Second fermentation in champagne primarily causes what effect?

• A. Increased tannin content
• B. Higher sugar content due to dosage
• C. Carbonation from CO2 produced during fermentation
• D. Decreased acidity

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that the second fermentation in Champagne creates bubbles by producing carbon dioxide that stays trapped in the sealed bottle. In the traditional method, a small amount of sugar and yeast is added to the wine in the bottle and the bottle is sealed. The yeast ferments the sugar, generating alcohol and CO2. Because the bottle is sealed, the CO2 cannot escape and dissolves into the wine, building up pressure and forming the characteristic fizz of sparkling wine. This carbonation is the primary effect of that fermentation. Tannins come from grape skins and aging, not from this step, the dosage is added after fermentation to adjust sweetness, and while acidity can change during winemaking processes, the key outcome of the second fermentation is the carbonation.