What is sparkling wine?
Great question. Let’s start with the technical bit. Sparkling wine is a wine with dissolved carbon dioxide that creates bubbles. Simple, right? It is produced all over the world, using different methods and grape varieties with popular types including Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava. Sparkling wine is often associated with celebrations, probably because it is fairly refreshing and has a sense of liveliness.
Six quick facts
The pressure’s on – ever wondered why a bottle of sparkling wine pops when opened? It’s because it can have up to three times the pressure of a car tire. Pop!Â
It goes way, way back – sparkling wine dates back to the 17th century, though the first intentional sparkling wines were created in France, particularly in Champagne.
Yeast is king – the bubbles in sparkling wine are produced by yeast consuming sugar in the wine, producing carbon dioxide.
Prosecco’s popularity – Prosecco overtook Champagne in global sales in the 2010s, mainly because of its affordability and fruitier, lighter flavour.
Sugar-free sparkling wine – no fan of the sweeter stuff? Try this Brut. It’s a type of sparkling wine with little to no added sugar for a dry, crisp taste. Yum.Â
Champagne’s ‘traditional method’ – the traditional method of making Champagne involves fermenting the wine twice: once in the tank and again in the bottle, creating the signature bubbles.
The four main types of sparkling wine
Champagne
Champagne is a sparkling wine from, you guessed it, Champagne in France, and is made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. It’s known for its light golden or pale yellow colour and lively bubbles. The wine is made with a traditional method which includes a secondary fermentation inside the bottle. This gives it complex flavours of apple, citrus, brioche, and even toast. Popular styles include Brut, Extra Brut, and Rosé and it pairs well with seafood, oysters, fried foods, and creamy dishes. Its crisp acidity also marries well with cheese, charcuterie, and even popcorn. Yep, give it a try.
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Prosecco
Prosecco is a sparkling wine from the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of Italy, mainly made from the Glera grape. It typically has a pale straw colour with bright, refreshing bubbles and generally tastes fruity and floral with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus. Produced using the ‘tank method’, where fermentation happens in large tanks, it’s a lighter and more affordable option to Champagne – a great choice if you’re celebrating a new job, or maybe a new home? Popular styles include Brut, Extra Dry, and Dry. Prosecco also pairs well with appetisers, seafood, light pasta dishes, and fruit-based desserts. Plus, it's a great match with cheese and salty snacks.
Crémant
So what about Crémant? It is a sparkling wine produced in several regions of France outside of Champagne, including Alsace, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley. Made with traditional methods (like Champagne) Crémant is fermented for a second time in the bottle. It typically has a pale yellow colour with crisp bubbles, with flavours of green apple, pear, and brioche. Mmm, brioche. Popular styles include Crémant d'Alsace and Crémant de Bourgogne and it goes well with things like seafood, goat’s cheese, smoked salmon, and charcuterie. It’s also great with light salads, creamy pasta dishes, and even fresh fruit-based desserts. Try it for yourself.
Ben's Vignerons Wife Cremant de Bourgogne Brut is a perfect example of France’s best kept sparkling wine secret. More refined than Prosecco and more approachable than Champagne. It’s a classy, bubbly delight just like Mrs Darnault herself - and a wine that’s truly been made with love.
Cava
A sparkling wine from Spain, Cava is primarily produced in the Penedés region of Catalonia. It’s made mostly from indigenous Spanish grapes like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. It has a pale yellow colour with fine bubbles, serving up flavours of green apple, citrus, and almond, with a subtle toasty note from aging. Like Champagne, it’s produced using the same traditional method and undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle. Popular styles include Brut and Rosé and it pairs well with tapas, seafood, grilled vegetables, and fried dishes. It also tastes great with charcuterie, creamy cheeses, and light pasta. Dreamy.
What makes a good sparkling wine?
