Semi-sparkling wine (Perlwein)
German: Perlwein Also known as: Frizzante, Secco
Wine with light carbon dioxide and lower pressure than sparkling wine. It fizzes gently and is often offered in simpler qualities.
Semi-sparkling wine contains carbon dioxide but is under less pressure than sparkling wine. Bottle pressure is lower, so the bubbles are finer and shorter lived. The carbon dioxide may come from fermentation or, in some Perlwein, be added.
Well-known examples are Italian Frizzante or German Secco. Perlwein is often closed with a screw cap or crown cap since no sparkling cork with wire hood is needed. It is regarded as a light aperitif or summer drink. For tax and legal purposes it is treated differently from sparkling wine.
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