
Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Learn about Champagne & sparkling wine — the range of styles, how it’s made and more ...
What are the different types of Champagne and sparkling wine?
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, 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 Champagne and sparkling wine 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 Champagne and sparkling wine 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 Champagne and sparkling wine?
Ideally for storing Champagne and sparkling wine in any long-term sense, they should be at cellar temperature, about 55F. For serving, cool Champagne and sparkling wine down to about 40F to 50F. (Most refrigerators are colder than this.) As for drinking Champagne and sparkling wine, the best glasses have a stem and flute or tulip shape to allow the bead (bubbles) to show.
How long does Champagne and sparkling wine last?
Most sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava or others around the “$20 and under” price point are intended for early consumption. 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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Billecart-Salmon Le Clos Saint-Hilaire 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Dom Perignon Rose 2003Rosé Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Philipponnat Brut Cuvee 1522 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Louis Roederer Brut Vintage 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Schug Rouge de Noirs Brut 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Carneros, California
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Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Blanc de Blancs 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Napa Valley, California
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Argyle Brut 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Willamette Valley, Oregon
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Dom Perignon Vintage 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Sonoma County, California
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Bruno Paillard Nec Plus Ultra Brut 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Tomasello Winery Atlantic County Sparkling Pinot Noir 2003Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Washington
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Dom Perignon Rose with Gift Box 2003Rosé Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from California
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Dom Perignon Rose Limited Edition Gift Box by Jeff Koons 2003Rosé Sparkling Wine from Champagne, France
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Saint Hilaire Limoux Blanc de Blanc Brut 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Languedoc, South of France, France
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Domaine Carneros Brut 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Carneros, California
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Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Russian River, Sonoma County, California
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Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Sonoma County, California
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Coppo Brachetto d'Acqui 2003Red Sparkling Wine from Piedmont, Italy
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Bonny Doon Ca del Solo Freisa Frizzante 2003Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Central Coast, California
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Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from California
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Mumm Napa DVX Brut 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Napa Valley, California
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Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut Rose 2003Rosé Sparkling Wine from North Coast, California
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Schramsberg Reserve Brut 2003Vintage Sparkling Wine from Napa Valley, California
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