In the world of wine, there is no shortage of choices. Whether it’s reds, whites, or rosés, the possibilities are seemingly endless. But what about sparkling wines? There is a wide range of different styles from Prosecco to Cava available to explore and enjoy. Let’s take a look at the different types of sparkling wine and the styles within each category.
One of the most popular types of sparkling wine is Prosecco. This Italian favorite has been around since the 1700s, but its popularity only recently began to grow around the world with Prosecco becoming synonymous with Italian culture. It might be compared to Champagne in terms of flavor and aroma, although it’s far less complex and typically sweeter in taste. Prosecco is usually made from the white Glera grape, grown mainly in the Veneto region of Italy. It is light-bodied and dry, with aromas of green apples, lemons, and lilies, and tastes of honey, citrus, and wildflowers.
Then there is Cava, Spain’s answer to sparkling wine. Produced mainly in Catalonia, this style of wine can be produced with any combination of native Spanish grapes, including Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, and even Chardonnay. Like Prosecco, it is made using the traditional method, meaning it is aged in the bottle for at least nine months before release. Compared to Prosecco, Cava is fuller-bodied, richer, and has higher acidity with a longer finish that lingers on the palate. On the nose, one can expect to detect aromas of ripe fruit and yeastiness, while on the palate, flavors of apples, pears, and almonds will stand out.
In contrast to Prosecco and Cava, Methode Champenoise is a French sparkling wine made from two varieties of grapes, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. As with Prosecco and Cava, Methode Champenoise is fermented and aged in a bottle, but it takes longer and requires more manual labor than either of the other two styles. On the nose, it is more complex, with scents of toast, yeast, and citrus fruits. On the palate, it is dry and acidic, with flavors of apples, pears, and brioche. This complexity and richness come at the cost of the high price, making it one of the most expensive types of sparkling wine.
Finally, there is Sekt, the German style of sparkling wine. It is undoubtedly the most diverse of all sparkling wines, with a huge range of styles, such as brut, halbtrocken (semi-dry), and süss (sweet). Sekt is made using various German and international grapes, but it is mainly produced using Riesling and Müller-Thurgau. It is usually fruity and light-bodied, with aromas of apples, pears, and melons, and flavors of citrus and floral notes.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of sparkling wines available, from Prosecco to Cava to Methode Champenoise and Sekt. Each one offers its own unique flavor profile, so it’s worth exploring and trying them all. So next time you’re reaching for a bottle of bubbly, why not try something outside the box and discover the amazing world of sparkling wines!
Champagne is another type of sparkling wine also made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. It’s primarily produced in the Champagne region of France, hence its name. It’s by far the most complex and elegant sparkling wine and is made using a process known as the Méthode Champenoise. The method involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle that gives Champagne its signature bubbles and complexity. On the nose, one can expect aromas of lemon, brioche, minerals, and toast, while on the palate, flavors of peach, apricot, and apples will stand out.
Moscato is a sweeter Italian style of sparkling wine. It is light and fresh, with aromas of peach, honey, and white flowers. Its flavor profile includes notes of citrus fruits and almond. Moscato is best enjoyed as an aperitif, or as an accompaniment to desserts.
Asti, also known as Asti Spumante, is an Italian sparkling wine made from the Moscato Bianco grape. It is slightly sweeter than Prosecco and is full-bodied, with aromas of peach, apricot, and honey, and flavors of apple and pear. Asti is best enjoyed chilled and makes for a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.
Vermouth is a type of fortified and aromatized wine. There are two main types; sweet and dry. Sweet vermouth is a red wine that is flavored with herbs and spices and typically served as an aperitif or as an ingredient in cocktails. Dry vermouth is a white wine that has been flavored with herbs and spices and is usually used in cocktails such as a Martini or Manhattan.
Crémant is a type of sparkling wine made in various French regions outside of Champagne. It is made using the same traditional method as Champagne, but uses different grapes such as Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Noir. The result is a champagne-like bottle of bubbles with aromas of apples, pears, and stone fruits, and flavors of lemon, minerals, and toasted brioche.
Cremant de Limoux is a type of Crémant produced in the Languedoc region of southern France. It is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac, and Pinot Noir grapes and undergoes secondary fermentation before being aged on the lees. It has notes of apple, pear, and honey, with a touch of spice and a long finish.
Franciacorta is an Italian sparkling wine made using the traditional method. There are three styles of Franciacorta: Brut, Satèn (extra-dry), and Pas Dosé (brut nature). It is made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco grapes and is typically described as having a ‘Champagne-like’ character with aromas of green apples and toast, and flavors of citrus, floral notes, and baking spices.
Lambrusco is an Italian sparkling red wine made from several red Lambrusco varietals. It is semi-sweet and typically served as an aperitif or dessert wine. On the nose, one can expect aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and hints of earthiness, while on the palate, flavors of ripe strawberries, currants, and blackberries will stand out.
Perle is an Italian sparkling white wine made from a blend of Fiano and Greco grapes. It is light and slightly sweet, with aromas of white peach, nectarine, and flowers, and flavors of apricot, melon, and minerals.
Airen is a Spanish sparkling wine made from the Airen white grape. It is light-bodied and sweet, with aromas of peach and apricot, and flavors of apple, honey, and melon. Airen is lighter and less complex than other sparkling wines, but it is still enjoyable and perfect for a summer celebration.
