5 Special Sparkling Wines To Explore Beyond Champagne

If you have a special occasion to celebrate or are just in the mood for something cold and bubbly, you will probably automatically think of Champagne. This French fizz is still widely regarded as the Rolls Royce of sparkling wines, but if you take a look around a suppliers’ online store, you will find many other exciting alternatives.

Here’s a look at some of the other sparkling options that are full of variety and flavour, and often at very attractive price points.

Prosecco

If you enjoy a glass of fizz then it is likely that you are already well acquainted with Prosecco. It has an appealing fresh and fruity flavour, and is a light and affordable alternative to Champagne. Produced in Veneto in Italy, it’s a favourite tipple for social gatherings and it pairs well with Mediterranean style food and party snacks. 

Cava

Cava is produced in Spain, and is an underappreciated alternative to more well known types of bubbly. However, it’s well worth exploring, especially if you are a fan of crisp dry white wines. It has fresh citrusy flavours with earthy tones, and pairs well with cheese or other creamy foods because the acidity complements the rich smooth flavours. 

Franciacorta

Franciacorta is a type of sparkling wine produced in Lombardy, Italy with Chardonnay, pinot noir or pinot blanc grapes. It’s matured for a longer time than Prosecco, which gives it more structure and more intense complex flavours. It’s less effervescent and a more golden colour than other sparkling wines, with finer bubbles. 

If you prefer a more full bodied wine to pair with meat and fish dishes or cheese, then this sophisticated Italian wine is well worth investigating. 

English sparkling wine

Just a few years ago, you might have been surprised to find any type of English wine on a merchant's shelves at all, but all that has changed very fast. The south of England in particular is now home to several thriving vineyards and it’s possible to buy an excellent quality bottle of homegrown sparkling wine. 

The geology and soil composition of the English south coast is similar to that of the revered French Champagne region, and the warmer summers of recent years have provided ideal growing conditions. Native wines are now internationally recognised for their quality and flavour. 

Crémant

Crémant is the ‘other’ French sparkling wine, and it’s well worth investigating. It is less well known, but this is not necessarily because it is inferior in taste and quality; it’s simply that it is produced outside of the Champagne region of France. It’s often more affordable while sharing many of the same characteristics as its more famous cousin. 

It’s a very versatile wine that can stand alone for those celebratory occasions when you want to pop the cork, or to complement a wide variety of foods.