Best sparkling wine: the perfect bubbles for 2025

10 Best rated sparkling wine to buy online in 2025

Our 10 best rated sparkling wines to buy online were chosen for their balance, popularity among critics and consistency across vintages.

What is sparkling wine and how is it made?

Sparkling wine is a style of wine that contains bubbles of carbon dioxide, which can be naturally produced through fermentation or added artificially. Unlike still wines, sparkling wines undergo a secondary fermentation, in bottles or large tanks according to the production method. The main sparkling wine production methods are:

• Traditional method (or méthode champenoise): in this process the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle resulting in fine bubbles and complex flavors (Champagne style sparkling wines).
• Charmat method: in this scenario, the secondary fermentation takes place in pressurized tanks, which gives the wine a fresh and fruity flavor (Prosecco style wines).
• Ancestral method (known as pétillant naturel or pét nat): this is the oldest sparkling wine technique. Fermentation begins in a tank but is interrupted before all the sugars convert into alcohol. The still fermenting wine is then transferred in the bottle where fermentation continues naturally, creating a rustic and authentic wine.
• Artificial carbonation: CO₂ is directly added producing immediate bubbles, like in carbonated soda, but they are generally lager and dissipate quickly. It is the least expensive method, often used for fast and mass market wines.

Sparkling wine grape varieties

The choice of grape variety plays a fundamental role not only color but also in defining the aroma and aging potential of sparkling wines. Here are the sparkline wine grapes most commonly used by winemakers around the world:

Heads up: a crucial element to monitor during the production of sparkling wines is accidental fermentation, which can compromise the wine’s stability if not controlled!

Types of sparkling wine

Sparkling wine types vary according to their method of production, the grape varieties used, the region of origin and even the residual sugar left in the wine. Aside from the sparkle, the main factors that distinguish one sparkling wine style from another include:

• Body: is the impression of weight and fullness the wine creates in the mouth. It is shaped by its alcohol level, tannins, sugar and overall texture, varying from light and refreshing to full bodied with depth.
• Sweetness / dryness level: indicates the amount of residual sugar left after fermentation and how perceptible it is on the palate. A dry sparkling wine has little to no detectable sugar while a sweet sparkling wine retains noticeable sugar that brings roundness and richness.
• Aromatic profile: refers to the range and intensity of scents perceived through the nose and retronasal sensations. It depends much on the grape, terroir and on the production method used, with fresher versions having notes of citrus, green apples and white flowers or richer versions with notes of brioche, roasted nuts, berries or dark fruits.
• Production style: refers to the set of techniques and decisions made during viticulture and winemaking that shape its final character of a sparkling wine. It includes choices such as fermentation method, use of oak or stainless steel, length of aging and blending practices, all of which influence the wine’s structure and flavor profile.

Recognizing these distinctions helps wine lovers understand why no two sparkling wines are ever quite the same and provides a framework for exploring them with more confidence.

Sparkling wine by body: light or full?

It’s true that terms like “light body” or “full body” are more often linked to still wines but they can also apply to sparkling wines when describing mouthfeel and texture:

• Light bodied sparkling wines: these are the kind of bubbles that make your palate feel fresh and zesty.
• Medium bodied sparkling wines: they are more balanced and offer a sweeter flavor.
• Full bodied sparkling wines: these are the most structured wines, with different layers of flavor that make them a little more complex.

The table below offers examples for each style for a better understanding.

Body Type	Winemakers	Grape Varieties	Structure & Flavor
Light bodied	Villa Jolanda, Lieb Cellars, Lamarca	Glera, Moscato Bianco, Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc	Crisp with high acidity and flavors of green apple  and white flowers
Medium bodied	Stella Rosa sparkling wine, Kornell, Argyle, Taittinger	Macabeo, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay,	Balanced with fine mousse  and notes of stone fruit, citrus and almond
Full bodied	Freixenet sparkling wine, Champagne Bollinger, Louis Roederer	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier	Rich and creamy texture with persistent bubbles  and notes of brioche and aged fruit

Light bodied sparkling wine

Light bodied sparkling wines are easy to drink and feel fresh on the palate, with bright acidity and a delicate texture.  You’ll often notice flavors like green apple and a hint of flowers. They work well with light meals, seafood or just for hanging out with friends.

Medium bodied sparkling wine

Medium bodied sparkling wine offers a harmonious mix of fresh and deep flavors. The notes include stone fruit, citrus and a gentle hint of toast. Their smooth texture makes them always  a hit at gatherings, especially when the menu has a bit of everything.

Full bodied sparkling wine

Full bodied sparkling wines are the ones that feel rich and creamy in your mouth, with intense flavors of brioche and nuts. They are perfect if you’re eating something hearty or just celebrating a special moment.

Sparkling wines by sweetness level: sweet, dry and brut

Sparkling wines present 4 main sweetness levels with some subcategories that cover “in between” styles:

• Sweet: with over 0.85 oz residual sugar per bottle, these are the most indulgent sparkling wines, offering lush fruity aromas and velvety texture.
• Semi dry / demi sec: with residual sugar ranging between  0.45 and 0.85 oz per bottle, this style carries noticeable sweetness but retains enough freshness to stay balanced.
• Dry / extra dry: despite the name, dry and extra dry sparkling wines are not the driest types. Retaining residual sugar between 0.32 and 0.45 oz per bottle, dry and extra dry sparking wine has a very lively and approachable character, making it a crowd pleaser.
• Brut / extra brut / brut nature: these styles retain little to no residual sugar (about 0 to 0.32 oz per bottle) resulting in bright acidity, mineral notes and a clean and refreshing finish.

The sweetness level depends on the amount of residual sugar left after fermentation, ranging from 0–3 grams for a Brut nature to over 50 grams for a Doux. Some examples are shown in the chart below.

Sweetness	Our Picks	Common Varietals
Sweet over 0.85 oz/bottle	Victoria Pink Moscato 2015 by Innocent Bystander	Moscato, Brachetto, Riesling
Semi Dry 0.45-0.85 oz/bottle	Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial Demi Sec	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Dry 0.32–0.45 oz/bottle	Valdobbiadene L’Ovest Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry by Sorelle Bronca	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc
Brut 0–0.32 oz/bottle	La Grande Année Brut 2008 by Champagne Bollinger	Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier

Sweet sparkling wine: the perfect companion for dessert

Sweet sparkling wine is often made using the traditional method, which helps bring out the fruity and floral notes of the grapes. Sweet styles like Demi Sec and Doux account for 14% of the world’s sparkling wine production!

Fun fact: did you know that sweet sparkling wines have lower alcohol than the dry ones? This makes them perfect for dessert pairings!

Sweet Sparkling Wine	Best Winemakers	Tasting Notes
Nivole Moscato d’Asti 2003	Michele Chiarlo	Intense notes of musk, black locust and orange flowers
Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui Rose	Castello Banfi	Aromatic with hints of raspberries, strawberries and rose petals
Roscato Rosso	Cantine Roscato	Ripe blackberries and wild berries

Under rated dry sparkling wines

Dry sparkling wines are usually called ‘Brut’, ‘Extra Brut’ or ‘Brut Nature’ and present very low levels of residual sugar to emphasize freshness, structure and minerality over sweetness. Despite Champagne holding the highest spot, Italy’s Franciacorta fiercely rivals Champagne for taste profile, aging capacity and layers of complexity. Spain (with Cava), California and Australia produce excellent bottles with remarkable depth and food friendliness at a fraction of Champagne’s price. Here are some of the most popular under rated dry sparkling wine choices that pair great with food, especially at weddings or other special occasions.

Guilt free sips with non alcoholic sparkling wine

Made from grapes like Riesling and crafted with delicate techniques such as reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation, non alcoholic sparkling wines preserve the freshness and aroma of their traditional counterparts.

Here are a few delicious options to try:

• Leitz Eins Zwei Zero by Weingut Josef Leitz
  Food pairing suggestion: thai spring roll, grilled chicken, gratinated crostini.
• Champagne Eric Rodez Extra Brut Les Genettes Chardonnay 2016
  Food pairing suggestion: herbed pork roast, cheese plate, seafood.
• Deutz Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2018
  Food pairing suggestion: spaghetti with pesto, vegetable salad, shellfish.

Important note: alcohol free sparkling wine often contains a small amount of residual alcohol. Be sure to check the label!

Pro tips for sparkling wine food pairing

The key to a great sparkling wine food pairing is balancing flavors: lighter sparkling wines enhance delicate dishes, more structured bubbles stand up to richer flavors. Sparkling wines are surprisingly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide range of foods, even some unexpected ones!

