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Tank method (Charmat)

German: Tankgärung (Charmat-Verfahren) Also known as: Charmat, Tankgaerung

Sparkling wine production in which the second fermentation takes place in a pressure tank rather than in the bottle.

In the tank method, also called Charmat method, the second fermentation takes place in a pressure tank. The base wine is mixed with sugar and yeast; the carbon dioxide produced remains dissolved in the tank. The sparkling wine is then filtered under pressure and bottled.

The process is more efficient than traditional bottle fermentation and preserves the fruit aromas of the grape variety. It is used for Prosecco and many Sekts, for example.

Related terms

ProseccoSparkling wineSekt (German sparkling wine)Traditional method

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