Sparkling wine: top bubbles to try in 2026
Sparkling wine is loved for its freshness and versatility. In this guide, we’ll help you discover the best sparkling wines for this year’s celebrations, rated on a 5 point scale, along with ideal food pairings. Our 5/5 top pick is Ulysse Collin’s Les Pierrières 2016, crafted from 100% Chardonnay.
10 Best sparkling wine bottles to buy online in the UK
Les Pierrières – Ulysse Collin 2016
Champagne, France
Brut Rosé – Dom Pérignon 2009
Champagne, France
Brut Gold – Armand de Brignac
Champagne, France
Blanc de Blancs (with Second Skin) – Ruinart 2010
Champagne, France
Giulio Riserva del Fondatore – Ferrari 2015
Trentino, Italy
Annamaria Clementi Dosaggio Zero Franciacorta – Ca’ del Bosco 2016
Lombardy, Italy
Champagne Brut – Laurent-Perrier 2015
Champagne, France
Le Rosé – Billecart-Salmon
Champagne, France
Can Sala – Ferrer Wines 2013
Catalonia, Spain
Petit Lot Mousseux – Windows Estate 2021
Western Australia, Australia
This is our curated ranking of the 10 best sparkling wines of the month, chosen for their taste, balanced structure and popularity among critics. They include French Champagnes, Italian Cava and Franciacorta and fine sparkling wines from other wine regions, perfect for compiling your own sparkling wine gift sets. Our top pick is the Les Pierrières 2016 by Ulysse Collin, rated 5/5 and priced at roughly £550. This single vineyard Blanc de Blancs was lees aged for 48 months, creating a complex and rich sparkling wine that combines a full body with chiselled acidity. All the recommendations in this list are available to buy online in the UK at the best sparkling wine offers you can find today.
Popular sparkling wine brands worth knowing
When choosing fine sparkling wines, a handful of producers stand out for prestige and for how they have shaped the global wine culture. Each estate carries a unique history and a flagship bottle that carries its style. Here are the most popular sparkling wine brands every wine lover should know:
Moët & Chandon – Épernay (Champagne), France
Moët & Chandon is perhaps the most famous sparkling wine brand in the world, known for bringing Champagne to the global stage. Founded by Claude Moët in 174, the house has vast vineyard holdings and centuries of knowledge that guide their winemaking process. Currently part of the LVMH luxury Group, the maison has perfected consistency and approachability across its range. The iconic Moët Impérial Brut remains the best expression of its house style: a fresh, balanced, and celebratory bottle that has been raised in toasts worldwide for generations.
Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut – Champagne, France
Ruinart – Reims (Champagne), France
Champagne Ruinart, founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart, is the oldest and most revered Champagne house. The house is a master of Chardonnay driven cuvées, with its Blanc de Blancs priced and sought after worldwide. The signature sparkling wines of Ruinart are elegant and mineral driven with luminous freshness and finesse. Try one of their 100% Chardonnay bruts to appreciate Ruinart’s mastery and elegance in full.
Brut Blanc de Blancs – Ruinart – Champagne, France
Ferrari – Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), Italy
Founded in 1902 in Trentino, Ferrari pioneered metodo classico (aka classic method) sparkling wines in Italy long before Franciacorta became famous. Frerrari’s sparkling wines are fresh and mineral, with very fine and elegant bubbles. Its vineyards are planted high in the Dolomite Alps, strongly influencing the herbal character of its bottlings. The Ferrari Perlé Brut is one of the estate’s flagship bottles, a Chardonnay based bubbly wine that captures the elegance of mountain terroir and has become Italy’s answer to Champagne in prestige and quality.
Brut Perlé – Ferrari 2019 – Trentino, Italy
What is sparkling wine?
- Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is a carbonated wine, produced globally in white, rosé and red styles, that contains high levels of carbon dioxide, creating fizz. To make sparkling wine, it undergoes a secondary fermentation either in the bottle (Champagne) or in tanks (Prosecco) to trap carbon dioxide. Sweetness levels range from dry brut to sweet doux.
Sparkling wine is a style of wine that contains noticeable levels of carbon dioxide, which results in the wine being fizzy. The gas can be naturally produced through fermentation or added artificially during production. It is usually either produced in a white or rosé style. Still, there are some red sparkling wines, including Brachetto and Lambrusco from Italy, as well as the Australian sparkling Shiraz.
Sparkling wine sweetness can range from very dry and lean styles to sweeter and richer expressions. Some common sparkling wine types include Champagne, made in France via the traditional method; Prosecco, crafted via the tank method in Italy and Cava, traditionally produced in Spain.
How is sparkling wine made?
Unlike still wines, sparkling wines undergo a secondary fermentation, in bottles or large tanks, according to the production method. The main production methods to craft sparkling wines are:
- Traditional method (or méthode champenoise) where the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, resulting in fine bubbles and complex flavours (for fine sparkling wines, including Champagne ).
- Charmat method: in this scenario, the secondary fermentation takes place in pressurised tanks, which gives the wine a fresh and fruity flavour (think good sparkling wines like Prosecco).
- Ancestral method (also 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 to 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 larger and dissipate quickly. It is the least expensive method, often used for mass produced sparkling wines.
Main sparkling wine grape varieties
The choice of grape variety plays a fundamental role in defining the aroma and ageing potential of sparkling wines. Here are the sparkling wine grapes most commonly used by winemakers around the world:
- Chardonnay is a versatile white grape known for producing wines that can be crisp and citrusy or rich and buttery. It is often used for oaked sparkling wines.
- Pinot Noir, despite being a black skinned grape, stands out among the world’s most captivating grapes, also for white sparkling and rosé wines. Thanks to its red fruit aromas and an elegance that never overwhelms, it is very versatile in a wide range of sparkling wines (including Champagne).
- Pinot Meunier is a fruity grape commonly used alone or in Champagne blends to add roundness and approachability.
- Glera is celebrated as the white grape behind Prosecco, with a fresh and floral character that produces lively bubbles.
- Lambrusco is capable of producing sparkling wines ranging from dry to slightly sweet, characterised by lively fruity notes.
- Moscato is the grape used to make sweet and low alcohol wines with flavours of peach and apricot.
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 carefully by the winemaker!
What are the types of sparkling wine?
The types of sparkling wine 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 type 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 the final character of a sparkling wine. It includes choices such as fermentation method, use of oak or stainless steel, length of ageing and blending practices, all of which influence the wine’s structure and flavour profile.
Recognising these distinctions helps wine lovers understand why no two sparkling wines are ever quite the same and provides a framework for you to buy sparkling wines with more confidence.
Sparkling wine by body
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 are the kind of bubbles that make your palate feel fresh and zesty.
- Medium bodied sparkling wines, instead, are more balanced and offer a sweeter flavour.
- Full bodied sparkling wines are the most structured wines, with different layers of flavour 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 flavours 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 |
Sparkling wines by sweetness
Sparkling wines present four main sweetness levels with some subcategories that cover “in between” styles:
- Sweet sparkling wines are the most indulgent style; with over 0.85oz residual sugar per bottle, they offer lush fruity aromas and velvety texture.
- Semi dry (also demi sec), with residual sugar ranging between 0.45oz and 0.85oz 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 sparkling wine has a very lively and approachable character, making it a crowd pleaser.
- Brut/extra brut/brut nature: these are usually the driest sparkling wine styles. They 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.
