Sparkling Wines

FRANCE

Crémants

• All Crémants
• Crémant d'Alsace
• Crémant de Bordeaux
• Crémant de Bourgogne
• Crémant du Jura
• Crémant de Limoux
• Crémant de Loire
• Crémant de Savoie

Regional appellations

• Blanquette de Limoux
• Bugey Cerdon
• Clairette de Die
• Montlouis sur Loire
• Vouvray

Other fizz

• Natural sparkling wine (Pet' Nat')

ITALY

• Franciacorta
• Lambrusco
• Moscato
• Prosecco

SPAIN

• Cava

After the grape harvest, the grapes are pressed to extract the juice, which undergoes a first fermentation to produce a still wine, that is, a wine without bubbles. Sparkling wines, by contrast, are characterised by the presence of bubbles produced by carbon dioxide dissolved in the wine. Sparkling wines can be recognised by the release of CO₂ when the bottle is opened. Under European regulations, they are divided into different categories according to the amount of dissolved carbon dioxide and the pressure inside the bottle.

Sparkling wines contain more than 4.5 g of carbon dioxide per litre and have a pressure of between 3 and 6 bar. Semi-sparkling wines, on the other hand, contain less carbon dioxide (between 2 and 4 g per litre) and have a pressure of between 1 and 2.5 bar.

When the carbon dioxide content is between 1 and 2 g per litre, the wine is described as a ‘perlé’ or lightly sparkling wine. With a pressure of between 0.5 and 1 bar, this type of wine does not produce foam when the bottle is opened, but still offers a pleasant freshness on the palate.

Various terms may appear on the label of a bottle of sparkling wine. These include the sugar content, which is used to classify the wine according to its level of sweetness:

• Brut Nature: between 0 and 3 grams of sugar per litre
• Extra-Brut: between 0 and 6 grams of sugar per litre
• Brut: between 0 and 12 grams of sugar per litre
• Extra-Sec: between 12 and 17 grams of sugar per litre

• Sec: between 17 and 32 grams of sugar per litre
• Demi-Sec: between 32 and 50 grams of sugar per litre
• Doux: more than 50 grams of sugar per litre

Most wine lovers have a general understanding of how still wines are made. However, the methods used to produce sparkling wines are less well known. Various techniques can be used to create effervescence, resulting in the characteristic bubbles found in sparkling and semi-sparkling wines.

One of the techniques used to produce sparkling wines is the traditional method, also known as the ‘Champagne method’. The term ‘Champagne method’ is reserved for wines produced within the Champagne AOC, while the same production technique is generally referred to as the ‘traditional method’ elsewhere. Technically, this process involves a second fermentation in the bottle. After the first alcoholic fermentation in vats, the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle following the addition of a ‘liqueur de tirage’. During this second fermentation, the sugar is converted into alcohol, producing the carbon dioxide that gives the wine its characteristic bubbles.

The Charmat method, also known as the ‘closed-tank’ method, is another technique used for the second fermentation. In this process, the wine undergoes a second fermentation with the addition of yeast and sugar in a sealed tank. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is filtered to remove the yeast and any remaining sediment. The sparkling wine is then bottled under pressure.

The ancestral method, also known as the ‘Gaillac method’, is the oldest technique used to produce sparkling wines. It involves bottling the wine at an early stage, before the alcoholic fermentation of the must is complete. Fermentation therefore continues in the bottle, naturally creating the wine’s characteristic effervescence.

In addition to these three techniques, other methods can be used to produce sparkling wines, including:

• The Dioise method: this traditional technique is specific to the production of Clairette de Die in the Drôme Valley.
• The carbonation method: this technique involves adding carbon dioxide directly to a still wine to create bubbles.
• The Russian method: this method of creating bubbles involves circulating wine containing sugar and yeast through a series of fermentation tanks. These tanks contain oak chips or rings, the material from which they are made often being kept secret. As the wine circulates, the yeast that settles on these obstacles ferments the sugar. Containing a small amount of dead yeast, the wine emerges from the fermentation tanks sparkling and lightly foaming.

Champagne is the undisputed star of French sparkling wines. However, this broad family also includes many other sparkling and lightly sparkling wines that are a source of pride for French winemakers.

After Champagne, Crémants are undoubtedly among the best-known French sparkling wines. Like Champagne, these wines are made using the traditional method. Unlike Champagne, however, they are produced in several French wine-growing regions, including Crémant d’Alsace, Crémant de Bordeaux, Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant de Die, Crémant du Jura, Crémant de Limoux, Crémant de Loire and Crémant de Savoie.

Available as both white and rosé wines, Crémants offer a wide range of styles and flavour profiles, thanks to the different grape varieties used in each region. For example, Crémant de Bourgogne uses the same grape varieties as Champagne, namely Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Crémant d’Alsace, on the other hand, is made primarily from Pinot Blanc.

Cerdon is a sparkling rosé from the Bugey region, ideal served as an aperitif or with dessert. Made from a blend of Poulsard and Gamay, this sparkling wine is produced using the traditional method. With its delicate pink colour and fine, light mousse, this wine offers fruity, generous and refreshing flavours.

