Sparkling wines are often mistakenly called Champagne, which is the name reserved for sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wine is a wine with dissolved carbon dioxide which produces an effervescence when opened and poured into the glass.
There are three basic methods of producing Sparkling wines: traditional methode champenoise of fermenting in the original bottle, transfer process of moving it to a new container, and charmat process where the wine is artificially carbonated. California Sparkling wines are made from a number of grapes and use one of these three processes. Styles range from bone dry to sweet dessert styles wines. Flavors: Citrus, peach, strawberry, apple, butter, toast, and minerality.
Common Sparkling Wine Types:
Blanc de Blancs – A sparkling white wine made from white grapes, normally Chardonnay grapes. Great with fresh oysters, shellfish, and ceviche.
Now determine the overall quality based on your own impression. You are the best judge of whether or not you enjoy a wine.