| Sweetness | Best Sparkling Wine | Tasting Notes | Common Varietals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet over 0.85 oz/bottle | Vino dell’Amore Manzoni Moscato Rosé – Bottega – Italy | Sweet and fragrant, characterised by fruity notes of cherry, raspberry, ripe citrus and spicy sage in the finish. | Moscato, Brachetto, Riesling |
| Semi Dry 0.45 – 0.85 oz/bottle | Franciacorta Rosé Demi Sec – Montina – Italy | Velvety and soft, balancing sweetness with vibrant acidity and fruity notes of red berries, strawberry and hints of yeast or brioche. | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier |
| Dry 0.32 – 0.45 oz/bottle | Prosecco DOC Extra Dry – Torresella – Italy | Creamy, persistent mousse with a light body and flavours of pear, apple, lemon, white flowers and citrus. | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc |
| Brut 0 – 0.32 oz/bottle | Special Cuvée Brut – Champagne Bollinger – France | Complex flavours of roasted apple, brioche, fresh walnut and spice. It is medium to full bodied on the palate, with a pillowy mousse and hints of salinity. | Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier |
Spotlight on brut sparkling wine
Brut sparkling wines include some of the most recognised categories worldwide: Champagne (France), Crémant (France outside Champagne), Franciacorta (Italy), Cava (Spain) and California Bruts (USA). Most are made using the traditional method used for Champagne, where the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, giving complexity and fine bubbles. Others, such as many Prosecco Bruts, use the Charmat method with secondary fermentation occurring in pressurised tanks, resulting in a fresher and fruitier style. Here’s a selection of the best bubbly wines in the brut category:
Yellow Label Brut – Veuve Clicquot – Champagne, France
Gold II Vino dei Poeti – Bottega 2025 – Veneto, Italy
Franciacorta DOCG Brut – Contadi Castaldi – Lombardy, Italy
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! Some popular sparkling wines in the sweet category are:
| Rating | Sweet Sparkling Wine | Country | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | RICH on Ice Doux Rosé – Veuve Clicquot | Champagne, France | Full bodied and mineral, with a fine, creamy mousse and aromas of pineapple, mango, lychee and jasmine. |
| 4.9/5 | Franciacorta Nectar Demi Sec – Bellavista | Lombardy, Italy | Fragrant hints of candied white fruit, flowers and honey. It is creamy, full bodied and smooth, with an extremely soft mouth and sweet flavours. |
| 4.8/5 | Moscato d’Asti Spumante de Miranda – Contratto 2020 | Piedmont, Italy | Fresh, sweet and balanced, with notes of orange blossom, white peach, pear and honey, as well as a mineral finish. |
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 emphasise freshness, structure and minerality over sweetness. Despite Champagne holding the highest spot, Italy’s Franciacorta fiercely rivals Champagne for taste profile, ageing capacity and layers of complexity. Spain (with Cava), South Africa and Australia produce excellent bottles with remarkable depth and food friendliness at a fraction of Champagne’s price. Here are some of the most underrated dry sparkling wine choices that pair great with food, especially at weddings or other special occasions.
36 Mesi Brut Riserva – Bonconsey 2021 – Trentino, Italy
Cap Classique Rosé Cuvée Brut – Krone 2023 – Western Cape, South Africa
Cava Brut Nature Reserva – Freixenet 2021 – Catalonia, Spain
Pro tips for great sparkling wine food pairings
The key to a great sparkling wine food pairing is balancing flavours: lighter sparkling wines enhance delicate dishes, more structured bubbles stand up to richer flavours. Sparkling wines are surprisingly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide range of foods, even some unexpected ones!
Some of our top pairings by wine style are:
- Brut sparkling wines with seafood, soft and creamy cheeses and fried food.
- Semi dry sparkling wines pair well with spicy food, fried chicken and fruity desserts.
- Sweet sparkling wines are best enjoyed with dessert, rich appetisers and brunch.