The best sparkling wine depends on style and occasion. You can choose between Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Crémant, based on their style, taste, and cost. For instance, if you’re celebrating something special , pick a luxurious Champagne. For something more casual, choose a fruitier Prosecco. And if you need to keep spending low, go for Cava or Crémant. But of course, choosing the best sparkling wine also comes down to personal taste. And if you don’t yet know what you like, we’ve got you. Just explore different styles and see what works for you.
See our range of sparkling wine here
How is sparkling wine made?
Let’s take a look at the different methods of bringing sparkling wine to life:
Traditional method: This method includes secondary fermentation in the bottle, creating bubbles and adding complexity through aging on yeast. Examples of wines made this way are Champagne and Cava.
Tank method: For this method, which is common for Prosecco, secondary fermentation happens in large stainless steel tanks instead of the bottle. The method produces fresh, fruity flavours and delicate bubbles.
Pétillant Naturel (or Pét-Nat): A natural method where fermentation is stopped early, leaving residual sugar and creating light effervescence, often resulting in cloudy, rustic wines.
How to serve and store your wine
Serving
Chill the wine: Sparkling wine should be served cold, ideally between 4-10°C (40-50°F). For quick chilling, place the bottle in an ice bucket with water and ice for about 20 minutes.
Use the right glass: A flute is ideal, as it helps preserve the bubbles, but a white wine glass can also work well to make room for more aroma.Â
Pour gently: Tilt the glass and pour slowly to avoid excessive foam. Don’t rush it.Â
Storing
Store upright: Keep sparkling wine standing to prevent the cork from drying out.
Cool, dark place: Store bottles in a cool, dark place away from sunlight or heat, ideally at around 10-13°C (50-55°F).
Don’t store for too long: Most sparkling wines, especially non-vintage, are best enjoyed within a few years. However, premium bottles like Champagne can age longer.
What should you eat?
Sparkling wine’s versatility makes it an excellent match for both delicate and rich dishes, enhancing a wide range of flavours. It works well with seafood like oysters, shrimp, and lobster, as well as with soft cheeses like brie and camembert. The wine’s crispness also cuts through the richness of fried foods like tempura or fried chicken while foods like charcuterie (including prosciutto, salami, and pâté) enhances its refreshing qualities. Creamy pasta dishes, like carbonara or risotto, balance sparkling wine’s acidity, while even casual snacks like popcorn work well (yes, it’s true), especially with Brut styles. Rich dishes like sushi, smoked salmon, or roast chicken also benefit from the wine's ability to cleanse the palate. How’s that for versatile?
Hot tips to enjoy sparkling wine
No need to wait for a special occasion – sparkling wine pairs magically with everything from seafood and cheese to popcorn or fried foods. And if you want to mix things up, why not use sparkling wine as a base for cocktails? Try a bellini (sparkling wine and peach purée), mimosa (sparkling wine and orange juice), or a French 75 (sparkling wine, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup) for a fun twist.
And remember, for the best experience, chill your sparkling wine to around 4-10°C (40-50°F ) before you enjoy it. But avoid over-chilling, as it can dull the flavours. The easiest way to chill it quickly is by placing the bottle in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 20 minutes. All in all, just keep it light and enjoy the bubbles with whatever makes you happy. Oh, and do try sparkling wines from different regions to discover new flavours and styles.
A tasty meal, good company and sunshine are always a great pairing with a glass of fizz.
Let’s summarise
Right, time for a re-cap. The main types of sparkling wine are Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Crémant, all with their unique features, from sweeter to dryer and back again. There’s a sparkling wine for every taste and no single "best" choice – personal sparkling wine taste and the occasion matter a lot. And finally, remember that sparkling wine is more than just a drink. It’s an opportunity to create a memorable experience with friends, family, food and celebration. Cheers to that!
Sparkling wine at Naked
Now that you know (almost) everything there is to know about sparkling wine, take a look at our great range of the stuff. You’ll find a curated selection of sparkling wines from independent winemakers, all made just for you to enjoy. Ready to give them a try? You can browse all of our sparkling wines below:
