Grapes were gently pressed, fermented into wine, blended and bottled along with yeast and sugar to start the second fermentation that makes méthode traditionnelle wines effervescent. After aging, the wine is clarified by riddling, which moves the yeast sediment to the neck of the bottle. The necks are frozen, and the yeast is expelled in a process called disgorgement. To balance the acidity before applying the cork, each bottle is topped off with a small amount of liqueur, sugar dissolved in reserve wine, also known as the dosage. The wine is then aged at least six additional months before release.