applies only to sparkling wines whose effervescence results from a fermentation conducted in a closed container. The production of a sparkling wine is always divided into two phases: the first is the base wine vinification and the second is espumantização. Since there are several ways to produce sparkling, will explain only the most used: the so-called "Classic Method" or "Methode Champenoise".
Types of sparkling wines:
Bairrada: Portugal; Champagne: France; Vin Spumos (Zarea): Romania; Asti spumante: Italy; Franciacorta: Italy, Prosecco: Italy; Lambrusco: Italy, Cava: Spain; TxacolÃ: Spain, Sekt: Germany.
The amount of sugar (dosage) added after the second fermentation and aging varies and determines the level of sweetness of sparkling wine. Wines produced in the European Union should have written the sugar content on the label.
• Raw or Raw Natural Zero (less than 3 grams of sugar per liter)
• Extra Gross (less than 6 grams of sugar per liter)
• Gross (less than 15 grams of sugar per liter)
• Extra Dry or Extra Dry (12 to 20 grams of sugar per liter)
• Dry (17 to 35 grams per liter)
• Medium Dry (33 to 50 grams of sugar per liter)
• Sweet (more than 50 grams of sugar per liter)