Which statement best describes what makes sparkling wine different from still wine?

• A. It is still wine with no carbonation.
• B. It contains carbon dioxide that forms bubbles.
• C. It is always red in color.
• D. It is produced without fermentation.

Answer: (B)

Sparkling wine is defined by its carbonation—the dissolved carbon dioxide that forms bubbles under pressure. This CO2 comes from a second fermentation (in the bottle or in a sealed tank) or from forced carbonation, which traps the gas in the wine and creates the fizz you see and taste. In still wine, most of the CO2 has escaped, so there are no persistent bubbles.

Color isn’t the deciding factor either; sparkling wines can be white or rosé, and they aren’t made without fermentation—the same basic fermentation process gives rise to alcohol, but in sparkling wine an additional step generates the carbonation that makes it bubbly.