Sparkling and lightly effervescent wines are considered ideal choices for hot days due to their refreshing bubbles and lower alcohol content. In addition to being suitable for the heat, this type of wine pairs well with various foods, including snacks, fried foods, fish, and seafood.
It is important to differentiate sparkling wines from sparkling wines (spumanti). Spumanti exhibit significantly higher internal pressure, ranging between 2 and 7 atmospheres, depending on whether the Charmat or Traditional method is used, resulting in more intense, abundant, and lasting bubbles.
In contrast, frisantes generally have a pressure between 1 and 2.5 atmospheres, generating a more subtle and discreet perlage. The effervescence in these wines is often achieved by interrupting the fermentation process or, in some cases, through the artificial addition of carbon dioxide. A notable example of a world-renowned frisante wine is Italian Lambrusco.
There are other carbonated beverages that do not fall into the classifications of spumante or frisante. Vinhos Verdes, originating from Northern Portugal, are an example, as they display a soft effervescence characterized by fine and less vigorous bubbles.
The alcohol content of frisantes and lightly effervescent wines tends to be lower than that of spumanti, typically ranging between 5% and 10%.
For those who wish to try frisante or lightly effervescent wines during the summer, five cost-effective labels have been presented:
Bacio della Luna: This white frisante wine is smooth, very aromatic, and refreshing, containing 7% alcohol. It is easy to drink and exhibits fragrances reminiscent of citrus fruits such as green apple, pear, peach, and nectarine, along with floral notes of white roses and orange blossom. In tasting, it is sweet, fresh, and maintains an excellent balance between acidity and sugar, making it great alone or with light cheeses and fruit desserts.
Lambrusco Villa Fabrizio Amabile Bianco: This is a traditional frisante wine from the Emilia-Romagna region in central Italy, with an alcohol rating of 7.5%. It has a fruity and fresh aroma, being sweet and pleasantly refreshing to the palate. It is ideal for accompanying daily meals, soft cheeses, and fruit-based desserts.
Michele Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti DOCG Palás: This Italian wine, from Piedmont, is highly fragrant, lightly effervescent, and low in alcohol (5%). It is made with Moscato Bianco grapes in the Asti terroir, which is highly suited to this variety. It presents aromas of white flowers, sage, and tropical fruits. Its flavor profile is slightly sweet, fruity, balanced, refreshing, and with good acidity, making it perfect for pairing with fruit sweets.
Pardalito Vinho Verde DOC: This white label comes from the traditional Vinhos Verdes area in northern Portugal. It displays citrus aromas and floral notes. Upon tasting, one notices a light effervescence that gives the wine a young and fresh character. Although excellent on its own, it also pairs well with salads, vegetables, delicate fish, and white meats, having an alcohol content of 10%.
Santa Carolina Estelar 57 Only White: Produced in Chile by the Santa Carolina winery, this semi-dry wine presents citrus aromas mixed with notes of vanilla and herbs. It has a light effervescence and flavors of ripe white fruits in the mouth. It is recommended for making cocktails, such as sangria and clericot, and has an alcohol rating of 7%.