Champagne wine was invented in the second half of the 17th century. In the memoirs of Abbot Godineau, there are lines that say that almost white, gas-rich wines with a light color appeared in Champagne since 1668, and after 30 years they became extremely popular in France.
People unfamiliar with the technology of making this new wine had various assumptions about where the bubbles in the champagne came from. Some believed that the unusual properties of the sparkling drink appeared as a result of exposure to the moon when bottling wine. Others argued that it was all about the additives, and still others - that sparkling wine is made from unripe grapes. Many winemakers in France at that time tried to get sparkling wine by bottling unripe wine on a full moon. However, not everyone was able to get good champagne. In the wine-growing regions of northern France, sparkling wines were often produced unkindly, and in the spring these wines were fermented again.
Video: History of Champagne
Until 1750, barrels were used as containers for wines from Champagne, along with the wines, liquor and instructions on how to bottle were supplied.
From the second half of the 17th century, glass bottles began to be used for bottling champagne and other wines. And in 1746, the first experiments on the industrial production of champagne began - the first 6,000 liters were bottled - this was a significant achievement. Losses from bottle breaks in those days reached 30-40% of sales revenue. Manufacturing enterprises made special collections in the floor, into which wine flowed from broken bottles. This made it possible to slightly reduce losses.
Champagne reached its greatest popularity in the late 19th - early 20th centuries, which was also called the "Beli Pok" era. At the balls at this time, the polka "Champagne" was often played, and Strauss even created an opera dedicated to this sparkling drink. Such widespread popularity of champagne was facilitated by manufacturers and traders of champagne, for example, Charles Heidsieck, nicknamed "Charles - Champagne Salesman" - one of the most famous traders of this sparkling drink. The champagne production technology itself was so unusual that it delighted the audience. This is a whole legend, a ritual associated with danger, mystery. Champagne bottles were stored in caves, dungeons, and on average 80% of the bottles exploded under the pressure of carbon dioxide. Therefore, being in a dungeon with champagne was dangerous. An iron mask was worn on the face as protection. All this interested, intrigued people. At this time, the sparkling wine produced in Champagne became known as "Champagne".
In the 19th century, the production of champagne was improved. The process of champagne loses its past romanticism, and tries to make full use of the achievements of scientific and technological progress. Winemakers began to distinguish between mustache varieties - cuvée. Wort was produced in deep cellars with a constant temperature. That is, special high-grade materials are widely used in the production of champagne. A number of technical inventions also influenced the production of champagne:
- in 1825 a filling machine was created;
- in 1827 a capping machine appeared;
- in 1846 a machine for fixing the plug with twine was created;
- in 1844, a machine for dosing expeditionary liquor and for cleaning bottles was created;
- in 1844, Henry Abel used ice for the first time in disgorging.
Since 1850, the production of champagne has been supported by science. In 1858, a book by Professor Monmenet was published in Reims, which describes the theory and practice of the production of sparkling wines. Professor Monmene put forward the idea of changing the solubility of CO2 in wines, and also created an afrometer and afrophor. Afrometer - a device for measuring the pressure in a bottle. Afrophor - a cylinder with a capacity of up to 320 ml, like a bottle, silvered inside, necessary for champagne.
The next stage in the development of the production of sparkling wines is the publication of works by Robin, Saleron, Manso, containing the theoretical foundations of the technology for the production of sparkling wines. These books gave impetus to the widespread distribution of champagne production. both in different regions of France and in other countries of the world - Germany, Austria, England, USA and Russia.
I liked the aristocratic drink very much and took root in Russia. The factory of Prince Golitsyn produced 13 thousand bottles of champagne a year. Surprisingly, in 1901, champagne from the factory of Prince Golitsyn received gold medals, and it was also recognized as the best French champagne. The jury members were extremely surprised to find the inscription on the inside of the cork: "Lev Golitsyn". But they did not take away the medals, and Russian champagne gained fame and recognition.
Champagne has since become one of the most beloved drinks in Russia. And nowadays, sparkling wines can be seen everywhere on the festive table. Champagne is especially popular in Russia for the New Year - most families celebrate the New Year to the chimes with a glass of champagne. This is already a tradition. Nikita Khrushchev contributed to some extent to the popularity of the frothy drink in Russia. In the early 1960s, by decree of Khrushchev, the Government issued a special decree - to issue a "Soviet Champagne" to each Soviet family by the New Year at the rate of one bottle of champagne for three people. Since then, the tradition has probably gone to celebrate the New Year with champagne on the festive table.
