Given that it’s the holiday season and many of you will be pouring sparkling wine in the coming weeks, we decided to put together a short blog post on different styles of sparkling wines. While people often refer to all bubbly as “Champagne,” that’s not technically correct—Champagne is a specific region in France, not a style of wine. You won't find Champagne made in Italy or Spain, and if someone offers you “a Champagne from Spain,” you can confidently know that something is off.
The world of sparkling wine stretches far beyond Champagne. Each country brings its own traditions, grape varieties, and methods to the craft. Spain gives us Cava, Italy gives us Prosecco and Franciacorta, and France itself offers not only Champagne but also Crémants. All of these fall under the umbrella of sparkling wine: wines with bubbles.
And sparkling wine isn’t just for toasts or celebrations. It’s one of the most versatile wines at the table, pairing beautifully with a wide range of foods. Some wonder why these wines are often pricier than many reds or whites. The answer lies in the craftsmanship: sparkling wine requires two fermentations instead of one, and certain methods involve long, labor-intensive processes.
So in this post, we’ll take a quick look at some of the major sparkling wine styles from around the world—their methods, characteristics, and what makes each one unique. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the differences between these sparkling wines, helping you make more informed choices and perhaps even discover a new favorite.
FRANCE: Champagne, Crémant & Pet-Nats
Champagne
Champagne is the historic origin of modern sparkling wine, produced in the cool hills of northern France. The region established its reputation for quality long before the wine became a symbol of celebration.
All Champagne is made using the traditional method, also called méthode champenoise, which relies on a second fermentation in the bottle. After the initial fermentation, winemakers add yeast and sugar to the still wine and seal the bottle. As the yeast consumes the sugar, carbon dioxide is produced and trapped, creating Champagne’s characteristic fine, persistent bubbles.
While Champagne is best known for three main grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—there are actually eight permitted grapes in total. The remaining four (Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier, and Arbane) are white varieties and account for less than 0.3% of plantings.
Champagne is typically categorized as either Non‑Vintage or Vintage. Non‑Vintage blends wines from multiple harvests to maintain a consistent house style, while Vintage Champagne comes from a single exceptional year, offering greater complexity and richer flavors due to extended aging.
Drinking profile: A crisp, structured, layered wine, perfect for special occasions.
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- Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru 2017
- Vouette & Sorbée - Champagne 'Fidèle' Brut Nature NV
- Voirin-Jumel - Champagne Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
- Robert Moncuit Grand Cru - Les Grands Blancs NV
- Domaine Les Monts Fournois - Champagne Premier Cru Côte Vertus 2010
Crémant
Crémant is France’s sparkling wine produced outside the Champagne region, made using the same traditional bottle-fermentation method. The grape varieties vary by region, which gives Crémant its distinct character. Common grapes include Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and sometimes Cabernet Franc, each contributing unique flavors and structure. The style is most closely associated with the Loire Valley, known for Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, but excellent Crémants are also produced in Alsace and Burgundy.
While Champagne often dominates the spotlight, Crémant offers high-quality, regionally expressive sparkling wine at a more accessible price point.
Note: Do not confuse Crémant with Cramant. Cramant is a specific Grand Cru village in Champagne.
Drinking profile: A balanced, moderately crisp, approachable wine; that’s versatile and food-friendly.
Pet-Nat
Pet-Nat (Pétillant Naturel) is a naturally sparkling wine made using the ancestral method, one of the earliest approaches to sparkling wine. The wine is bottled before fermentation is complete, so the remaining yeast and sugar finish fermenting in the bottle, trapping natural CO₂. This creates gentle bubbles, a slightly cloudy appearance, and a lively, approachable character.
Pet-Nats are typically lower in alcohol, often under 13% ABV, and can range from clean and bright to slightly funky or yeasty. Unlike Champagne, Pet-Nats have softer, less persistent fizz, making them casual, food-friendly, and versatile for everyday drinking.
These wines are meant to be enjoyed young, as the bubbles tend to soften over time. They are often unfiltered and commonly sealed with a crown cap instead of a cork. While originating in southwestern France in the 1500s, Pet-Nats can be made from a wide variety of grapes anywhere, giving winemakers room for creativity and diversity.
Drinking profile: A naturally fizzy, fresh, and fruity wine with soft bubbles; low alcohol, versatile, and casual—fun for everyday drinking.
SPAIN: Cava
Cava is Spain’s traditional-method sparkling wine, produced primarily in Catalonia. Its origins date back to the late 1800s, when a Catalan winemaker— inspired by Champagne—began using bottle fermentation. This process, known in Spain as Método Tradicional, remains the foundation of Cava production today.
