How to make still white wines sparkling

Sparkling are known for their bubbly and effervescent nature, making them a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions. While most wines are made using the traditional method, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, did you know that you can also transform wines into sparkling ones? This process is known as carbonation, and it can be a fun and exciting experiment for any wine enthusiast. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make your still white wines sparkling, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

1. Choose the right wine: When selecting a still white wine to transform into a sparkling one, it’s important to choose a wine that has a good flavor profile and acidity. Crisp and acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay tend to work best for carbonation.

2. Prepare the bottles: Ensure that the bottles you will be using for carbonation are clean, sanitized, and able to withstand the pressure of carbonation. Champagne bottles or sturdy sparkling wine bottles are recommended. It’s important to note that regular wine bottles may not be able to withstand the pressure and could explode.

3. Calculate the sugar dosage: The amount of sugar you add to the wine will determine its level of sweetness and carbonation. There are various methods for calculating the sugar dosage, but a common approach is to use a wine carbonation calculator, which takes into account the volume of wine and desired level of carbonation.

4. Add the sugar solution: Dissolve the required amount of sugar in a small amount of warm water to create a sugar solution. Once the solution is cool, add it to the wine, stirring gently to ensure it is evenly distributed.

5. Fill the bottles: Using a siphon or funnel, fill each bottle to about an inch below the top. Leaving enough headspace is important to allow for the expansion of gases during carbonation.

6. Seal the bottles: Place a crown cap or sparkling wine cork on each bottle and use a corker or capper to securely seal them. Ensure that the caps are tight and airtight to prevent any carbonation from escaping.

7. Carbonation time: The amount of time required for carbonation depends on several factors, including the desired level of carbonation, temperature, and sugar content. Generally, sparkling wines made through carbonation require a shorter carbonation period compared to wines made using the traditional method. Keep the bottles in a cool, dark place and periodically check for carbonation by popping open a bottle to test the fizziness.

8. Chill and enjoy: Once the desired level of carbonation is achieved, transfer the bottles to a refrigerator and allow them to chill for at least a few hours before serving. This will help enhance the taste and ensure the wine is refreshing and enjoyable.

It’s worth noting that the carbonation achieved through this process may not be as fine or long-lasting as that of traditional sparkling wines. However, making your own sparkling white wines can be a delightful and cost-effective way to add some fizz to your favorite still wines. So next time you have a bottle of white wine that you want to experiment with, why not try transforming it into a sparkling treat? Cheers!