There’s something irresistible about the effervescent dance of bubbles in a glass of sparkling wine. Whether it’s the unmistakable pop of a Champagne cork or the delicate fizz of a chilled Prosecco, the moment those bubbles rise, celebration is in the air. For wine enthusiasts and revellers alike, International Champagne Day on October 25, 2024, offers the perfect occasion to indulge in the world’s most iconic sparkling wine, while also reflecting on the cultural significance of these lively, effervescent beverages.

Each year, the final Friday of October (which happens to be tomorrow) marks International Champagne Day, a celebration dedicated entirely to the elegance and allure of Champagne. But the celebrations already began as of Monday October 21, 2024, commemorated each year as International Sparkling Day, which pays homage to all sparkling wines, from Spain’s Cava to Italy’s Prosecco and Argentina’s Espumantes. Together, these two days honour the universal joy that sparkling wines bring, reminding us how these beverages have the power to transform even the simplest gathering into something extraordinary.

The allure of Champagne and sparkling wines is rooted not just in their flavour profiles, but in the sensory experience they provide. As bubbles rise and burst on the surface of your glass, there’s an almost celebratory energy that infuses the moment with joy. It’s no wonder that sparkling wines have long been associated with life’s grandest occasions, from weddings to New Year’s Eve and royal events to personal triumphs. The pop of a Champagne cork is a sound synonymous with festivity, a sparkling exclamation mark punctuating moments of happiness.

At the heart of the effervescent appeal is the winemaking process itself. Sparkling wines, including Champagne, are made through a secondary fermentation process in which sugar and yeast interact inside a sealed bottle. The carbon dioxide produced during this fermentation becomes trapped, creating the delightful bubbles that effervesce upon opening. This method, known as the “méthode champenoise” or traditional method, is key to the production of authentic Champagne, though other methods like the Charmat method are used for sparkling wines such as Prosecco, etc. Regardless of the process, those bubbles in the glass represent centuries of tradition, technique, and craftsmanship.

To truly appreciate Champagne, one must first understand its origins. The story begins in the Champagne region of France, where monks in the 17th century, most famously Dom Pérignon, accidentally stumbled upon the process of creating sparkling wine. At the time, winemakers were striving to produce still wines, but the cold climate of the region caused the fermentation process to pause during the winter and restart as the weather warmed. This unintentional second fermentation resulted in the creation of bubbles, and though winemakers initially saw this as a flaw, it eventually became a beloved hallmark of the wine.

While sparkling wines are made around the globe, Champagne holds a unique distinction. By law, only wines produced in the Champagne region of France can bear the name “Champagne”. This is because Champagne’s terroir, a combination of climate, soil, and geographical factors, is considered irreplaceable. The chalky soils of Champagne, combined with its cool temperatures, create ideal conditions for cultivating the three grape varieties most commonly used in Champagne production: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Though Champagne may reign as the king of sparkling wines, it is by no means the only player in the game. International Sparkling Day shines a spotlight on the wide world of sparkling wines, each with its own distinct personality. Italy’s Prosecco, Spain’s Cava, Argentina’s Espumantes, and France’s Crémant each offer unique interpretations of sparkling wine, providing a vast array of styles to explore.

Argentina’s Espumantes, and indeed those of South America, are gaining international recognition, showcasing the country and region’s talent for crafting sparkling wines that capture the spirit of their terroir. Made from both traditional grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as local varieties like Torrontés, Espumantes offer a vibrant, floral twist on the classic sparkling wine formula. Whether enjoyed during Argentina’s warm, festive summers or a cosy winter evening, these effervescent wines are a testament to Argentina’s growing reputation in the world of fine wines.

To commemorate tomorrow’s global celebration of International Champagne Day 2024,
Thursday Food explores a few of South America’s best sparkling varieties all of which featured in the 2024 Descorchados rankings among the best of their individual countries offerings:

Uruguay’s Zulma Cero Dosage is a 92-point wine produced by Bodega Paa from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes using the traditional method. Its “zero dosage” designation comes from the fact that no sugar was added during its production. This sparkling wine is complex and harmonious in character, with fine and delicate bubbles. Very fresh and pleasant on the palate, with balanced acidity, it has a long finish with good persistence and is elegant, harmonious and delicate in the mouth.

Chile’s Tatié Brut is a 93-point wine that is made from both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes by Viña Tabali. It is a pale yellow sparkling wine with an extremely fresh, austere, elegant and very complex nose. The wine has great mineral character, with soft aromatic notes of yeast and bread. On the palate it has a firm and balanced acidity and is a vertical wine with very fine, persistent yet very elegant bubbles.

Brazil’s Estrelas do Brasil Nature Rosé is a 93-point wine that is made from 100 per cent Pinot Noir by Estelas do Brasil winery. The wine has a very bright light pink colour that is intense with constant perlage expressing subtle aromas of quince, dried fruit with citrus notes. In the mouth it is voluminous, creamy, fresh, pleasant and very complex combining ripe white and red fruit with pulsating acidity, as well as a firm, creamy texture, with earthy, floral, dried fruit and sweet spice notes. It has a creamy, full and persistent finish, with hints of citrus, yeast and cherries.

Argentina’s El Relator Tapado, also a 93-point wine, is produced by El Relator Wines from vineyards in Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo from 100 per cent Chardonnay grapes. This espumante offers a delightful bouquet of ripe white fruits such as pear and apple, with an undertone of citrus zest. In the mouth, you’ll experience its fine, delicate bubbles, which give way to a creamy texture and vibrant acidity, offering a perfect balance to the ripe fruit notes. The extended lees ageing contributes a richness, adding layers of complexity with subtle brioche and nutty nuances, while its acidity makes this wine particularly refreshing.

As the bubbles rise in your glass this October 27, you’ll be joining a global chorus of Champagne lovers celebrating this exceptional wine as International Champagne Day is more than just a toast to luxury, it’s a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and the art of winemaking that transcends borders and cultures. Whether it’s Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, or Espumantes, let the bubbles remind you to cherish life’s fleeting, effervescent moments. Salud!