The Bubbly Breakdown: Explore Sparkling Sips From Around the World

sparkling wine corks

Whether you’re toasting a grand achievement or savoring a quiet milestone, indulging in a glass of bubbles adds elegance and sophistication to any occasion. Infused with a burst of effervescence, a fizz of excitement, and a body of flavors, sparkling wines can elevate your taste buds and get the party started. Join us as we uncork the wide world of sparkling wines and dive into the best sparkling wines, like Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, and Sekt.

What is Sparkling Wine?

Sparkling wine is a type of wine that contains carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide produces sparkling wine’s signature fizz and bubbles and can happen naturally or be manually added. With varying sweetness levels, sparkling wine can be red, white, or rosé and produced anywhere in the world.

Common Types of Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines are produced all over the world, but the following are the most well-known types of sparkling wine.

Champagne

The most iconic bubbly beverage, Champagne is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, and has a dynamic acidity with a velvety mouthfeel. While many use the name as shorthand for all sparkling wines, a true Champagne must come from the Champagne region of France—where the bubbles earn their stripes. Legend has it that Champagne was “accidentally” discovered in the 17th century when fluctuating temperatures interfered with fermentation processes and caused carbon dioxide to be released in the bottle. Winemakers initially deemed the serendipitous sparkling wine defective, but it eventually became a popular novelty for French royalty. Synonymous with opulence and luxury, Champagne has since become the go-to elixir for toasting life’s most memorable moments.

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Cava

Predominantly produced in the Penedès region of Catalonia, Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine primarily made from Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada grape varietals. Like Champagne, Cava’s traditional production method includes hand-picking harvested grapes, a first fermentation, blending, a second fermentation, and years of aging before the bottle is racked for proper oxygenation. However, it’s more budget-friendly due to the shorter aging times and laxer regulations. Boasting fine bubbles, mineral flavors, and a dry, zesty, and complex drinking experience, Cava’s balance and texture refresh your palate, improve the taste of dishes, and pair well with practically every cuisine.

bottle of sparkling wine in ice

Prosecco

Champagne and Cava’s fizzier and fruitier counterpart, Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine from the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of Northeast Italy and made with Glera (formerly Prosecco) grapes. Prosecco’s secondary fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks rather than the bottle, and this Charmat method makes it more affordable than Champagne and Cava. Nonetheless, many prefer Prosecco thanks to its bigger bubbles, softness, freshness, sweetness, simplicity, and versatility. Sure to charm any sipper, Prosecco is the ideal pre-dinner drink and is perfect for popping when you’re hosting large groups or want a mixer for cocktails.

Sekt

The term used for sparkling wines in Germany, German Sekt comes from a single grape variety, commonly Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, or Pinot Gris, instead of a blend. And because Sekt isn’t legally protected or restricted to geographical areas, producers can import grapes, juice, or wines. Most Sekts are mass-produced using the Charmat method, but higher-quality Sekts can be made using the traditional method. Generally the easiest sparkling wine on the wallet, Sekt has lower alcohol percentages and varying bubble sizes and sweetness levels, so it’s approachable and compatible with a range of preferences. Although Germans consume the majority of Sekt, it’s now making a splash in North America.

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How to Serve Sparkling Wine

Here are tips for drinking and serving sparkling wine:

Temperature: The temperature should be around 45–50°F. Chill your sparkling wine bottle in an ice bucket for 30 minutes or in the fridge for several hours before serving.
Glassware: Use a flute or tulip-shaped glass to preserve bubbles and concentrate aromas.
Pouring: Gently pour your wine at a 45-degree angle to minimize foam and only fill your glass halfway.
Tasting: Sip slowly and hold the glass by the stem or base to avoid warming the wine.

Beyond Sparkling Wine: Boost Your Beer Knowledge

From Champagne and Cava to Sekt and Prosecco, there’s a whole world of sparkling wines calling you to explore. Looking to learn more about boozy beverages now that you’ve mastered the art of sparkling wine production? Check out our article, “Beer Decoded: Understanding the Basics.” In it, we decode beer basics and discuss the most popular types of beer.

Sparkling Wine FAQs

Is sparkling wine Champagne?

No. While Champagne is a type of sparkling wine, not all sparkling wines are Champagne.

Does sparkling wine go bad?

Yes, sparkling wine can go bad. An opened bottle of sparkling wine will last 1-3 days, whereas an unopened bottle of sparkling wine will last 1-5 years.

How to open sparkling wine?

Follow these steps to open a bottle of sparkling wine like a pro:

Remove the foil from the chilled bottle of sparkling wine and unscrew the metal cage, keeping your dominant hand pressed on the cork at all times.
Tilt the bottle of sparkling wine at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and any people or breakables.
With your dominant hand still holding the cork and cage, slowly turn the bottle until the cork loosens and pops.

How to store sparkling wine?

Sparkling wine should be stored horizontally away from direct light in a slightly cool area between 50-55°F.

Does sparkling wine have alcohol?

Sparkling wine usually has an alcohol content of 10-12.5% ABV.

What are the sweetness levels of sparkling wine?