Fact #43: Why do we toast with MCC?
The history of toasting
In the September article, we highlighted the difference between Champagne, MCC, and sparkling wine. Today, we will explain why important celebrations are toasted.
Some time ago, we explained the difference between MCC, sparkling wine, and Champagne (read the article here). The three types of sparkling wines are the same; only their origin differs. While Champagne comes from France, MCC comes from South Africa.
With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, no host can do without a bottle of MCC or sparkling wine. Why toast with MCC when you can toast with wine? Is there a superstition? Does it bring bad luck?
Some believe that the custom dates back to the ancient Greeks, who clinked their glasses and poured a little into each other's glasses to ensure they weren't poisoned by enemies or rivals. This historical fact is interesting, but there is no evidence to support this story.
And why do we celebrate with this elixir? Sparkling wines secured their place in history when the Frankish warrior Clovis was baptized in Reims Cathedral and crowned the first king of France.
On the other hand, the famous "bubble baptism" was a custom that took place on important ships, such as the Great Britain in 1843 when it transported passengers from Liverpool to New York. Even airplanes are no exception: the maiden flight of the Concorde was naturally celebrated with the carbonated drink, not to mention the opening of the Channel Tunnel.
Around the world, heroes celebrate their exploits with sparkling wine. Releasing the MCC has become a tradition on every podium, under a blanket of bubbles, as is the case in key moments of history.
In short, the list of extraordinary moments accompanied by sparkling wines could go on forever. History and its great moments confirm that we love to share and drink happiness. Whatever style we choose, they will always be synonymous with elegance, glamour, and good news.
Here are 6 curiosities about MCC/sparkling wines
1. How many bubbles does MCC have?
There are more than seven million bubbles in each bottle, and one million in each glass.
2. Where do the bubbles come from?
The bubbles in MCC come from a fungus: yeast. This microscopic fungus needs sugar to live, and when it consumes it, it releases a gas: carbon dioxide.
Yeast is responsible for converting sugar into alcohol through a process called fermentation.
MCC or sparkling wine is produced in a double fermentation process. In the first fermentation, hardly any bubbles form, as the grapes used to make the wine are not very sweet, meaning they contain little sugar, and the carbon dioxide can escape anyway.
In the second fermentation, however, MCC/sparkling wine producers add some sugar and more yeast to the wine and seal the bottles with thick, special corks.
The yeast ferments the sugar, creating large amounts of carbon dioxide that cannot escape and remain in the bottle. The MCC thus acquires a higher alcohol content and is filled with effervescent molecules.
3. How much pressure is in a bottle?
There is very high pressure inside each MCC bottle. To illustrate: This is three times the pressure of a car tire.
4. How do you drink it correctly?
Cold, but not ice-cold. The ideal temperature, according to experts, is 8º C. If served below this temperature, some of its aromas are lost, although they also point out that some varieties are best drunk at a temperature of 10-12º C to fully bring out their qualities.
Champagne is best chilled in an ice-filled MCC/sparkling wine cooler, where it should rest for 20 to 30 minutes. If chilled in the refrigerator, it should be chilled for four hours in the coldest part of the refrigerator to prevent it from losing some of its properties.
It is absolutely forbidden to chill them in the freezer; that would be sacrilege. It is also strongly advised against serving it in pre-chilled glasses, as this would affect the effervescence.
Most bar owners warn that it should be served in glasses that have been rinsed by hand only with hot water and without soap or detergents, as these can affect the effervescence.
5. Which glasses are best for MCC/sparkling wine?
The flute glasses that were used for years to drink Champagne are outdated; professionals recommend tulip-shaped glasses, as these give the bubbles the necessary space while concentrating the aromas.
6. How should MCC be served?
To serve MCC/sparkling wine, hold the bottle at the base (never by the neck) and slowly and steadily pour the contents into the glass, allowing the bubbles to collect on the sides of the glass.
Do not pour sparkling wine into a glass all at once, but in at least two stages, so that the bubbles settle better. Never fill the glass more than two-thirds full.
And one last tip: Once a bottle of MCC has been opened, there is no way to preserve the wine with all its properties. So it's best to finish it.
Here are the best MCCs for the festive season that will add a touch of luxury to your gatherings.
Our non-vintage MCCs & sparkling wines
from CHF 10.-
PONGRÁCZ
Brut NV
CHF 19.90
Special Offer
STEENBERG
Sauvignon Blanc – Sparkling
CHF 14.90 instead of 19.90
Special Offer
STELLENRUST
Spumante – Chenin Blanc
CHF 10.90 instead of 13.90
Our vintage MCCs & sparkling wines
from CHF 20.-
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
GRAHAM BECK
Blanc de Blancs – 2016
CHF 24.90 instead of 32.00
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
SILVERTHORN
MCC – The Green Man – 2018
CHF 26.90 instead of 39.90
Six Pack Special – from 6 bottles
KLEIN CONSTANTIA
MCC Brut – 2016
CHF 27.90 instead of 35.00
Our best of the best MCCs & sparkling wines
from CHF 40.-
Special Offer
STEENBERG
Lady R – MCC – 2015
CHF 42.00 instead of 54.00
Special Offer – Duo Pack
GRAHAM BECK
Yin and Yang – Limited MCC – 2016
CHF 79.90 instead of 99.00
Our best Killer Deal Sets and Magnum Hammer Deals
Magnum Hammer Deal
STEENBERG
1682 – Chardonnay MCC – Magnum
CHF 39.90 instead of CHF 59.00
Magnum Hammer Deal
GRAHAM BECK
Brut – Magnum
CHF 39.90 instead of CHF 59.00
Special Offer – 6-bottle Set
KAPWEINE KILLER SET
Top MCCs / Sparkling Wines
CHF 115.00 instead of CHF 192.40
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price as of 14.11.2022.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.
