The Best Bottles Of Fizz For Sparkling Summer Occasions

The summer and sparkling wine go hand in hand, whether you have a big occasion to celebrate or you just want something refreshing and fruity to match the season. Everyone loves the sound of a popping champagne cork, but it’s certainly not the only bubbly worth your time. Here’s a guide to some excellent alternatives. 

If you’d like some more specialist advice on how to select the perfect bottle of fizz, your local sparkling wine suppliers will be delighted to help. 

Prosecco

Prosecco is the go-to choice of fizz for many people: it’s affordable, versatile and easy on the palate. It’s a little softer and less acidic than Champagne, with distinctive tasting notes of honeysuckle, apple, pear, and melon. Prosecco is exclusively produced in Italy with grapes from the Glera variety. 

For an interesting twist on the standard variety, go for a Pink Prosecco, which is made with a blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes. It pairs well with starters, seafoods and salads, and can simply be enjoyed on its own. 

Crémant D’Alsace

Crémant is the name for French sparkling wine that is produced outside of the famous Champagne region, and generally has a more affordable price tag. It’s slightly drier and can be made with a wider variety of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling or Cabernet Franc.

Crémant D’Alsace is an elegant dry sparkling wine from the Alsace wine region of France, with a floral and citrus aroma. It’s made with the same traditional methods as Champagne, and is perfect for pairing with fish dishes and seafood. If you are looking for a sophisticated and grown up alternative to Prosecco, this is a great choice. 

English sparkling rosé

English wines have really come into their own over the past decade, as climate change and an expansion of vineyards in the southern counties has increased the quantity, quality and variety of home-grown wine considerably. English sparkling rosé is giving the traditional continental producers a run for their money.

For a real treat, explore Oastbrook English Sparkling Rosé from the Sussex winemakers. It is characterised by red fruit flavours and made with a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes. It has pleasingly complex flavours of strawberries, forest fruits, spices and brioche, and an intense pink hue.

It’s an ideal choice if you want a sparkling wine to pair with slightly heavier dishes such as roast meat, poultry, or pan-fried salmon. 

Cava

If you love your fizz to be extra dry, then Cava will be your go-to sparkling wine. It is produced in Spain from a variety of grapes, including Macabeo, Parralleda and Xarello, and made using the Champagne method. It is a light and fresh wine with notes of citrus, apple, pear and apricot, and is a great choice to pair with spicy dishes or rich creamy sauces.