The world of sparkling cider is a vast and wondrous one. We’ve explored some of it already by looking at the science behind the little bubbles that dance around in our glasses of cider, as well as some of the key historical events that went into harnessing the bubbles in our favourite alcoholic drinks. Now the fun begins—tasting and exploring our way across the different types of sparkling cider that there is on offer. So let’s look at the main types of sparkling cider you might come across, how they work to produce carbonation, why makers may opt for these methods and some examples of ciders if you want to try these methods for yourself. Then, to help you get the most out of your bubbles, we’ll take a little look at some of the best ways to store and serve your sparkling cider. Getting thirsty? Let’s dive right in.
Photos by Rebecca Fletcher
Pétillant-Naturel the oldest method in the book when it comes to sparkling drinks, so where better to start? So old, in fact, it is often referred to as the Ancestral Method—or Méthode Ancestrale—and dates back to the 16th Century.
Pétillant-Naturel, or Pét-Nat as it is commonly abbreviated to, involves bottling cider before its first fermentation has completed. As the last of the fermentation occurs inside the bottle— which can lead to this method being referred to as a form of bottle conditioning—the yeast eats the remaining sugar and the carbon dioxide made as a result becomes trapped inside the pressure of the closed bottle.
Two things happen as a result of this. First of all, the trapped carbon dioxide causes a soft, smooth fizz that froths and foams like a very good bubble bath. The bubbles are bigger and the speed of the carbonation is slower creating a friendlier mouthfeel than the slightly pricklier Traditional Method we’ll come onto.
The second is that once the yeast has fermented all the sugar into alcohol it dies, turning into dead yeast cells—or lees—often resulting in a harmless sediment that settles on the bottom of the bottle.
“…looking at the science behind the little bubbles that dance around in our glasses of cider.”
Rachel Hendry
Rachel Hendry
Rachel Hendry
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