In the traditional method, what does the term 'riddling' refer to?

In the traditional method of sparkling wine production, commonly known as méthode champenoise or méthode traditionnelle, 'riddling' refers to the process of gradually moving the sediment, or lees, that has formed during secondary fermentation to the neck of the bottle. This is essential for creating a clear sparkling wine because it allows the winemaker to easily remove the unwanted sediment before the final corking process.

During riddling, bottles are typically placed in a pupitre, a wooden rack, and are turned periodically at an incline. Over time, this movement helps the lees collect in the neck, where they can later be frozen and removed in a process called disgorgement. This step is crucial for achieving the clarity and quality that is characteristic of sparkling wines made using this method.