Below you’ll find easy and practical tips on the best food to pair with sparkling wine.

Food	Sparkling Wine	Grape Variety	Type & Structure
Seafood Appetizers, Vegetable Tempura	Franciacorta Brut – Contadi Castaldi	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc	Dry, full bodied, citrus
Bruschetta, Fish Salads, Sushi Rolls	Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore – Nino Franco	Glera	Dry, light bodied, fruity
Fresh Oysters, Caviar, Aged Cheese	Champagne Brut – Veuve Clicquot	Pinot Noir, Chardonnay	Dry, medium bodied, toasty notes
Cured Meats, Cold Meats, Pizza, Flatbreads	Lambrusco di Sorbara Vecchia Modena- Cleto Chiarli	Lambrusco	Slightly sweet, light bodied, fruity
Tapas, Grilled Fish, Semi-aged Cheese	Cordon Negro Cava Brut – Freixenet	Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada	Dry, medium-bodied, balanced
Summer Salads, Mild Asian Cuisine	Roederer Estate Brut	Chardonnay, Pinot Noir	Medium bodied, fresh, crisp acidity
Turkey, Duck, Grilled Salmon, Fruit-based Desserts	Brut Rosé – Schramsberg	Pinot Noir	Dry, medium bodied, fruity
Spicy Dishes, White Meats	Riesling Extra Brut Sekt – Vin Winning	Riesling	Extra dry, light bodied, fruity

Popular sparkling wine varieties explained

Sparkling wine varieties encompass a wide range of styles. One major difference is the level of carbon dioxide: wines like Champagne and Franciacorta showcase fine, persistent bubbles. Other sparkling wines feel lighter and fresher.

As mentioned earlier, factors like the wine regions, grape variety and production method  also contribute to the character of each bottle. Popular types include: 

Collectible and investment worthy sparkling wines

Some of the top sparkling wines like the iconic Dom Pérignon, Cristal, Krug and Salon are priced worldwide for their consistency, rarity and their ability to evolve gracefully over the decades. Beyond Champagne, other small scale productions and unique sparkling wine bottlings have also become highly collectible (see for example Italy’s Franciacorta or Calofonia’s prestige couvées), offering individuality and investment worthy additions to a collector’s cellar. 

Fun fact: the world’s most expensive sparkling wine is the Goût de Diamants Champagne; it comes in a white gold bottle adorned with a 19 carat diamond, priced at around $1.5 million. A true collector’s treasure!

Aside from jeweled edition bottles, here’s what makes sparkling wines collectible:

• Rarity: most limited vintage releases make some bottles highly sought after.
• Winemaking technique: varies according to the methods used by the winemaker (like for example méthode champenoise which guarantees refined quality).
• Terroir expression: for example, Champagne, Franciacorta or Crémant showcase their unique regional characters.

Top 3 collectible sparkling wines

1. Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Silver Blanc de Blancs
   This rare blanc de blancs is very exclusive thanks to its ultra limited production (just 5% of the brand’s total annual output from the brand).On the palate presents delicate notes of pastry, white fruit, gentle spice and a mineral driven finish. Beyond its content, the bottle itself is a work of art: it is finished in platinum with antique silver labels and presented in a lacquered wooden gift box.
2. Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2012 (1.5 L Magnum)
   Created by the Tsar Alexander II in 1876, Cristal’s legacy as the original prestige cuvée is an essential part of its collectible allure. The 2012 vintage is the first Cristal made entirely with organically and biodynamically farmed fruit. Critics have lauded it with top tier scores praising its aromatic depth, exotic fruit notes, minerality and perlage. The magnum format further elevates its aging and investment value.
3. Philipponnat Clos des Goisses Extra Brut 2014
   Clos des Goisses comes from one of Champagne’s oldest and steepest clos with walled vineyards with a dramatic south facing slope. The 2014 Extra Brut earned 99 points from Wine Enthusiast and was a ‘Cellar Selection’, praised for its intense Pinot Noir character, toast, rich fruit and remarkable aging capacity. 

Sparkling wine serving temperature: tips you need to know

Wine bottles are the life of the party but there’s one simple thing that makes a big difference on how they taste: how cold you serve them! Getting the right sparkling wine serving temperature helps it taste fresh and show all its flavors.