A group of scientists from the University of Reims set out to uncover the secrets of bubbles in champagne and find out why some glasses turn champagne into a dull mediocrity, while others make it overflow with a fountain.
Gerard, the 41-year-old team leader, is confident that they have discovered things that have never been known to anyone. I don't want to upset Gerard, who discovered in the laboratory what many champagne lovers have long known at the household level - his team has done an interesting job.
What did they find out?
One bottle of champagne contains 10 million bottles. Upon reaching the surface of the wine, these bubbles explode (a phenomenon known as the "Worthington jet"). Scientists have captured this process with a camera filming 5000 frames per second.
In a series of high-speed images, the bubble is seen rising to the surface and bursting, creating a micro-crater on it. Pulling together, this crater spews out a trickle of champagne, which scatters into tiny drops that rise to a height of up to 10 centimeters from the surface.
Using an ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometer, scientists analyzed the chemical structure of the samples and found that the champagne bubbles are filled with "surfactant" molecules, including hundreds of aromatic molecules that create a cloud of aroma over a glass of champagne.
Scientists have also found out why trickles of champagne bubbles, poetically called "pearl strings", rise from certain points of the glass. This is due to the ingress of microscopic fluff on the walls of the glass from a tea towel during rubbing and other random particles that enter the glass from the surrounding space. Carbon dioxide molecules collect on these microparticles and, when combined, form bubbles.
Glassware washed in a dishwasher, in which it has been air dried upside down, may be so clean that there are very few bubbles in them.
Leading winemakers have begun using lasers to trim micro-imperfections along the bottom of their champagne glasses to ensure a streamlined stream of beautiful, small bubbles. Champagne lovers can help themselves by scratching their glass a couple of times. But do not be zealous - experts warn - in order not to arrange a severe degassing - there is too much exodus of bubbles.
Research by a group of Rheims scientists seems to have put an end to a long-standing controversy over the correct shape of a champagne glass. The world has long been tormented by the question: whether to drink champagne from a "flute" - a tall narrow glass with a long stem, or from "bowls" - shallow wide bowls, repeating, according to popular legend, the shape of Marie Antoinette's chest.
Gas chromatography shows that champagne loses carbon dioxide in the "bowl" at least one third faster than in the "flute". So, if you do not drink it a third faster, then you risk losing the wonderful bubbles.
By the way, drinking champagne from plastic cups (omitting other aspects) is also a bad idea. The plastic surface is hydrophobic, i.e. repels liquid. The bubbles cling to the plastic walls due to the capillarity effect and form large, ugly bubbles.
In Champagne itself, this study was used by winemakers to calibrate the parameters of secondary fermentation in a bottle in the production of champagne.
“The easiest way to achieve beautiful bubbles is to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in the champagne. And it depends on the amount of sugar, ”says the group leader.
Traditionally, 24 grams of sugar per liter of wine was added to champagne to trigger secondary fermentation. Now there is a tendency to reduce this norm to 18 grams per liter - the minimum allowable amount according to the laws of the appellation.
Fans of sparkling wine prefer small bubbles, probably because they are associated with vintage champagne. And researchers unexpectedly faced criticism from traditionalists who claim that such a scientific approach kills the mythical halo that surrounds champagne. After all, the product of champagne winemakers is positioned as a craft genius, based on ancient knowledge and an exceptional "terroir".
However, the chief sommelier of the five-star Reims chateau Les Crayeres is confident that wine and science are quite capable of going hand in hand. “When you see the results of this study, you understand how irrelevant the use of“ bowls ”is. We don't use them anymore, ”he says.
What happens to the experimental champagne when the experiment is over? Are the scientists finishing it up? “Unfortunately, no,” admits the project manager, “by this time it is already warm and unusable. Looks like I poured more champagne into the sink than anyone on this planet. "
Champagne is perhaps the most famous and revered sparkling wine in the world. The article will help you understand what real champagne is and how it happens.
Real champagne
Steps of sweetness
Depending on the amount of sugar added at the dose, champagne is different:
- Brut Nature - up to 3 g / L (grams per liter);
- Extra Brut - 0-6;
- Brut - up to 12;
- Extra Dry / Extra Sec - 12-17;
- Sec / Dry - 17–32;
- Demi-Sec / Semi Dry - 32-50;
- Doux / Sweet - over 50.
Today, more than 90% of all champagne is Brut, with almost no sugar in it.
