Bubbles characterize champagne. They are even part of the elements that differentiate champagne from wine. But did you know that these sparkling bubbles hide some secrets? In this article you will find 10 fun facts about champagne bubbles.
1. Millions of Bubbles in One Bottle of Champagne
You might not guess when you buy brut champagne or any other type of champagne that it contains about 47 million bubbles. Well, we all know that there must be a large number of separate bubbles but this figure remains impressive.
2. The Formation of the Bubbles during the 2nd Fermentation
The production of champagnes needs two fermentations. The second one takes place when the juice is already poured in the very bottle in which it is sold. The creation of the bubbles is made during the second fermentation via a method of sparkling named the traditional method.
3. The Bubbles Were a Mistake
Many people think that Dom Perignon, a Benedictine Monk, created sparkling champagne. He did in some ways but it was a mistake. He then tried hard to eliminate bubbles from his wine but it turned out customers liked it.
4. English People Were the First to Like the Bubbling Wine
After Dom Perignon accidently created the bubbles in the 17th century, the English immediately fell under its charm. At that time, they were the biggest importers of wines from the Champagne region. Documents have even mentioned that the English were the first to make sparkling wine intentionally.
5. A Huge Pressure within the Bottle
Did you know that the pressure in an unopened bottle of champagne is around 6 atmospheres? It makes three times the pressure within a car tire. Now you know why champagne bottles are thicker than wine bottles.
6. The Impact of the Glass on the Bubbles
The glass used to serve the champagne has an important impact on the bubbles’ behavior. For instance, a cooled glass weakens them and a greasy glass totally alters them.
7. The Impact of Bubbles on the Juice
Bubbles showcase the taste and the notes of the wine and bring them to the surface. That is why you can smell a glass of champagne without swirling it.
8. The Formation of the Bubbles in the Glass
If you see bubbles forming on specific points on the sides of the glass, there can be impurities or particles on those points.
9. Shaking the Bottle before Opening Grows the Bubbles
By shaking the bottle, you make small bubbles of carbon dioxide mix with the liquid and change the pressure. Then, the bubbles grow quickly and burst out with some juice at the opening.
10. The Importance of the Carbon Dioxide
The carbon dioxide protects the champagne from moisture and reduces the risk of cork taint. Click here to read more about this.