Produced using the traditional method, Blanquette de Limoux is a blend of Mauzac and Chardonnay and/or Chenin Blanc. This sparkling wine has a brilliant pale yellow colour with green highlights and a fine, persistent stream of bubbles. On the nose, Blanquette de Limoux is fresh and expressive, with dominant aromas of green apple and spring flowers.

Produced using the traditional Dioise method, Clairette de Die is a naturally sparkling white wine. It is made from two grape varieties: Muscat Blanc, which accounts for at least 75 per cent of the blend, and Clairette Blanche, which adds finesse and balances the Muscat’s natural sweetness. This fruity, generous wine is just as enjoyable as an everyday aperitif as it is on special occasions, such as a birthday meal.

A sparkling white wine, Vouvray is also produced using the traditional method. Made from Chenin Blanc, this wine, with its pale yellow colour and golden highlights, is synonymous with finesse and elegance. Its delicate bubbles create a refined texture on the palate, while its perfect balance between freshness and complexity makes it particularly appealing.

Produced as either a white or rosé wine, Saumur is a sparkling wine from the Loire Valley, produced across Maine-et-Loire, Vienne and Deux-Sèvres. Made using the traditional method, it can be produced from a single grape variety or as a blend. Chenin Blanc is the principal grape variety used, although other varieties may also be included, such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. With its fine bubbles, this wine charms with its freshness and lively character.

Beyond France’s borders, other countries are renowned for their sparkling wines. Italy is a prime example, offering a wide selection of sparkling wines to enjoy every day or on special occasions.

Undoubtedly the world’s best-known Italian sparkling wine, Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made from the Glera grape in the Veneto region. Produced using the Charmat method, also known as the closed-tank method, this Italian sparkling wine has a gently sweet character and delicate bubbles. Prosecco is often used to create cocktails such as the Bellini and the Spritz.

Originating in Piedmont in north-western Italy, Moscato d’Asti is a sweet, mellow Italian sparkling white wine. Fragrant and fruity, it is made primarily from Moscato Bianco grapes and, like Prosecco, is produced using the Charmat method. With notes of peach and apricot, complemented by hints of citrus and floral aromas, Moscato d’Asti pairs beautifully with fruity, creamy or chocolate desserts.

Lambrusco is one of the world’s best-known Italian sparkling wines. Produced in Emilia-Romagna, this sparkling wine is made using the Charmat method. Traditionally made as a red wine, this highly aromatic sparkling wine offers intense notes of red berries and grapes. Prized for its fruity, generous character, Lambrusco is also available as a white or rosé sparkling wine.

For a change of scene, let’s head to Spain, home of Cava! Made using the traditional method, this sparkling wine is produced mainly in Catalonia, but also in the regions of La Rioja, Aragon, Valencia, Navarre and Extremadura. Formerly known as ‘Champán’, this sparkling wine was officially given the name Cava in 1986, following a legal dispute with French Champagne producers. Made from the Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada grape varieties, Cava is known for its light, refreshing character and fruity sweetness.

While Champagne is considered the quintessential celebratory drink, other sparkling wines are equally suited to special occasion. With Crémant, Prosecco, Cava and many other sparkling wines to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice! Simply make sure you choose a sparkling wine that suits your tastes while also being appropriate for the occasion. For example, Crémant de Bourgogne is perfect for those looking for a sparkling wine similar to Champagne. If you’re looking for fine, persistent bubbles, Prosecco Spumante is an excellent choice. To accompany chocolate desserts, a semi-dry Blanquette de Limoux is ideal.

To make the most of a sparkling wine, whether semi-sparkling or fully sparkling, it is essential to serve and taste it correctly. It all starts with serving the wine at the right temperature. If served too cold, its acidity will be accentuated. Its aromas will also be less expressive, while the bubbles may seem more restrained. If served too warm, a sparkling wine can feel heavy and its aromas may quickly fade. The wine will also lose its bubbles more rapidly.

With their lively acidity and refreshing bubbles, sparkling wines are an excellent choice for an aperitif. Their versatility makes them a great match for a wide range of dishes, from seafood and fish to poultry and vegetables. The freshness and finesse of certain sparkling wines also make them ideal companions for desserts.

To fully appreciate the aromas of a sparkling wine, it is best enjoyed on its own. However, if you want to experience its bubbles in a different way, sparkling wine can also be used in cocktails. Spritz, Soupe Champenoise, Bellini… there are countless delicious and refreshing drinks to create with sparkling wine.

If you’re wondering which sparkling wine is the best, it all comes down to the occasion and personal taste! To find the one that suits you best, why not try a range of sparkling wines and take note of your favourites? Looking for an affordable bottle of Crémant, Clairette de Die, Blanquette de Limoux, Prosecco or Cava? These sparkling wines are generally more affordable than Champagne. However, when it comes to finding the best prices online, Vinatis is the place to shop! Explore our selection of sparkling wines at great prices and treat yourself to delicious bubbles without breaking the bank.