Possible designation for all EU member states (also Méthode traditionelle or Méthode traditionelle classique) for a sparkling wine produced using the classic method of bottle fermentation. These designations may also be used in the national language. Méthode champenoise, on the other hand, is protected by copyright and reserved exclusively for Champagne. If these designations are not used on the label, it can be assumed that the sparkling wine was not produced using the classic method, but with other methods such as the Méthode charmat (tank fermentation).
For information on the production of alcoholic beverages, see Champagne (sparkling wines), Distillation (distillates), Speciality wines, Spirits (types), Winemaking (wines and wine types) and Wine law (wine law issues).
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena