It is expected that the global sparkling wine consumption will continue its rise. It is anticipated that by 2019, the consumption of sparkling wine worldwide will have increased by another 7%, thus reaching 2.7 billion bottles. This is supported by the fact that countries which haven't been well-known for their winemaking tradition so far are now entering the sparkling wine production arena (eg. England and Belgium). Good wine reviews at the very start have motivated them to spread area covered with vines. Also, traditional wine regions, famous for sparkling wines, continue expanding in order to respond to growing demand.  Take, for example, the region in northeastern Italy where Prosecco wine is produced: generic body that controls production of Prosecco has approved extension of the boundaries of the wine region in order to expand vineyards by another 3,000 hectares. Thus, the region which exports 70% of its production will respond to growing demand for affordable sparkling wines. Countries of Eastern Europe also contribute to growing production and consumption of sparkling wines. In Serbia, a large number of wineries realized that sparkling wine production does not require large financial resources so this year and the coming years will surely stand out as the years of sparkling wine in Serbia. Sparkling wines made from local varieties such as Smederevka and Kadarka are already in the pipeline. We already had an opportunity to taste the first sparkling wine from Tamjanika grapes, whilst sparkling wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have become a regular exhibit at local wine events ...

Another proof that popularity of sparkling wines in Serbia is growing is the crowd of wine lovers who flocked at the Bubble Jam, Belgrade's wine event dedicated solely to sparkling wine. This was a great opportunity to explore the offer of sparkling wines on the Serbian market, both those imported from France, Italy, Montenegro and Portugal, and domestic ones.

On this occasion, we are giving you some tips and 10 reasons why you should drink sparkling wines this summer while in Serbia.

1. The best wine of the last Bubble Jam is definitely sparkling wine from Kovačević Winery (Srem, North Serbia), vintage 2010 (varietal composition: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Riesling). This wine produced by the traditional method outrivaled sparklings from France and other traditional method sparkling wines coming from the Balkans. Therefore, a tip: don't look at sparkling wines made in Serbia with suspicion. The quality is there, right in front of us!

2. Serbian market offers excellent choice of Prosecco, although mere 0.06% of the total annual production of Prosecco are exported to Serbia. The choice of wine labels selected by importers is well-chosen in terms of quality, but everey year some new importer sorts out a couple of new labels and refresh Prosecco selection in Serbia. If you are looking for more complex profile of Prosecco, then opt for some Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG.

3. Galot Winery slowly emerged as a winery from Banat (North Serbia), which offers in its portfolio sparkling wines produced by the traditional method (like French Champagne) and charmat method (like Italian Prosecco). Galosecco white (varietal composition: Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer) and Galosecco rosé (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir) found their loyal admirers even among my friends. Their new label Gala 2014, sparkling wine made by traditional method, premiered at this edition of Bubble Jam.

4. It's all about freshness and do not compromise when it comes to it. This applies to wines made by Charmat method, i.e. Prosecco. So, forget  about 3-4 years' old Prosecco wines which can often be found on the shelves in local supermarkets and retailers. Look for the vintage 2015 in order to savour  frivolity and freshness of Prosecco.

5. Sparkling wines are all around you. Without much hassle, you will find in every cafe, bar or restaurant some Prosecco by the glass, well-known Champagne labels for those wine lovers with deep pockets or even Serbian sparkling wines produced by the traditional method. And there's no reason to be suspicious - after the initial period when Serbian sparkling wines were overpriced, Serbian wineries have found the right relationship between wine quality and the purchasing power of local wine lovers. Therefore, you can often treat yourself with a glass of sparkling wine produced by the traditional method instead of premium quality Prosecco, and the difference between them in terms of pricing is only a few hundred dinars.

6. For the inquisitive wine lovers, a whole new world opens. We're no longer talking exclusively about sparkling wines made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Glera... The choice of varieties that are used for production of sparkling wines is now more diverse, you can start exploring new aromas and impressions. 7. Sparkling wine is fashionable ... Adverts which promote sparkling wines are entertaining, and so are these wines. Take a look at this advertisement which promotes Spanish cava on the Belgian market: 8. Sparkling wines are the perfect summer refreshment. Bubbles will overflow your palate and bring freshness... and desire to take another sip...and another...and yet another...

 

9. In Serbia, sparkling wines are most frequently intended for weddings and birthday parties. Well, do something to change this practice. The best place to start change is with yourself. So I propose that you allocate some time and money every month to open a bottle of sparkling wine with your friends or family. And as soon as you hear the unmistakable sound of a bottle being opened under pressure, your mood will definitely improve. Socializing accompanied with a glass of sparkling wine will quickly become a nice habit that you won't let go.

10. Sparkling wine will improve your sex life ... Hm ... I'm just kidding. This kind of trivia is handled only by frivolous media. Sparkling wines aren't viagra, but certainly contribute to an atmosphere where you will feel relaxed in the company of a partner.

Photo: Bubble Jam (J. Miletic)

BACK TO CATEGORY