Brussels Champagne: what it really is

It cannot be called champagne in the traditional sense of the word, because no wine materials are used for its production, and fermentation takes place according to a completely different technology. The only thing in common is the taste reminiscent of a sparkling drink, and if you want, you can find many differences. But this is also an advantage - Brussels Champagne is unlike any other, which is why it is worth tasting at least once in a lifetime.

What's the secret?

Brussels Champagne is made using lambic, the name given to beer that is made by spontaneous fermentation. It sounds mysterious and looks even more unusual: the wort is placed in open containers, where various microorganisms from the external environment enter. These microorganisms act as yeasts, bringing the beverage to the right consistency. Not all microflora are suitable for this purpose, but only for a certain area, so it is believed that real lambic is produced only in the breweries located in the valley of the Senna river. The finished drink has an original flavor, sour and dry, and is often - to soften it - supplemented with a variety of berries and fruits. This is how a fruit lambic is made, which, like the drink without additives, has also found its connoisseurs.

In essence, Brussels Champagne is a lambic, only more mature. It can be made on the basis of a single variety, or by mixing old and young lambic together, but always with additional maturation in oak barrels or secondary prematuration in the bottle.

Producers offer many varieties with different flavor nuances. It is possible to find drinks with a pleasant bread sweetness, and dry versions with aromas of ginger and citrus, and beers with notes of flowers, wood and fruit - it depends on the preference.

The strength of champagne in Brussels is usually low - on average 5-6%, which also distinguishes it from traditional sparkling champagne. And it is mostly served in small bottles of up to 375 ml, and only occasionally in the traditional 0.75 ml. But it should not be compared to ordinary champagne - the drink from Brussels is more likely to appeal to beer connoisseurs who want to try something unusual.

To appreciate the taste and aroma of Brussels champagne you don't have to go to the capital of Belgium - just visit a good beer restaurant in the capital. For example, any place in the Brasserie chain We offer a huge selection of different Belgian beers, from classics to original varieties, as well as a wide menu of dishes and snacks to go with them. Come on in!

Date : 29 March

Views : 246

Tell friends