While Cava shares Champagne’s structure and fine bubbles, Spain’s warmer climate shapes a different expression. Grapes ripen more easily, resulting in wines that are often softer in acidity and immediately approachable. The principal grapes are Macabeu, Xarel·lo, and Parellada, with some producers also using Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, giving Cava its distinct regional identity.
Around 95% of Cava is produced in Catalonia, and styles range from fresh and simple to complex and age-worthy. However, in recent years, some quality-driven producers have stepped away from the Cava DO, seeking stricter standards and a clearer focus on terroir. This led to the emergence of Conca del Riu Anoia and Corpinnat, designations that emphasize origin, sustainability, and extended aging. These are wines that offer excellent value and remain an accessible entry point into traditional-method sparkling wine.
Drinking profile: A crisp, fresh, moderately dry, with a relaxed, easy-drinking feel. Excellent value for everyday celebrations.
Shop Wine Recommendations:
- Raventos i Blanc Conca del Riu Anoia Brut Blanc de Blancs 2022
- Raventos I Blanc Conca Del Riu Anoia Brut Rose De Nit 2022
- Llopart - Corpinnat Brut Reserva 2020
- Bodegas Peñalba López - Cava Brut Nature NV
- Avinyó - Cava Brut Rosé Reserva 2021
- Avinyó - Cava Brut Nature Reserva 2019
ITALY: Prosecco, Franciacorta, Lambrusco & Asti Spumante
Prosecco
Prosecco is a widely enjoyed Italian sparkling wine, originating in the rolling hills of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, in northern Italy. Compared with traditional-method sparkling wines, Prosecco typically has softer acidity and a lighter body, with gentle, approachable bubbles.
Prosecco is often labeled as frizzante, indicating a softer, less persistent fizz than the fine bubbles found in bottle-fermented wines. This is due to its production method: the second fermentation occurs in large stainless-steel tanks rather than in individual bottles. This process is known as the Charmat Method, or Tank Method.
The wine is made primarily from the Glera grape. While Prosecco is technically dry, its ripe fruit flavors can sometimes give the impression of sweetness. It is best enjoyed young, when its fresh, vibrant character is most pronounced.
Drinking profile: Light, soft bubbles, fresh fruit, uplifting, ideal for aperitifs or casual drinking.
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Franciacorta
Franciacorta is a high-quality, DOCG-certified sparkling wine from Lombardy in northern Italy. It is produced using the traditional method of bottle fermentation, the same method used for Champagne, and primarily features Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc grapes. Franciacorta undergoes extended aging on its lees, which contributes to its complex flavors and fine, persistent bubbles.
While Franciacorta is often compared to Champagne due to its production method and grape varieties, it has developed its own identity and style over time.
Despite its quality and history, Franciacorta remains relatively unknown outside of Italy, making it a notable example of a world-class Italian metodo classico sparkling wine.
Drinking profile: A dry, elegant wine with fine bubbles; ideal for celebrations or refined meals. A top Franciacorta can easily rival a high-quality Champagne.
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- Ca' del Bosco Cuvee Prestige Franciacorta NV
- Ca' del Bosco - Franciacorta Cuvée Annamaria Clementi 2015
- Ca' del Bosco - Dosage Zero Millesimato Franciacorta 2020
Lambrusco
Lambrusco is a sparkling wine from Emilia-Romagna in central Italy, northeast of Tuscany. Unlike most sparkling wines, Lambrusco is typically red and produced in a variety of styles.
The color ranges from bright cherry to deep purple, and the flavor profile can be dry and savory or lightly sweet. These differences are influenced by the grape varieties, vineyard locations, and production methods. Lambrusco can be made using the tank method, the ancestral method, or the traditional method, which adds to its diversity.
Lambrusco is one of Italy’s oldest sparkling wine styles, crafted from multiple grape varieties throughout the Emilia-Romagna region.
Drinking profile: A lively and refreshing wine. It can be dry to lightly sweet, fruity; great with Italian food or casual sipping. Great Summer wine.
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Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti
Asti Spumante is a sparkling wine from the hills of Piedmont, around the towns of Alba and Asti. Like Prosecco, it is produced using the tank method, but the similarities largely end there. Asti Spumante is known for its expressive bubbles and naturally sweet character, made entirely from the Moscato Bianco grape. This aromatic variety gives the wine its distinctive notes of white peach, grape, orange blossom, and delicate rose.
With low alcohol and vibrant fruit flavors, Asti Spumante pairs well with desserts, pastries, or festive occasions that call for a sweet, refreshing wine.
For a lighter option, Moscato d’Asti offers a softer, gently sparkling style with less sweetness and even lower alcohol, while retaining the aromatic profile of Moscato Bianco.
Drinking profile: Sweet, aromatic, low alcohol; perfect with desserts or as an aperitif.
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