From Cap Classique to Crémant, the best bubblies you might not have heard of.
When it comes to bubbles, Champagne reigns supreme. Or does it? You may be surprised to find out that there are a few different sparkling options out there, with many that are just as elegant. When it comes to sparkling wines, every country and region tends to have one (or a few) that they produce, and they can be made using different methods and a variety of grapes that are known to be grown in a particular region.
Tired of the same old sparkling but don’t know where to start? Vogue chatted with Lydia Richards, wine expert and PR pro, as well as Desiree Harrison-Brown, wine expert and educator, to take us through some of the best sparkling wine varietals and varieties. Here, a wine guide to sparkling wines beyond Champagne to pop open and enjoy.
Franciacorta
“This is one of Italy’s best-kept bubbly secrets, in my opinion,” says Richards. Produced in Northern Italy in Lombardy, it’s made in the traditional method (like Champagne) and is known for its “high-quality” bubbles, though it s less known in the U.S. (though that’s changing a bit), according to Harrison-Brown. This type of sparkling is known for its beautiful texture, freshness, and finesse, says Richards. She suggests keeping an eye out for Satèn wines, which means “silk” in Italian and are unique to the Franciacorta region.
Producers to Try: Ca del Bosco, Barone Pizzini
Crémant
Both Harrison-Brown and Richards note that Crémant is one of their favorite sparkling options, and an “unsung hero,” according to Richards. “These sparklers are made using the same method as Champagne, but they can be made in nine different regions around France, so there is some variety in terms of the grapes used,” says Harrison-Brown. (Currently, more than 500 producers are making Crémant.) This sparkling is made in regions across France, including Alsace, Jura, Loire, Alsace, and more, and offers exceptional quality. “One of my favorites is Crémant de Limoux,” says Harrison-Brown. “Limoux is believed to be the birthplace of sparkling wine—not Champagne, as many believe.”
Producers to Try: Louis Bouillot, Veuve Ambal
Prosecco
Prosecco holds approximately half of all of the sparkling wine market share in the U.S. by volume. In other words? It’s “everyone’s favorite Italian bubbly,” says Richards. “Prosecco differs from Champagne as it’s light, fruit-forward, and bright, ready to be opened and enjoyed immediately.” The brightness comes from completing its second fermentation in a tank (not in the bottle), which eliminates the yeasty or bready note that not everyone loves, says Harrison. Prosecco is great on its own or as a go-to choice for cocktails and batch drinks — a perfect party pleaser.
Producers to Try: Mionetto, La Marca
Sekt
This German sparkling wine is not so well-known in the U.S. As it’s not as widely available, it may be more of a dig to find—but worth it for its delicious bubbles and wide variety of flavor profiles. “We are starting to see more and more Sekt in the market as the demand for sparkling wines in the U.S. continues to grow,” says Richards. It’s made using the traditional method and with grapes that do well in the region, like Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, notes Harrison-Brown. “It’s the perfect choice for wine lovers who have tried everything or tend to stay away from what’s trendy,” says Harrison-Brown. “Sekt is a cool sparkler that your guests probably haven’t tried before.”
Producers to Try: Maximin Grunhaus, Robert Weil
Asti
“Italy s sweetheart bubbly! While most bubbly categories range from dry to sweet in their offerings, Asti (also known as Asti Spumante) is known for its sweet flavor profile and low alcohol content,” says Richards. It’s made with Moscato Bianco grapes, and Asti is single fermented. (As opposed to undergoing a secondary fermentation process, like many sparkling wines, including Champagne, do. This is called the Charmat method.).“Asti remains a favorite for most American consumers, and they know it! The U.S. remains its most important market.” Harrison-Brown agrees, and notes that while most sparkling wines are made in a Brut style, Asti is unapologetically sweet and lower in alcohol.
Producers to Try: Martini Rossi, Cinzano
Cap Classique
Ever tried bubbly from South Africa? It’s worth a buy. Cap Classique is South African’s beloved sparkling, with Richards noting that International Cap Classique day is celebrated every year on the 1st of September, “the start of their spring season.” As Harrison-Brown puts it, “If it’s good enough to be served at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and to celebrate Barack Obama’s presidential nomination, it’s good enough for me!” It’s often made in the traditional method with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and also with Chenin Blanc, which is South Africa’s most planted white grape variety. “Graham Beck is the producer that is affectionately dubbed the ‘President s Choice’ and is available widely in the U.S.,” says Harrison-Brown.
Producers to Try: Graham Beck, Simonsig
Cava
“Cava is one of my favorite styles of sparkling wine, and the good thing is there is no shortage of great budget-friendly and quality options available in the U.S. market,” says Harrison-Brown. Richards agrees: “I find Cava to be one of the most versatile, food-friendly, and outright delicious sparkling wine offerings in the market—I m glad to see this category getting its time in the spotlight and consumers finally discovering it,” she says. This Spanish sparkling wine has a balance of fruit, a good oak influence, and a complexity that in some cases can be aged, unlike some other sparkling wines. Richards notes to look closely at the label when purchasing as things have changed in Spain. “Cava recently added two new categories to their classification system: Cava de Guarda and Cava de Guarda Superior. If you are looking for a fresh and crisp bubbly, try Cava de Guarda, whereas Cava de Guarda Superior, Reserva, Gran Reserva, and Cava de Paraje Calificado, have longer aging requirements, respectively, which gives the wine those brioche, toasty, and nutty flavors, more comparable to Champagne.”
Producers to Try: Freixenet, Codorníu
U.S. Sparkling Wine
There are a ton of sparkling options made right here in the U.S. And while California tends to get the shine, there are a ton of great bubbles being produced across states, says Richards and Harrison-Brown. (“Don’t be scared to go beyond [California]!” says Richards.) They both point to New Mexico as a newer bubbly producer (“Gruet is a producer making exceptional bubbles,” says Harrison-Brown), while Oregon and New York also get a shout-out. Don’t hesitate to talk to your local wine store for even more recommendations based on your taste preferences and their inventory.
Producers to Try: Gruet, Schramsberg