
It is important to distinguish between dry and sweet champagne. Dry champagne is often more expensive than sweet champagne. Although it is not as sweet as a traditional champagne, cheap champagne can sometimes taste just as good. The same principle applies to cava, a Spanish sparkling wine made from Parellada, Macabeo, and Xarel-lo grapes. This wine is sweet, but it is also very dry.
The term “mousse” refers to the foam on the surface of sparkling wine when it is first poured. Mousse can be soft or harsh. It refers to the frothy texture and taste of Champagne. It can be produced with either the Charmat Method, which is a cheaper method of production, or the more elaborate, more expensive Methode Champenoise.