Glossary
Charmat
/shar-MAT/
Tank fermentation method for sparkling wine.
Full Definition
The Charmat (or tank) method conducts secondary fermentation in large pressurized tanks rather than individual bottles. It's faster and cheaper than traditional method, preserving fresh fruit character. Used for Prosecco, Lambrusco, and many affordable sparkling wines. The wine spends less time on lees, producing simpler, fruitier bubbles.
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with C
Canopy Management
Techniques to control vine leaf and shoot growth.
Capsule
The foil or plastic covering over a wine bottle's cork.
Carbonic Maceration
Whole-grape fermentation in CO2, producing fruity wines.
Cava
Spanish sparkling wine made by traditional method.
Cellaring
Storing wine under proper conditions for aging.
Chai
French term for an above-ground wine storage building.