OTHER TRADITIONAL METHOD SPARKLING WINES

Many other sparkling wines are produced using the Traditional Method, with the second fermentation taking place in the bottle, like Champagne. These are common examples:

Cremant

These are French versions made in regions other than Champagne. In the most basic terms, Cremant is sparkling wine made in France outside of Champagne. Widely available examples include Cremant d’Alsace, Cremant de Loire and Cremant de Bourgogne. These can be quite tasty and often represent terrific values. These sparkling wines are also made in the Traditional Method but from grape varieties grown in their respective regions. Cremant de Bourgogne, for example, is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (the same as Champagne), making it a perfect substitute. Best of all, Cremants are a great value!

Cava

Cava is from Spain, and unlike Champagne and Prosecco, Cava is not just one appellation. Cava refers to all of the sparkling wine in Spain. This type of sparkling wine also ranks high on the value scale. Cava, like Prosecco, is budget-friendly. This is because it is produced all over Spain (and not restricted to one, small region). Many of the best are made in Penedes, near Barcelona. While not as complex or elegant as Champagne, Cava’s delightful drinkability and sheer bang for the buck is hard to beat.

Cava is made by the Traditional Method, like Champagne. But given the different climate, and the use of local Spanish grape varieties, Cava has its own unique taste. Relative to Champagne, Cava typically has less bready notes and less acidity. Relative to Prosecco, Cava has a bit more body. This makes for a balanced and easy-drinking sparkling wine. Cava is ready to drink whenever you are. Because of its balanced profile, it pairs well with food and also drinks well on its own. Make it your new weekday sparkler or party opener.

Franciacorta

This is a terrific sparkling wine from Lombardy in Italy that is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sometimes Pinot Blanc.

Other fine examples can be found throughout the world. California, Oregon, South Africa, Australia and others produce delicious traditional sparklers of their own.

TANK METHOD SPARKLING WINES

A far more cost-effective production process is the Tank Method, also called the Charmat Method, in which the wine goes through secondary fermentation in pressurized tanks. Such wines receive far less lees (the spent yeast cells) influence and therefore have very little of that classic bready quality. While less complex, they carry an appealing fruitiness and are a fine choice for mimosas and bellinis. Here are a few:

Prosecco

Prosecco is an appellation in the northeast corner of Italy. Similar to Champagne, only wines made there can be called Prosecco. The most famous sparkling wine example is made from the Glera grape in Italy’s Veneto region. It is usually a dry white wine, sometimes off dry. The best examples, often from Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, are delightful. Prosecco is produced in the Tank Method, meaning it is literally made by the tank (rather than by the bottle, like Champagne). This reduces the contact that the liquid has with the lees, and instead of creating bready notes, it enhances the fruit flavors. People often confuse fruitiness with sweetness, but most Prosecco actually has a similar amount of sugar as Champagne. If you do want a sweeter bottle, look for “Extra Brut” on the label (which is sweeter than just “Brut”).

Prosecco is significantly less expensive than Champagne because of the way it’s made. Much of the Prosecco production process happens in bulk, allowing for economies of scale — but that doesn’t mean Prosecco is of lesser quality! Look for Prosecco Superiore for the extra-fine bottles.

Prosecco’s light and fruity flavors pair well with spicy foods and warm days. It is also the classic mimosa-mixer due to its friendly price.

Asti Spumante

From Piedmont, on the other side of northern Italy, Asti Spumante tends to be sweeter, lower in alcohol and more aromatic. As with Prosecco, tasty and inexpensive versions can readily be found.

Sekt

Inexpensive versions of this German bubbly are made via Charmat, although a few premium examples do rely on the Traditional Method.

New World Sparkling Wine

The best quality sparkling wine made in “New World” regions are made with the same grapes and in the same method as Champagne. Top producing regions include California (Sonoma, Napa and Anderson Valley, in particular), Australia (Yarra Valley and Tasmania) and a few gems in South Africa and Oregon as well. While they are not actual Champagne, they are often a value version with their own unique sense of place.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whatever your budget, palate or occasion, there is a sparkling wine for you! Practically a requirement for special occasions, sparklers also make a fine aperitif and match up wonderfully with more dishes than we have space to list. Grab some friends, open some bubbles and raise your glasses. 

Cheers!
Jeff

Jeffrey M. Cohen, CMS, is the Wine Specialist/Beverage Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jcohen@cordilleraranch.com and 210.677.9234.