Champagne categories
In addition to sweetness types, other categories of champagne are also distinguished:
- non-vintage (the blending of wines from different vintages gives a stable quality and a recognizable style of the house);
- vintages, or vintage (from grapes of the same vintage, mainly from vineyards of the Premier and Grand Cru classes);
- prestigious cuvée, or Cuvée de Prestige (top samples from the best vineyards of the house with long aging);
- rose (usually made by adding red wine to a white base, sometimes by the senier method, with the infusion of pinot noir juice on the skin);
- blanc de noir, or "white from black" (white champagne made from red varieties of Pinot Noir and Meunier);
- blanc-de-blanc, or "white of white" (the most sophisticated, 100% chardonnay).
Prestigious cuvées such as the iconic Cristal by Louis Roederer, originally created for the Russian Emperor Alexander II, are especially highly regarded.
Millions of bubbles
Experts call the game of bubbles "perlyazhem" (from the word from perle - pearl). A standard bottle of champagne (0.75 L) contains about 100 million bubbles. In good champagne, the bubbles are small, the perlage is delicate, but long, with graceful spiral cascades.
To enjoy the game and the bouquet to the fullest, do not forget to pre-chill the bottle and choose the right glasses. You can take elongated flute glasses, it looks impressive. However, for those who want to better experience the aroma and taste of champagne, we advise you to follow the trend of recent years and choose glasses for white wine: in them, the bouquet will unfold in all its glory.
Similar in spirit
Champagne technology is also used in other wine-growing regions of France and the world. In the French regions, such a sparkling wine is called creman, in Italy - franciacorta, in Spain - cava. Read more about the "relatives" of champagne in
Which country does the Canary Islands belong to? In ancient times, the archipelago was inhabited by the Guanche tribes, who till the arrival of Europeans cultivated the land and were engaged in cattle breeding. In 1334, the islands were visited by French sailors, and the natives had to make room. According to the laws of that time, all newly discovered lands fell under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Vatican, represented by Pope Clement VI, presented the Canary Islands to Count Alfonso XI, the ruler of Castile, the largest province in Castile. The aborigines did not bring any economic benefits, and on the contrary, the ruler was now obliged to improve life on the islands. The count did not dare to give up the archipelago directly, but he tried, through complicated negotiations, to transfer his ownership into other hands. The question of who owns the Canary Islands is literally hanging in the air.
Who is the owner after all?
It would seem that the answer to the question of which country the Canary Islands belong to lies on the surface. The owner is Spain, but it turned out to be not so simple.
Half a century later, the French decided to seize the islands. Warships followed along the west African coast, which then approached two islands in the center of the archipelago - Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The local population sluggishly resisted the annexation.
In Gran Canaria, French troops celebrated victory a few days later, and in Tenerife it happened a little later. This was followed by periodic landings on the Canary Islands by conquerors of all stripes, from the Moroccan soldiers to the English admiral Robert Blake, who brilliantly spent near the island of Tenerife in 1657, engaging in battle with the Spanish armada. He emerged victorious from this confrontation, but the islands, nevertheless, were ceded to Spain.
After 140 years, the famous Admiral Nelson tried to capture Tenerife, but the capital of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz, stood in his way, and he was defeated. In the end, the British abandoned their imperial ambitions.
The question of which country the Canary Islands belong to remained unanswered for a long time, until in 1821 the archipelago was finally ceded to Spain. In 1982, the Canary Islands were proclaimed an autonomous region of the Spanish state, and in 1986 the province of the Canary Islands became part of the European Union. Thus, the answer to the question of which country the Canary Islands belong to is now unambiguous. As a result of numerous renaming and status changes, the right decision was made. Today the Canary Islands belong to Spain.
Archipelago today
What is the Canary Islands - a country, a province or some special structure? The geographical position of the archipelago speaks of its conditional belonging to mainland Spain, but the islands have full and unconditional autonomy.
The Canary Islands is a country, if we mean the social arrangement and the availability of services necessary for the observance of law and order. These are the police, courts and legal institutions. Although, on the other hand, all of these services are practically inactive, since the Canaries are a zone of supertourism, millions of travelers come to the blessed land to relax, have fun and forget about the hardships of civilization for a while. At the same time, no one breaks the laws.
Geography
The Canary Islands are located just one hundred kilometers from the African continent and seven hundred kilometers from the coast of Spain. The archipelago adjoins Africa from the northwest (at the junction of Western Sahara and Morocco).
