Bottle Breakdown: Bubbles
If you pull up to the grocery store or your local wine shop, there’s probably a high quantity of bubbles on the shelf.
Maybe you’re buying bubbles for a weekend brunch.
Maybe you’re buying a few bottles for New Year’s Eve.
Whatever your ‘why’ is, don’t be confused by the label. There are many different sparkling wine options, so let’s break those down for you.
Champagne
Champagne is a Sparkling Wine made only in the Champagne region of France. The three primary grapes used to make the Champagne blend include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Champagne is produced using the Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionelle seen on many Champagne bottles).
Many Champagne bottles will not have the vintage on the label as the wine can be a blend of wine from different years.
Several Champagne styles are available including:
Rose
Blanc de blancs (white grapes only)
Blanc de noirs (red grapes only)
Cremant
Cremant is Sparkling Wine made in France, but not in Champagne. Cremant can be produced using the Traditional Method (méthode traditionnelle).
Examples include:
Cremant de Alsace from the Alsace, France region
Cremant de Loire from the Loire Valley region in France
Cremant de Bordeaux from Bordeaux
Cremant de Bourgogne from Burgundy
Grapes used to make Cremant sparkling wines are similar to Champagne grapes but also depend on the region.
Cava
Cava is a Sparkling Wine produced in the Penedès, Spain region. The grapes used to make Cava are Xarel-lo, Parellada, Macabeo.
Cava typically offers a range of flavors, including green apple, citrus, and almond, with a crisp and refreshing character. It can be found in various styles, from dry to more fruit-forward options, and is often enjoyed as an aperitif or alongside a variety of dishes. Cava is recognized for its quality and affordability, making it a great choice for those new to sparkling wines.
Even though Cava uses the Traditional Method, Cava tends to be lighter and fruitier than Champagne and makes a great mimosa pour.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a Sparkling Wine made in Italy from Glera grapes. This wine uses the Charmat Method, which is different than Champagne’s Traditional Method.
The Charmat Method (aka Tank Method) involves fermenting the base wine in large, pressurized stainless steel tanks rather than individual bottles. To keep it simple, this method is efficient and preserves the fresh, fruity characteristics typical of Prosecco.
The fresh and fruity flavors also make Prosecco an ideal sparkling wine purchase for your mimosa mix.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is an Italian sparkling wine produced in the Franciacorta region of Lombardy. Known for its high-quality production, Franciacorta is made primarily using the Traditional Method.
The main grape varieties used in Franciacorta are Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), and Pinot Bianco. The production process typically involves secondary fermentation in the bottle, which contributes to the wine's fine bubbles and complexity.
Franciacorta wines can be classified into several categories, including Franciacorta, Franciacorta Satèn (a creamier style made primarily from Chardonnay), and Franciacorta Rosé (with a higher proportion of Pinot Noir).
Lambrusco
Lambrusco is an Italian red wine known for its fruity flavors and fizziness. The wine can range from dry to sweet, with the dry versions being particularly popular with meaty pizza. Lambrusco typically features notes of blackberry, cherry, and plum, often accompanied by floral and herbal undertones. Its bubbly texture makes it a refreshing choice, and it pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly rich or hearty dishes like cured meats and pasta.
