International Champagne Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the elegance and allure of Champagne, the world’s most iconic sparkling wine. This year, it falls on October 25, 2024, offering wine enthusiasts and revellers a perfect occasion to indulge in a glass of bubbly. However, the celebrations actually began on October 21, 2024, as International Sparkling Day, which pays homage to all sparkling wines, not just Champagne.
The appeal of Champagne and sparkling wines goes beyond just their taste – it’s about the entire sensory experience they provide. The effervescence of the bubbles rising in the glass creates a celebratory energy that enhances any moment. The tradition of making sparkling wines, including Champagne, involves a secondary fermentation process that traps carbon dioxide, creating those delightful bubbles that we all love.
Champagne has a rich history that traces back to the Champagne region of France in the 17th century. Monks, including Dom Pérignon, accidentally discovered the process of creating sparkling wine due to the cold climate causing the fermentation process to pause and restart, resulting in bubbles. Champagne holds a unique distinction as only wines produced in the Champagne region of France can be called “Champagne” due to its terroir and ideal grape cultivation conditions.
While Champagne may be the most well-known sparkling wine, there are many other varieties to explore and enjoy. International Sparkling Day showcases a wide range of sparkling wines from around the world, each offering its own unique characteristics and flavors. From Italy’s Prosecco to Spain’s Cava and Argentina’s Espumantes, there is a vast array of styles to discover.
To commemorate International Champagne Day in 2024, Thursday Food highlights some of South America’s best sparkling wine offerings. Uruguay’s Zulma Cero Dosage, Chile’s Tatié Brut, Brazil’s Estrelas do Brasil Nature Rosé, and Argentina’s El Relator Tapado are all exceptional sparkling wines that have received high praise and ratings for their quality and taste.
Whether you’re sipping on Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, or Espumantes, let the bubbles in your glass remind you to cherish life’s fleeting, effervescent moments. International Champagne Day is not just a toast to luxury, but a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and the art of winemaking that transcends borders and cultures. Cheers to sparkling wine and the joy it brings to our lives!
