Sparkling temptation from Italy

In Italy, semi-sparkling wines are called " Vino Frizzante " and sparkling wines "Vino Spumante." These terms are used to indicate the differences in carbon dioxide content and the intensity of the effervescence. "Vino Frizzante" refers to lightly sparkling wines with fine bubbles, while "Vino Spumante" indicates sparkling wines with stronger bubbles and more intense carbon dioxide.

Further questions and differences:

• What is the difference between semi-sparkling wine and sparkling wine?
• What is the difference between Frizzante and Spumante?
• Is Prosecco a semi-sparkling wine or a sparkling wine?
• Is Lambrusco a still wine, a semi-sparkling wine, or a sparkling wine?

What is the difference between semi-sparkling wine and sparkling wine?

Sparkling wine and semi-sparkling wine are both types of wine with carbon dioxide, but there are differences in their production and characteristic features:

Difference	Sparkling wine	sparkling wine
Production	Produced through natural or artificial fermentation, a process that generates carbon dioxide which remains in the wine. The carbon dioxide bubbles are fine and lightly distributed throughout the wine, giving it a tingling, sparkling mouthfeel.	Produced using a special fermentation method called "Méthode Champenoise" or "traditional bottle fermentation." This involves a second fermentation in the bottle, producing carbon dioxide that remains trapped inside. This results in the formation of fine and persistent bubbles in the wine.
Pressure and carbon dioxide content	Semi-semi ...	Due to bottle fermentation, it has a higher pressure and a higher carbon dioxide content. It is generally more fizzy and has a higher concentration of carbon dioxide bubbles.
Varieties and synonyms	Prosecco (IT) Cava (ES) Sparkling wine from German producers (DE)	Champagne (FR) Crémant (FR) Sparkling wine (DE)

Image: Sparkling wine for the celebration

What is the difference between Frizzante and Spumante?

Vino Frizzante and Spumante are both Italian terms for sparkling wines, but there are differences in terms of pressure, carbon dioxide content, and production methods:

Difference	Frizzante	Sparkling wine
Production	Produced via fermentation in a pressure tank (Charmat method) or bottle fermentation (Méthode Champenoise). In the Charmat method, the second fermentation takes place in a closed tank, while in bottle fermentation, the second fermentation occurs in the bottle. However, the pressure in Vino Frizzante is lower than in Spumante.	Produced using the traditional bottle fermentation method, in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. This process creates the higher pressure and more intense carbonation characteristic of Spumante.
Pressure and carbon dioxide content	It has a lower pressure and a lower carbon dioxide content compared to Spumante. The carbon dioxide bubbles are usually fine and lightly distributed in the wine, resulting in a slightly effervescent mouthfeel.	It has a higher pressure and a higher carbon dioxide content. This results in more and stronger carbon dioxide bubbles, which make the wine more sparkling.
Varieties and synonyms	Vino Frizzante Prosecco Frizzante Lambrusco	Prosecco Spumante Asti Spumante Franciacorta champagne

Image: Wine with carbon dioxide bubbles

Is Prosecco a semi-sparkling wine or a sparkling wine?

Prosecco is available as both semi-sparkling and sparkling wines, depending on the specific variety and production method. The terms "Prosecco Frizzante" and "Prosecco Spumante" are used to distinguish between the two types.

1. Prosecco Frizzante : This is a variant of Prosecco classified as a semi-sparkling wine. It is a lightly sparkling wine with a lower carbon dioxide content and lower pressure. The carbon dioxide bubbles are finer and less intense compared to Spumante.

2. Prosecco Spumante : This is a variant of Prosecco classified as a sparkling wine. It is produced using the traditional method of bottle fermentation, in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. This results in higher pressure and a more intense carbon dioxide content, with stronger and longer-lasting bubbles.

It is important to note that the terms "Frizzante" and "Spumante" represent specific quality categories for Prosecco and are defined by legal regulations in the Prosecco region of Italy. The choice between semi-sparkling and sparkling wine depends on the desired effervescence intensity and personal taste.

Image: Prosecco from Italy

Is Lambrusco a still wine, a semi-sparkling wine, or a sparkling wine?

Lambrusco is an Italian wine available in various styles. It can be produced as either a semi-sparkling or a sparkling wine, depending on the specific variety and production method.

1. Semi-sparkling wine : A large portion of Lambrusco, especially the most well-known style, is produced as semi-sparkling wine. Semi-sparkling wine is created through natural or artificial fermentation, during which carbon dioxide remains in the wine, producing fine bubbles. Semi-sparkling Lambrusco is lightly effervescent and has a lower carbon dioxide content compared to sparkling wine.

2. Sparkling wine : Some Lambrusco varieties can also be produced as sparkling wine. Sparkling wine is produced through a second fermentation in the bottle or tank, resulting in higher pressure and a more intense carbonation. Sparkling Lambrusco can be more effervescent and have a higher concentration of carbon dioxide bubbles.

3. Still wine : Yes, Lambrusco wine is indeed also available as a still wine, meaning it's produced without carbonation. Although semi-sparkling and sparkling wines are the more well-known styles of Lambrusco, there are also Lambrusco varieties produced in a still (non-sparkling) version.

It's important to note that not all Lambrusco wines are sparkling or semi-sparkling. Some Lambrusco wines can also be produced in a still (non-sparkling) version, which is called "still" or "secco". These wines have no carbonation and are more like traditional still wines.

Overall, the intensity of the effervescence and the carbonation level of a Lambrusco wine depend on the specific grape variety, the producer, and the chosen style. It is advisable to check the labels and descriptions of the specific Lambrusco wine to obtain information about its particular style and character.

Image: Sparkling Lambrusco wine