
Sparkling Wine & Champagne
Learn about sparkling wine & Champagne — the range of styles, how it’s made and more ...
What are the different types of sparkling wine and Champagne?
Beloved for its lively bubbles, sparkling wine is the ultimate beverage for any festivity, whether it's a major celebration or a mere merrymaking of nothing much! Sparkling wine is made throughout the winemaking world, but only can be called “Champagne” if it comes from the Champagne region of France and is made using what is referred to as the "traditional method." Other regions have their own specialties—Crémant in other parts of France, Cava in Spain and Prosecco in Italy, to name a few. New World regions like California, Australia and New Zealand enjoy the freedom to make many styles of sparkling wine, with production methods and traditions defined locally. In a dry style, Champagne and sparkling wine goes with just about any type of food. Sweet styles are not uncommon and among both dry and sweet, you'll find white, rosé—or even red!—examples.
How is sparkling wine and Champagne made?
Champagne, Crémant, Cava and many other sparkling wines of the world are made using the traditional method, in which the second fermentation (the one that makes the bubbles) takes place inside the bottle. With this method, spent yeast cells remain in contact with the wine during bottle aging, giving it a creamy mouthful, toasted bread or brioche qualities and in many cases, the capacity to age. For Prosecco, the carbonation process usually occurs in a stainless steel tank (before bottling) to preserve the fresh fruity and floral aromas imminent in this style.
What gives sparkling wine and Champagne its bubbles?
The bubbles in sparkling wine are formed when the base wine undergoes a secondary fermentation, which traps carbon dioxide inside the bottle or fermentation vessel.
How do you serve sparkling wine and Champagne?
Ideally for storing sparkling wine and Champagne in any long-term sense, they should be at cellar temperature, about 55F. For serving, cool sparkling wine and Champagne down to about 40F to 50F. (Most refrigerators are colder than this.) As for drinking it, the best glasses have a stem and flute or tulip shape to allow the bead (bubbles) to show.
How long does sparkling wine and Champagne last?
Most sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava or others around the “$20 and under” price point are intended for early consumption. Sparkling wines made using the traditional method with extended cellar time before release can typically improve with age. If you are unsure, definitely consult a wine professional for guidance.
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Dom Perignon Vintage with Gift Box 2012Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Moet & Chandon Imperial BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2006Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Veuve Clicquot Brut RoseSparkling Rosé from Champagne, France
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Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose (Limited Edition Butterfly Cage)Sparkling Rosé from Champagne, France
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Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial RoseSparkling Rosé from Champagne, France
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Louis Roederer Cristal Rose with Gift Box 2013Sparkling Rosé from Champagne, France
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Billecart-Salmon Brut RoseSparkling Rosé from Champagne, France
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Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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La Marca ProseccoNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Prosecco, Italy
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Laurent-Perrier Cuvee RoseSparkling Rosé from Champagne, France
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Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle No. 24 Sun King Jacket Bottle in Gift BoxNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Luc Belaire LuxeNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from France
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Laurent-Perrier Brut Millesime 2008Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Le Grand Courtage Blanc de Blancs BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from France
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Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive BrutNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut (375ML half-bottle)Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Taittinger Brut La FrancaiseNon-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Kylie Minogue Prosecco RoseSparkling Rosé from Prosecco, Italy
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Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose (375ML half-bottle)Sparkling Rosé from Champagne, France
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Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut (187ML Split)Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut (375ML half-bottle)Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil 2012Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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