Below you’ll find easy and practical tips on the best dishes to pair with 6 of our best sparkling wines.
| Sparkling Wine Food Pairing | Best Sparkling Wine | Rating | Type & Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oysters with caviar, butter poached langoustine, sushi and raw scallops | Les Pierrières – Ulysse Collin 2016 – Champagne, France | 5/5 | Full bodied, saline, racy acidity |
| Seared duck breast with berry sauce, roasted chicken and pork belly | Brut Rosé – Dom Pérignon 2009 – Champagne, France | 5/5 | Full bodied, fruity and spicy |
| Brie de Meaux, aged Gouda, Comté, Chaource, Roquefort | Brut Gold – Armand de Brignac – Champagne, France | 4.9/5 | Elegant and creamy, with citrus fruit and spice notes |
| Appetisers such as truffle chips, parmesan shavings, caviar or goat cheese | Blanc de Blancs (with Second Skin) – Ruinart 2010 – Champagne, France | 4.9/5 | Rich and mineral, toasty aromas, bitter finish |
| Seafood risotto, lobster ravioli, paté, creamy pasta with guanciale | Giulio Riserva del Fondatore – Ferrari 2015 – Trentino, Italy | 4.8/5 | Velvety palate, aromas of chocolate and white flower |
| Steamed Dim Sum, tempura, oysters with light ponzu, sashimi | Annamaria Clementi Dosaggio Zero Franciacorta – Ca’ del Bosco 2016 – Lombardy, Italy | 4.8/5 | Great acidity, marked minerality, fruity |
Sparkling wine varieties explained
Sparkling wine varieties encompass a wide range of styles influenced mainly by the grape varieties used, production methods and the level of carbon dioxide in the bottle: wines like Champagne and Franciacorta showcase fine, persistent bubbles while sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava feel lighter and fresher. Let’s see in detail the varieties and styles:
- Champagne (France): the tiny villages of the Champagne region craft it with the traditional method, giving it layers of flavour that can age for decades.
- Cava (Spain): it is a Spanish sparkling wine from Catalonia that locals enjoy with tapas. Typically dry and crisp with citrusy.
- Prosecco (Italy): most Prosecco is made from Glera grapes with the tank method, which keeps it fresh and fruity.
- Spumante (Italy): this flexible term covers a wide range of styles (dry, sweet, white or red) with each Italian region having its own take.
- Franciacorta (Italy): it is Lombardy’s pride, considered Italy’s nod to Champagne. Often produced using the traditional method with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as main grapes, its long bottle fermentation creates creamy bubbles and complex, elegant aromas.
- Trento DOC (Italy): another high quality Italian sparkling wine that is crafted with the traditional method. Mainly produced in the Trentino Alto Adige alpine region, this variety is usually the result of carefully blended Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.
- Crémant (France): this is a category of French sparkling wines crafted with the same method as Champagne. Each region offers unique expressions that result, according to the grape and the terroir, in Crémant de Loire (floral and honeyed from Chenin Blanc grapes), Crémant d’Alsace (crisp and mineral from Riesling grapes) or Crémant de Bourgogne (refined and elegant from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay).
- Moscato d’Asti (Italy): a light, sweet sparkling version that contains very low alcohol. It is made from Moscato grapes and pairs perfectly with dessert or brunch.
- Lambrusco (Italy): maybe the most misunderstood Italian wine, it originates from Emilia Romagna and offers lively red bubbles with a slightly sweet, refreshing taste.
- Sekt (Germany and Austria): these lesser known sparkling wines are crafted with the traditional method, often using local grapes such as Riesling, Grüner Veltliner or Pinot varieties. The wines produced are usually crisp, mineral and aromatic.
- English sparkling wine (UK): an emerging star produced mainly in Sussex and Kent on chalk soils quite similar to those of the Champagne region. Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and using the traditional method, English sparkling wine presents high acidity and complexity.
- Shiraz Sparkling (Australia): this red sparkling wine is a unique Australian speciality. The wine is rich and full bodied with bold flavours of dark berries, chocolate and pepper spice.
- Cap Classique (South Africa): locally known as Méthode Cap Classique, these sparkling wines are made with the traditional method using Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Their aromatic profile is lively with notes of fruit, brioche and citrus.
- California sparkling wine (USA): California has become a serious player in sparkling wine. Schramsberg, Roederer Estate and Domaine Carneros craft wines with the traditional method, blending Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The results are impressive: yeasty cuvées with great ageing potential that rival respected Old World counterparts.