There are only seven large Canary Islands. The closest to the African coast is Lanzarote, the next island is Fuerteventura, then Gran Canaria, behind which are Tenerife, Gomera, La Palma and Hierro. These are the largest volcanic formations, but there are many more minor ones.
The list, which includes the most popular Canary Islands, a map of their location, directions, etc. - all this information can be obtained from the tourist offices of Spain or upon arrival on the island. Tenerife.
The islands are not alike, each of them is attractive in its own way. For example, Lanzarote is ideal for lovers of a calm, measured holiday, while Gran Canaria is a paradise for surfers and divers. For tourists arriving in the Canary Islands, a map and guidebooks will help them navigate in choosing the best vacation spot. There are also hotels for every taste - more expensive, more comfortable, economy class hotels with reasonable prices.
It is difficult to say how many Canary Islands are there in the archipelago, an exact calculation has not been carried out. However, it is known that not all of them are inhabited. At one time, the municipal authorities even opened the sale of small islands. Those interested could purchase a small piece of land in the ocean at a reasonable price. Trade went briskly until the Spanish authorities on the mainland intervened. The capital of the Canary Islands, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, was then forced to give part of its powers to the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Most Popular Places
The best island in the Canary Islands, according to most tourists, is Tenerife. In second place in popularity is Gran Canaria. These islands are distinguished by a developed infrastructure, high-class hotels, and magnificent entertainment complexes for both adults and children.
The Canary Islands, the photos of which are presented in the article, have long become one of the best places for outdoor activities. Tourists are attracted by the choice and impeccable service.
Landscape
The Canary Islands, the photos of which are amazing, are volcanic formations that appeared above the water millions of years ago. Until now, on the surface, one can observe bizarre landscapes with solidified lava, which are adjacent to long sand dunes, reminiscent of Luxurious beaches washed by ocean waves, and immediately behind them hotel complexes with palm alleys begin. A warm breeze from the sea moves the green branches of the trees, vacationers feel at one with nature, and this happens throughout the day. When the time comes to part with the Canary Islands, no one wants to leave. The charm of the paradise remains in the memory for a long time, until the next visit.
Climate
The climate in the Canary Islands is temperate tropical, dry and hot, but not sultry. The temperature range is determined by the proximity of the African coast. Hot trade winds mix with ocean air masses. It turns out a kind of airy cocktail, cool and comfortable, which spreads throughout the Canary Islands. Air masses are continuously renewed. The climate also softens the permanent anticyclone over the Azores, located northwest of the archipelago.
Temperatures in the Canary Islands are stable throughout the year. It is 20-30 degrees in summer and 16-25 degrees Celsius in winter. During the year, the relative influence of mountains and hills on climatic conditions is observed, however, temperature drops are insignificant, they do not exceed 2-3 degrees. Temperature changes occur mainly in the highest Canary Islands - Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Palma. The climate in the rest of the archipelago remains virtually unchanged.
The water temperature in the zone of the islands under consideration is about 20 degrees Celsius. Equilibrium is achieved due to the Canary Current - rather cold, but slow. In general, the temperature regime on the islands is very comfortable and stable. You can briefly describe the climate in the Canary Islands as follows: warm and sunny.
For tourists who flew to the Canary Islands in winter, the weather in December is much different from the spring - just as warm. Undoubtedly, the sharp change in climatic conditions within one day is impressive.
The Canary Islands (the weather is warmer in December than in Moscow in summer) continue to amaze visitors. The popularity of a world-class resort has long known no boundaries, millions of tourists from all over the world arrive at the Reina Sophia international airport and choose the island where they will spend unforgettable days.
Canary Islands. Attractions, beaches
The natural attraction of the islands in question is the beaches, superbly equipped, covered with golden sand or black basalt pebbles. Showers are placed around the perimeter, sun loungers are located everywhere in even rows, and there are wide umbrellas right there. Diving supplies, fins, masks and other diving items can be purchased at special kiosks.
Los Vinos town
This is the oldest settlement on the island of Tenerife. The main city attraction is the millennial Dragon Tree. Visitors to the ancient nunnery of San Augustine will walk through the monastic cells, get acquainted with the life of novices, and talk with the abbess. Then you can visit the Church of San Marcos and the garden with colonies of tropical butterflies of fabulous beauty.
Park "Loro"
Initially, these were aviaries with parrots. Nowadays, this place is even more amazing. Now the park contains the rarest species of tropical parrots, which are adjacent to orchids blooming all year round, planted throughout the territory (the most beautiful specimens can be admired in the Orchid House). Also in the park "Loro" there is a huge aquarium with a whale shark, dolphins, sea lion and other inhabitants of the ocean. A special place is occupied by a penguinarium with an artificial arctic climate.
