Riddling
Riddling sparkling wine coaxes the remaining sediment from the second fermentation to the neck of the bottle so it can be cleanly removed during disgorgement. A riddling wine rack holds bottles that face downward at a 45 degree angle.
The Process of Riddling Sparkling Wine
A cellar worker holds the base of the bottle and slightly shakes and turns the bottle before placing it back in the riddling wine rack. Also known as “remuage,” this labor intensive procedure is carried out several times over a few weeks.
Machines called “gyropalletes” can also complete this process for less money. Eschewed by some purists, the mechanized process lowers production costs and makes high-quality sparkling wines more accessible.
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