The 5 Sparkling Wines You Need to Know (That Aren't Champagne!)
When there’s something special to celebrate, many of us automatically think of getting Champagne to pop. Although we love Champagne, there are many more types of sparkling wine that can often be forgotten about, or mistakenly called “Champagne”.
So, what are the different types of sparkling wine, and what makes them different?
We’ve put together five of our favourite types of sparkling wine in addition to champagne that you need to know about, and which bottles to try. You’ll be a sparkling pro in no time!
But before we do, what makes a wine, “Champagne”?
CHAMPAGNE
First and foremost, it must be made in the Champagne region, located in northern France. It also must be produced using the “méthode traditionnelle”, or the traditional method, typically using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier grapes. The traditional method of making Champagne includes two rounds of fermentation, with the first being in either a tank or a barrel, and the second actually in the bottle you’ll be purchasing it in!
This process gives Champagne its signature characteristics that we all know and love, and with the grapes coming from the Champagne region itself, these specific textures, tastes, and aromas are unique to this terroir, and distinguish it from other regions of the world that have also taken on the traditional method with their grapes.
Want to try our favourite Champagne? Go for Collard-Picard Selection Brut Blanc De Noir!
PROSECCO
Prosecco is a sparkling wine from Italy, most commonly made in the Veneto region, using Glera grapes. Similar to Champagne, Prosecco undergoes two rounds of fermentation, but instead of the second round being in the bottle, it is done in tanks (which is known as the tank method!). The tanks have less pressure, which makes the bubbles lighter than champagne. As a contrast, when Champagne is fermenting in the bottle, the pressure is higher which causes the bubbles to become very fine and persistent.
Ready to pop some Prosecco? Give these bottles a try:
- Tenuta Santomè Prosecco Brut Treviso DOC
- San Martino Prosecco Millesimato Brut
- AnticaVigna Prosecco Extra Dry DOC
FRANCIACORTA
Continuing with Italian sparkling wine, have you ever heard of Franciacorta?
Franciacorta comes from the Lombardy region, and is produced using the traditional method and same grapes as Champagne. So, what makes it different from Champagne? Since it’s from a different region, the taste is different based on Lombardy’s climate and soil.
Franciacorta also has different types that are worth getting excited about! Satèn, which translates to silk, is silky smooth, as the name implies. Another favourite of ours is Millesimato, which is a very high-quality Franciacorta, with all the grapes grown in the same year. The taste will reflect the qualities of that particular vintage.
Add some Franciacorta to your collection, and try out La Montina!
- Franciacorta Extra Dry DOCG
- Franciacorta Brut DOCG
- Franciacorta Saten DOCG
- Franciacorta Millesimato DOCG
CAVA
If you haven’t tried sparkling wine from Spain, you have to give Cava a go! Cava is produced using the traditional method, and although it is typically made from the Macabeu grape, it can also be made from Parellada, Xarello, or Chardonnay.
The lees aka grape skins and seeds, give more flavour to Cava as they age, which is what makes you taste notes like bread, white chocolate, and nuts. These rich flavours come in contrast to the fresher, citrus notes of younger cava.
Time to try Cava for yourself? We recommend a bottle of Mas Fi Cava Brut!
SPARKLING ROSE
If you’re a rosé lover and haven’t tried Sparkling Rosé, you absolutely have to! Sparkling Rosé can be made in a variety of different styles, which means they will vary in flavor, texture, and bubbles. The best way to figure out which one is for you, is based on the styles and regions that you prefer. For example, if you love the texture of lighter bubbles in Prosecco, give Prosecco Rosé a try! Or, if you’re a fan of finer, dryer bubbles, try a Sparkling Rosé from Champagne.
Here are some of our all-time favourites:
- Collard-Picard Rosé Brut
- Wines of Carlos Basso Malbec Sparkling Rosé - Dos Fincas
- Tenuta Santomè Prosecco Rosé Brut Treviso DOC
- San Martino Prosecco Rose Millesimato
- Château Roubine La Vie en Rosé Brut Rosé Sparkling
PET NAT
Looking for a unique sparkling wine to bring to your next dinner party? Surprise your friends with a bottle of Pet Nat! Pet Nat, short for “pétillant naturel”, translates to “naturally sparkling” in English. Similar to Champagne’s second round of fermentation, Pet Nat is solely fermented in the bottle, but is not restricted by what kind of grapes it is made from, or which regions they were grown in. This is part of what makes Pet Nat so exciting! There are lots of different flavours to choose from and taste.
Unlike Champagne, Pet Nat is technically considered unfinished before it’s bottled, meaning that it does not have added sugar. The sugars from the grapes are what interact with the yeast in the bottle and form bubbles. This is also what makes Pet Nat natural, and the leftover residual sugars can sometimes make it slightly sweeter than other sparkling wines. Due to this, Pet Nat is known for being raw and alive when you open it, so we recommend drinking it close to when you purchase it.
Check out Domaine Saint-Cyr Pet Nat Rosé!
Ready to dive into the world of sparkling wine and taste our top picks? Email lauren@treamiciwines.com to place your order!