Teide Park
This is a high-altitude entertainment complex deployed at an altitude of two thousand meters. The temperature there is kept at forty degrees Celsius. In the center of the park there is an extinct volcano crater with a diameter of 48 kilometers. You can get to its top by lift (mountaineers climb on foot).
Hell's Gorge
In the southern part of Tenerife is the only natural waterfall in the Canary archipelago, an oasis in the middle of a dry and barren plain. This cascade of silvery streams is called the Gulch of Hell. Tourists can experience the full power of the unbridled elements by entering under the rock from which the waterfall falls.
Guimar pyramids
These are iconic buildings replicating the man-made elevations in Peru, Mexico and ancient Mesopotamia. Initially, the pyramids in Guimara were mistaken for piles of stones piled up by Spanish settlers when clearing land for plowing. However, later a group of researchers, among whom was the famous traveler, came to the conclusion that the six piles of stones are nothing more than pyramids.
In addition, in the Guimara Park there is a museum of ethnography "House of Chacone", which exhibits an architectural model of the palace of King Ra II in full size.
Cliffs of giants
Huge sections of the coast of the island of Tenerife are occupied by grandiose cliffs, closely standing close to the water, and in some places - by ledges descending into the ocean. The rocks are considered sacred, their constant desire to plunge into the abyss is like a divine ritual.
You can get to the enchanted cliffs only from the sea side by motor ship or motor boats.
Anaga mountains
Tenerife's splendid hills represent a vast botanical world. The mountain plateaus called Anaga are an example of ecological cleanliness. There you can meet local people living in caves.
The Canary Islands, whose attractions are on a par with the world's masterpieces of nature and ethnography, attract millions of tourists. Airlines are working at full capacity, planes land and take off every minute.
Seven islands as seven wonders of the world
The archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean and its pearl is the island of Tenerife is remarkable and unique. Spain, Canary Islands - the best holiday destination in the whole world.
Lanzarote is an island of dormant volcanoes. Whole fields of frozen lava, unusual landscapes on plains and mountain slopes, multi-colored petrified streams recreate picturesque panels of extraordinary beauty. Lanzarote's Timanfaya National Park can be seen as a permanent exhibition of natural art. And the hotel infrastructure organically merges with natural scenery. Lanzarote is a biosphere reserve surrounded by virgin nature, amid a volcanic landscape.
Fuerteventura is an island of an endless enfilade of magnificent virgin beaches, completely empty, allowing you to enjoy the ocean views in complete solitude. Nowhere in the world is there such freedom as on the beaches of Fuerteventura. The sea water is amazingly clean and warm, it glows with turquoise. The island is ideal for those who prefer a romantic pastime, relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of civilization. During the whole day, you can feel like a Robinson, staying in silence and complete solitude, and in the evening you can return to a comfortable hotel for dinner.
It is famous not only for its magnificent golden beaches, but also for its widest infrastructure. As an addition to the general picture of prosperity, the nature of the island is striking in its diversity. Deep forested ravines alternate with verdant peaks, and all come together in a grandiose panorama. The central part of the Gran Canaria island is covered with a luxurious vegetation carpet, in the south there are gentle coastlines with beaches, and in the north, cliffs rise into the sky, bordering small coves with azure water. Any sport held in high esteem on the island - horse riding, golf and tennis, fishing and spearfishing.
Tenerife
The largest and most comfortable island. Its nature is unique, the variety of relief is amazing. In the center is the snow cap of Teide, in the north there are green areas, the southern part is covered with golden sand, the beaches are lined up in a neat row. The island of Tenerife has a unique tourist infrastructure, there are restaurants serving national cuisine from almost all countries of the world, health centers, gyms and gyms, all kinds of excursions on land and by sea are organized. All this makes a vacation in Tenerife an unforgettable experience.
Homer
An island famous for its relict vegetation. Homer's natural exoticism is available to tourists arriving from Tenerife by ferry.
La Palma
The most blooming and greenest of all the islands of the Canary archipelago. Infrastructure is poorly developed, but La Palma has ample opportunities for rural tourism. Lovers of rural landscapes and serene relaxation should visit this island.
Hierro
The smallest of the islands of the Canary archipelago. For centuries it was perceived as the most mysterious place on the planet. The end of the world - this is how Hierro is characterized. Those wishing to be away from civilization cannot find a better place.