Most popular sparkling wines amongst collectors
Certain sparkling wines and labels have earned legendary status worldwide, becoming so valued that they are now viewed as true investment assets. Below we have grouped and explained the most popular sparkling wines amongst fine collectors (including luxury cuvées and exclusive editions), chosen for their rarity, prestige and impeccable craftsmanship. Read on to find out why each of them is so highly valued and worth the investment.
- Armand de Brignac Brut Rosé – Champagne, France
This brut rosé is born from blending three vintages, crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes farmed in some of the most prestigious terroirs in the region. The nose is rich and complex, revealing hints of cherry, citrus, ginger and bread crust. On the palate, it is soft, with good acidity and an excellent length. Beyond its content, the bottle itself is a work of art, coated in metal and adorned with French pewter labels, then presented in a black, lacquered gift box. - Krug Brut Rosé 29ème Édition – Champagne, France
This rose cuvee is bold and mysterious, crafted from the finest fruit of the 2017 harvest and 33% reserve wines from the past four years. The nose is marked by refined precision, unfolding with aromas of ripe red berries, blood orange and fresh flowers. The sip is soft and enveloping, supported by vibrant acidity and a grapefruit zest finish. - Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2016 – Champagne, France
Created by the Tsar Alexander II in 1876, Cristal’s legacy as the original prestige cuvée is an essential part of its collectable allure. The 2016 vintage is a blend of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay, sourced from organically farmed vineyards. It has been praised as the vintage of perfect harmony, with critics lauding it with top tier scores, praising its aromatic depth, exotic fruit notes, minerality and perlage.
Beyond the luxury and exclusive edition bottles highlighted above, there are broader factors that make good sparkling wines highly collectable. Rarity plays a central role, with limited vintage releases driving demand among collectors. Winemaking techniques also matter: wines crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise are often more expensive and achieve greater refinement. Equally important is the terroir: the soil, the temperature and the location of the vineyards shape the character of sparkling wines, influencing the availability and distinctiveness of each release.
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!
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 in how they taste: how cold you serve them! Getting the right sparkling wine serving temperature helps it taste fresh and show all its flavours.
Pro tip: acidity, ageing 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.
| Top Sparkling Wine | Tannin / Acidity | Serving Temp | Aging Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demi Sec Ice Imperial – Moët & Chandon – France – ABV 12% | Low tannin, medium acidity | 6-8°C | 2-5 years |
| Crémant d’Alsace Brut Cuvée Spéciale 1904 – Arthur Metz – France – ABV 12.5% | Low tannin, lively acidity | 6-8°C | 3-5 years |
| Non Plus Ultra Cava Reserva Brut – Cordoniu 2023 – Spain – ABV 11.5% | Low tannin, medium acidity | 6-8°C | 2-5 years |
| Franciacorta Brut Saten – Corte alle Stelle – Italy – ABV 12.5% | Low tannin, medium-high acidity | 8-10°C | 3-5 years |
| Prosecco Brut – Dolceriva – Italy – ABV 11% | Low tannin, bright acidity | 6-8°C | 1-3 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:
- Store it cool, maintaining a steady temperature between 7 and 13°C to protect its taste and effervescence.
- Keep it dark and shield your wine from light and UV rays, which can degrade its aromas and character.
- Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure an airtight seal to preserve the bubbles.
- Avoid temperature fluctuations because sudden changes can harm the wine and dry out the cork.
Extra tip: the best way to keep open bottles of sparkling wine fresh is to reseal them with a specialised sparkling wine stopper. This method helps maintain the wine’s carbonation and flavour 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 we rate sparkling wines
For a sparkling wine to earn its place on our list, it has to be tasted and scored independently by our tasting panel. We keep the selections exclusive: only bottles that score at least 4.6 out of 5 make it onto our recommendations.
We work with a 50 point scoring system, but to keep things clean and simple for you, it is translated into a 5 point scale:
- 5 = Exceptional
- 4 = Excellent
- 3 = Very Good
- 2 = Good
- 1 = Fair
What exactly do we look for?
