What is Sparkling Wine?

Sparkling wine is any wine that contains significant levels of carbon dioxide, giving it its characteristic fizz. While all Champagne is sparkling wine, not all sparkling wine is Champagne—only wines from France’s Champagne region, made under strict regulations, earn that name.

Common Sparkling Wine Varieties

• Champagne (France): Made using the traditional method, with elegant, complex flavours.
• Prosecco (Italy): Light and fruity, typically made with the tank method for a softer fizz.
• Cava (Spain): Produced using the traditional method, offering a balance of complexity and value.
• Crémant (France): A sparkling wine made outside Champagne but using the same traditional method.
• Sparkling Rosé (Global): Combining the vibrancy of bubbles with the fruitiness of rosé wine.

For more on the types of sparkling wines, see Wine Folly’s sparkling wine guide.

How Sparkling Wine is Made

There are several methods for creating sparkling wine, each impacting its flavour, texture, and price.

Traditional Method (Méthode Champenoise)

Used for Champagne and high-quality sparkling wines, this method involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Yeast and sugar are added to create carbonation, followed by ageing on lees for enhanced complexity.

Tank Method (Charmat)

Used for Prosecco, this method ferments wine in large stainless steel tanks. The process is faster and preserves the wine’s fresh, fruity character.

Transfer Method

Similar to the traditional method, but the wine is transferred to a tank for filtering and bottling. This is often used for sparkling wines requiring consistent quality.

Carbonation Method

The simplest and least expensive process involves injecting carbon dioxide directly into the wine, much like soda. This results in larger, less persistent bubbles.

For more on the types of sparkling wines, see Wine Folly’s sparkling wine guide.

Proper Handling and Storage of Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines are more delicate than still wines due to their carbonation and need for consistent conditions.

Storage Conditions for Sparkling Wines

• Temperature: Keep sparkling wine at 10°C–12°C to preserve its effervescence and flavour.
• Humidity: Maintain 60%–70% humidity to protect corks from drying out.
• Lighting: Avoid natural and harsh artificial light, as it can degrade the wine’s quality.

Bottle Position

Unlike still wines, sparkling wines are best stored upright to keep the pressure in the bottle consistent and prevent the cork from drying out.

For advice on optimal storage, see The Spruce Eats’ guide on storing sparkling wine.

Ageing Potential and Best Practices

While most sparkling wines are meant to be enjoyed young, some premium examples can benefit from ageing.

Ageing Potential of Sparkling Wines

• Non-Vintage Champagne: Best consumed within 3–5 years of purchase.
• Vintage Champagne: Can age for 10–20 years, developing complex notes of brioche and hazelnut.
• Prosecco: Generally enjoyed young for its fresh, fruity profile—ageing is not recommended.

Best Practices for Ageing Sparkling Wines

• Store in a temperature-controlled wine fridge or cellar with stable conditions.
• Ensure bottles are upright to maintain carbonation.
• Avoid vibrations, as they can disturb the delicate bubbles and sediment.

For insights on ageing sparkling wines, explore Science Direct’s page on wine ageing and storage.

Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Sparkling wines are sensitive to improper storage and handling.

Key Risks

• Loss of Effervescence: Caused by improper sealing or storage conditions, leading to flat wine.
• Lightstrike: UV light can degrade sparkling wine, altering its flavour and aroma.
• Heat Damage: High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions, spoiling the wine.

Risk Mitigation Tips

• Store bottles in dark, cool spaces with consistent temperature control.
• Use UV-filtering glass doors for wine cabinets or cellars.
• Chill the bottle gently before serving to maintain its delicate carbonation.

How to Enjoy Sparkling Wine

Serving sparkling wine correctly enhances its vibrant flavours and festive charm.

Serving Temperature for Sparkling Wine

• Chill sparkling wine to 6°C–8°C. For more complex Champagnes, serve at 8°C–10°C to highlight their depth.

Glassware for Sparkling Wine

• Use a tulip-shaped glass or white wine glass to concentrate aromas and allow room for bubbles to develop.
• Avoid the traditional coupe glass—it’s stylish but allows bubbles to dissipate too quickly.

Sparkling Wine Pairings

• Pair Champagne with oysters, caviar, or creamy cheeses.
• Prosecco complements light appetisers, sushi, and fruit-based desserts.
• Cava works beautifully with tapas, fried foods, and hearty stews.

Famous Sparkling Wine: Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut (Champagne, France)

Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut is a globally renowned Champagne, celebrated for its elegance and consistency.

Key Features

• Grapes: A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
• Flavour Profile: Notes of green apple, citrus, and brioche, with fine, persistent bubbles.
• Ageing Potential: Best consumed within 3–5 years, but can be cellared for longer to develop richer flavours.

How to Store Champagne and Serving Tips

• Store at 10°C–12°C to maintain its structure and bubbles.
• Serve at 8°C to fully appreciate its balance of freshness and complexity.

Looking for luxury wine cellar ideas? Check out our 10 Luxury Wine Room Ideas for Every Home