Fines Bulles refers to sparkling wines from the Loire produced by which method?

• A. Charmat method
• B. Traditional method
• C. Carbonation
• D. Bottle fermentation

Answer: (B)

Fines Bulles signals sparkling Loire wines made by the traditional method, where a second fermentation occurs in the bottle to develop fine, persistent bubbles. After the base wine is bottled with the tirage liqueur, fermentation resumes in the bottle, producing CO2 and the characteristic fine mousse. The wine is typically aged on its lees, adding texture and complexity, and then riddled and disgorged to remove the lees before release. This method contrasts with the Charmat tank method, which creates larger bubbles, and with carbonation, which adds CO2 directly. In Loire usage, Fines Bulles is associated with the traditional method, making it the best choice.