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Add a little sparkle to any occasion and indulge in the refreshing taste of some of the best sparkling wine. There’s a whole world of sparkling wines beyond Champagne, with varieties like Cava, Prosecco, Crémant and Sekt to discover.
Sparkling wine is known for its bubbles, and it’s a great drink for celebrations or simply enjoying on its own. But how are these bubbles created, and how do sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco and Cava differ? Our guide to sparkling wines has all the answers.
Put simply, sparkling wine is wine with bubbles. Carbon dioxide produced during the winemaking process gives the wine its iconic fizzy bubbles. Although white and rosé sparkling wines are more common, several red sparkling wines are available, including Lambrusco and Australian Sparkling Shiraz.
Just like still wines, the best sparkling wine comes in different styles and tastes and can be influenced by the grapes used and the winemaking process.
Three main methods are used to make sparkling wine. These are:
Also known as Méthode Traditionnelle or Méthode Champenoise, the Traditional Method is typically used to make some of the best sparkling wines such as Champagne, Cava and certain Crémant wines. The process involves a second fermentation, where a mixture of sugar and yeast, known as ‘liquor de tirage’, is added to the wine before it’s bottled. This mixture creates carbon dioxide, which forms the bubbles in the wine. Afterwards, the wine is left to age on its 'lees' – dead yeast cells. This adds to the wine's complexity, richness, and longevity.
Sparkling wines produced using this technique have a creamier taste and a layered complexity with classic biscuity and brioche notes, making them perfect for a special occasion or celebration.
Winemakers use the Tank Method – also known as the Charmat Method – as a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to the Traditional Method. It’s the go-to technique for crafting Prosecco.
In this method, the secondary fermentation takes place in a large, pressurised stainless steel tank rather than individual bottles. It also has a shorter interaction with lees, creating a lighter body and fresher, more pronounced fruity notes.
Referred to in Australia as Pétillant-Naturel or 'Pét-Nat' for short, this is the oldest way to make sparkling wines. Winemakers pause the primary fermentation by cooling the wine prior to bottling. As the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, carbon dioxide bubbles naturally form, creating a gentle effervescence. And because the wine is not disgorged, sparkling wine made this way can be quite textural.
This ancient method adds a unique and timeless charm to many sparkling wines.
Champagne and Prosecco are the most recognisable types of sparkling wine, each offering distinct characteristics. But what about other sparkling wine types? Let’s take a look at the best sparkling wines in more detail.
While all Champagnes are sparkling wines, not all sparkling wines can lay claim to the Champagne title.
Champagne is exclusively produced in the region of Champagne in France. It is famous for its high acidity, creamy mouthfeel and complex flavours. This sparkling wine is usually a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Depending on the ratio of grapes used, the dryness of Champagne can range from light to full-bodied. The flavours are delicately infused with hints of citrus and almond, and as the Champagne ages it develops an elegant toasted flavour that is reminiscent of brioche.
Champagne brings a dash of sophistication to any occasion. It’s a perfect match for white seafood, battered vegetables like tempura, classic fish and chips, and sweet dishes featuring berries. So, next time you’re reaching for a bottle of bubbly, remember the unique charm of Champagne. It’s more than just a sparkling wine; it’s a region, a style and an experience.
Prosecco takes its name from the village of Prosecco near Trieste in Italy. Not just an affordable alternative to Champagne, it has a unique flavour palate resulting from its tank production.
Typically classed as dry, Prosecco comes in various styles – from the gentle effervescence of 'frizzante' to the full-on bubbly experience of 'spumante'. Its lively acidity and fresh, white fruit flavours deliver a highly enjoyable crisp and fruity tipple.
Prosecco is not only a great option for toasting, but it is also an exceptional pairing for various dishes. It goes well with the fragrant spice of Thai cuisine, delicate cheeses and charcuterie. Prosecco matches the sweetness of fruits, such as strawberries and peaches, making it a versatile addition to any culinary soirée.
This Spanish sparkling wine is made in the same way as Champagne but with different grapes such as Macabeu, Xarel·lo and Parallada. It’s known for its fine bubbles and fresh, creamy taste.
Cava comes in various styles – from white to rosé and very dry to sweet. Light-bodied, Cava is full of citrus, apple, almond and pear flavours with blossom notes.
