Gérard Liger-Belair

Sparkling Beverages: Champagne and Beyond offers a complete overview of the physicochemical processes at work in a sparkling beverage. In order to achieve effervescence in a glass of champagne, precise knowledge fluid dynamics and CO2 solubility are necessary. This reference covers these concepts, as well as historical contexts and modern-day production methods of simple sparkling waters and sugar-free sparkling soft drinks to more complex alcoholic beverages, such as beers or sparkling wines. The book breaks down the science behind the fizz in our drinks while also examining sensory experiences associated with opening, smelling, and testing sparkling beverages. Written by a true expert on the topic and complete with beautiful, original photography, this unique, interdisciplinary work will interest researchers and industry producers alike.

Uncorked quenches our curiosity about the inner workings of one of the world's most prized beverages. Esteemed for its freshness, vitality, and sensuality, champagne is a wine of great complexity. Mysteries aplenty gush forth with the popping of that cork. Just what is that fizz? Can you judge champagne quality by how big the bubbles are, how long they last, or how they behave before they fade? And why does serving champagne in a long-stemmed flute prolong its chill and effervescence? Through lively prose and a wealth of state-of-the-art photos, this revised edition of Uncorked unlocks the door to what champagne is all about. Providing an unprecedented close-up view of the beauty in the bubbles, Gerard Liger-Belair presents images that look surprisingly like lovely flowers, geometric patterns, even galaxies as the bubbles rise through the glass and burst forth on the surface. He illustrates how bubbles form not on the glass itself but are "born" out of debris stuck on the glass wall, how they rise, and how they pop. Offering a colorful history of champagne, Liger-Belair tells us how it is made and he asks if global warming could spell champagne's demise. In a brand-new afterword, he updates the reader on new developments in the world of bubble science and delves even more deeply into the processes that give champagne its unique and beautiful character. Bubbly may tickle the nose, but Uncorked tackles what the nose and the naked eye cannot--the spectacular science that gives champagne its charm and champagne drinkers immeasurable pleasure.