How Are The Thalia Sparkling Wines Produced?

The Thalia sparkling wines are produced using the Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle). This method is the most prestigious sparkling winemaking technique, utilised for centuries by winemakers in the famous sparkling wine region of Champagne.

Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle)

The Traditional Method, synonymous with the prestige of Champagne, is a meticulous process that begins with the creation of a base wine, usually produced from Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir. Chardonnay contributes elegance and acidity, while Pinot Noir adds body and richness.

Following primary fermentation, a mixture of yeast and sugar, known as liqueur de tirage, is added to induce a second fermentation within the bottle. The wine then undergoes a period of aging on lees (dead yeast cells and other sediment), contributing complexity and texture to the final wine. Autolysis, the breakdown of dead yeast cells, also imparts creamy and toasty notes.

Once maturation is complete, the sediment is removed through a process called disgorgement, and a dosage (sugar, or a mixture of wine and sugar) is added to achieve the desired sweetness level.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that a standard Champagne bottle contains approximately 49 million bubbles?

Discover our range of sparkling wines here.

Read about the other sparkling wine methods in our Fogarty Wine Group blog here.