Cava’s lively citrus flavours make it a great match for hard-to-pair foods like asparagus and artichokes. It also pairs well with mature cheeses like Parmesan and Manchego, fried fish, seafood paella, and tasty tapas such as tortilla and jamón. Indulge in a glass of Cava and let it transport you to the sun-washed vineyards of Spain!
Champagne might be France’s most well-known bubbly, but Crémant is a hidden treasure and one of the best sparkling wines to try. Made outside of the Champagne region but using the same method, it promises all the flavour without the high cost. Some even find Crémant to be richer and creamier, making it a great choice for relaxed drinking.
Crémant mainly comes from the Loire Valley, blending Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc grapes. This mix creates a dry, gentle sparkling wine with hints of peach, lemon peel, apple, almond and honey.
Crémant pairs well with a range of dishes. It’s great with starters like cured meats and olives and wonderfully complements sweet treats like strawberry tart.
Moscato d’Asti is a beloved sparkling wine crafted from Moscato grapes in Italy’s Asti region. What makes it unique is the way it’s made. The grapes are gently pressed right after harvest to keep their aromatic flavours intact, and the wine gets its bubbles from a one-step fermentation process in a tank.
Known for its peach and orange blossom notes, Moscato d’Asti is a mix of floral and fruity flavours. With its light bubbles, sweet taste and low alcohol content, it’s one of the most easy-drinking sparkling wines out there.
Moscato d’Asti isn’t just a summer drink. It’s one of the best sparkling wines to pair with food. It pairs beautifully with sweet desserts like sponge cakes and fruit tarts. But it also works well with savoury foods, adding a sweet contrast to the salty flavours of salami, roasted nuts and aged cheeses.
A beloved German sparkling wine, this exquisite bubbly is popular among locals, especially the premium versions, which rarely reach the international market.
Premium Sekt is made using various techniques, depending on its quality and origin. The highest-quality Sekt typically combines Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir grapes, creating a rich and indulgent taste experience.
Austrian Sekt takes on a unique twist, made with the locally favoured Grüner Veltliner grapes. This gives a warm, golden hue to the wine. Generally, Sekt is produced using the Tank Method, which results in a sweeter sparkling wine.
Sekt is available in various styles, with the sweet version a versatile option for desserts, creamy cheeses such as Brie, and even poultry dishes.
Australia – especially Tasmania – is becoming known for excellent sparkling wines. Tasmania’s cool climate helps create some of the best Australian sparkling wine – top-quality wines that can compete globally. These wines have a fresh acidity and fruity flavours, making them a hit for celebrations, enjoying on their own or with a meal. Tasmania’s sparkling wines are globally recognised for their exceptional quality. The bright acidity of these wines gives them a fresh and vivacious character, while their distinct fruit flavours are a testament to the island’s pristine natural environment.
Wine and cheese pairings offer an exciting opportunity to explore the rich diversity of Australia’s wine regions and artisanal cheese makers, from the Yarra Valley to Adelaide Hills, and beyond. One of the quintessential Australian wine and cheese experiences is enjoying a glass of Sparkling Shiraz. It's a wonderful choice for celebratory occasions like Christmas or Easter. This style is crafted in wine regions such as Rutherglen, Grampians, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Margaret River, and Hunter Valley, each imparting their unique regional characteristics into the wine.
Whether it’s a chic celebration or a relaxed afternoon sip, Australian sparkling wines add a touch of festivity to any occasion. Their elegance and complexity make them ideal companions for a number of dishes, such as fresh seafood, creamy cheeses, light pasta dishes or even a succulent roast chicken.
Sparkling wines, including Champagne, should be served chilled. The ideal serving temperature for most sparkling wines is between 6-10°C. Place the bottle in a bucket filled with ice and water for about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can put it in the refrigerator for around 3-4 hours. It's crucial not to freeze or over-chill the wine, as this can dull the flavours and aromas, diminishing your overall enjoyment of the wine.
When serving sparkling wine, reach for a flute. Its long, slim design and narrow rim will intensify the delightful aromas and provide longevity to the bead AKA the fizzy bubbles.
Once opened, sparkling wine can last 1-2 days. Use a wine stopper to keep it bubbly, and store it in the fridge.
Store unopened sparkling wine on its side to keep the cork moist, and place it in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature and away from strong odours.
Not sure what wine you’re looking for? Explore our curated selections of sparkling wines, or check out our collection of red, white and rosé.