Pro tip: acidity, aging potential and the sparkling wine alcohol content shape the wine’s profile influencing its optimal serving temperature. The table below offers a handy guide on how to serve different sparkling wines based on ABV, acidity and serving temp.

Sparkling Wine	Tannin / Acidity	Serving Temp	Aging Potential
Ice Imperial – Moët & Chandon – ABV 12,5%	Low tannin, medium acidity	43-46° F	2-4 years
Christophe Mittnacht Cremant d’Alsace Extra Brut – ABV 12,5%	Low tannin, high acidity	46-50° F	3-5 years
Cava Brut Excelencia Kosher – Freixenet – ABV 12%	Low tannin, medium acidity	41-46° F	2-5 years
Franciacorta Cuvee Saten Brut – Monogram – ABV 12,5%	Low tannin, medium-high acidity	39-42° F	5-8 years
Prosecco DOC – La Marca – ABV 11,2%	Low tannin, high acidity	43-47°F	1-3 years
Brut Reserve – Coates and Seely – ABV 12%	Low tannin, medium acidity	46-50°F	3-6 years
Grand Siècle No. 25 – Laurent-Perrier – ABV 12%	Low tannin, medium acidity	50-53° F	7-12 years
J. Schram Blancs 2015 – Schramsberg Vineyard – ABV 12,4%	Low tannin, medium acidity	46-50°F	5-10 years

How to store sparkling wine?

When it comes to sparkling wines, storing becomes even more crucial to protect the delicate bubbles and keep that fresh character intact.

How to store sparkling wine the right way? Here are 4 simple tips:

1. Store it cool, maintaining a steady temperature between 45 and-55°F to protect its taste and effervescence.
2. Keep it dark and shield your wine from light and UV rays which can degrade its aromas and character.
3. Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure an airtight seal to preserve the bubbles.
4. Avoid temperature fluctuations because sudden changes can harm the wine and dry out the cork.

Extra tip: the best way to keep  open bottles fresh is to reseal them with a specialized sparkling wine stopper. This method helps maintain the wine’s carbonation and flavor for up to 2-3 days. Beyond that, the bubbles will start to fade so it’s best to enjoy the wine within this timeframe.

How to choose the right sparkling wine for beginners

Trying to get into sparkling wine can be a bit confusing at first and it helps to have a few easy options to try. These are some selected bottles that are simple to enjoy, considering sweetness, body and aromatic notes.

• Brut Reserve (England)
  Body: full bodied with plenty of fruit, a layered texture and a creamy finish.
  Best for: meat or mushroom based appetizers.
• Cava Brut Delicate (Spain)
  Body: light bodied, with aromas of citrus, lime and green apple.
  Best for: ideal as an aperitif or to accompany fish and savory pastries.
• Prosecco (Italy)
  Body: full bodied with soft backbone, toast touch and persistency.
  Best for: it goes well with all food from fish to white meat.

Here are 4 helpful extra tips:

1. Start with the label: look for terms like Brut, Extra Dry or Demi Sec. If you’re unsure of your preference, Brut is a balanced choice.
2. Consider the alcohol content: wines around 11-12% ABV are light, perfect for aperitifs. For a dinner with a bit more body, opt for 12.5% or higher.
3. Match the occasion: fruity sparkling wines are ideal for picnics or brunches while vintage bottles suit romantic dinners or gifts.
4. Think about food pairings: pair light bubbles  with sushi, snacks or salads and crisp dry wine with rich cheeses and fried dishes.

These straightforward tips are just as useful for sparkling wine to buy online!

Rating sparkling wines: the judging process behind great bottles

Each year, renowned critics like Jancis Robinson, Tom Stevenson and Essi Avellan assess sparkling wines using a 100 point scale, focusing on specific qualities that define each wine category. The evaluation criteria for rating sparking wines comprise:

• Origin and style: wines are grouped by region, ensuring they’re judged within their proper context.
• Perlage: one of the main factors in rating sparkling wines is the quality and persistence of the bubbles.
• Aroma: the complexity and clarity of the aromas are essential for a high rating.
• Balance and structure:wines are judged based on their harmony of acidity, body and finish.
• Aging potential: greater depth is often rewarded for its ability to age well.

Curiosity: judges taste blind, meaning they don’t know the producer or label! They exclusively focus on aspects like aroma, flavor and finish.