- Appearance (up to 5 points): does the wine appear attractive? We’re evaluating clarity, depth of colour and brightness, the first clues about what’s coming.
- Aroma & bouquet (up to 15 points): we want to see intensity, layered complexity and a clean nose free of flaws or impurities.
- Flavour & palate (up to 20 points): acidity, tannin, alcohol and mouthfeel all need to be pulling in harmony.
- Overall impression (up to 10 points): this involves assessing the harmony, typicity, the length of the wine’s finish.
We also hold every sparkling wine to these two additional standards:
- Mousse: fine, persistent bubbles that create lasting foam are indicators of high quality and long aged wines, particularly ones crafted with the traditional method.
- Balanced structure: a sparkling wine may be extra dry or doux, but no matter the sweetness level, a quality sparkling wine possesses balanced sugar, acidity and alcohol levels.
A note from our team: numbers and ratings are important, but they don’t tell the whole story. Our scores are a reflection of our palates and opinions on each bottle. The attached tasting notes are the most important pieces of the puzzle and we encourage you to read them so that you can find and buy sparkling wines that you will truly love and enjoy.
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FAQs on sparkling wine
Which sparkling wine is sweet?
If you enjoy sweeter sparkling wines, Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante are top picks. These Italian sparkling wines are sweet, light, fruity and aromatic, ideal for dessert or casual sipping. When browsing, check for terms like “Demi-Sec” or “Sweet” on the label. These indicate a higher sugar content and ensure a smooth and sweeter drinking experience.
What is traditional sparkling wine?
Traditional sparkling wines are crafted using the classic method, or méthode traditionnelle, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. This process produces elegant, long lasting bubbles and adds complexity. Champagne, Cava and Franciacorta are standout examples of this technique, known for their refinement, structure and ageing potential.
Is Prosecco a sparkling wine?
Yes! Prosecco is a sparkling wine from Italy’s Veneto region, primarily made from the Glera grape. Unlike Champagne, it’s crafted using the Charmat method, where the second fermentation happens in stainless steel tanks. This results in light and fresh bubbles, ideal for a casual sparkling wine experience that's perfect any time.
What is the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine?
All Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Champagne must come only from France’s Champagne region and follow strict traditional methods. Winemakers outside the Champagne region are not allowed to label their productions as Champagne. Other sparkling wines (like Prosecco from Italy or Cava from Spain) use different grapes and techniques. Each offers its own character, but only Champagne holds the name and prestige.
How to open sparkling wine?
Start by chilling the bottle thoroughly. Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage while keeping a firm grip on the cork. Hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle and twist the base (not the cork!) gently. Let the pressure ease the cork out slowly for a soft release. Skip the dramatic pop unless you’re celebrating big!
Does sparkling wine expire?
Sparkling wine doesn’t last forever. Non vintage bottles should be enjoyed within 1-2 years, while vintage or premium bottles may age for 5-30 years (especially for Champagne) if stored properly. Over time, both bubbles and flavour fade. For the best experience, enjoy your sparkling wine relatively young while it still has its vibrant character and freshness.
Does sparkling wine go bad after opening?
Yes, sparkling wine can go bad after opening. Once opened, it loses its bubbles quickly, typically within 1-3 days. Even unopened bottles can spoil if stored improperly. To keep your bubbly fresh, store it in a cool and dark place with a consistent temperature, and always reseal opened bottles tightly.
Is sparkling wine alcoholic?
Absolutely! Sparkling wines generally have an alcohol content between 11% and 13%. Some lighter styles, such as Moscato, can have lower levels around 5% to 7%. To be certain about the alcohol percentage before pouring, always check the label. This helps you select the right sparkling wine for your preference and occasion.
Where can I find sparkling wine offers?
Here at Wines Curated, we recommend sparkling wines from top producers globally, which are available to buy on websites that offer the best deals on sparkling wine in the UK. Whether you’re picking a bottle for your next celebration or curating a sparkling wine gift set, these sparkling wine deals ensure that you’re getting the best bottles at the best prices, with timely delivery as well.
