A Brief Guide to Sparkling Wine
Types of Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is one of the most popular wine styles in the world, covering everything from everyday easy-drinking fizz to fine sparkling wine used for celebrations.
In this guide, we explain the main types of sparkling wine, the most popular sparkling wines to know, and how different styles vary by country, taste and occasion.
From French sparkling wine and Italian sparkling wine through to English sparkling wine and sweet sparkling wine styles, there is a sparkling wine to suit every taste and budget.
What is Sparkling Wine?
Sparkling wine is wine that contains dissolved carbon dioxide, which creates bubbles. Sparkling wines can be made using several methods, but the traditional method used in Champagne is considered the benchmark for fine sparkling wine.
Sparkling wine styles range from dry and crisp through to sweet sparkling wine, and can be made from many different grape varieties depending on country and production method.
Popular Sparkling Wines to Know
Some of the most popular sparkling wines include:
Champagne – complex, fine bubbles, celebration wine
Prosecco – fresh, fruity and easy-drinking
Cava – traditional method, great value sparkling wine
Crémant – French sparkling wine made outside Champagne
English Sparkling Wine – fast-growing premium category
Sparkling Rosé – fruitier, great for celebrations
Sweet Sparkling Wine – dessert-friendly and approachable
These are some of the most popular sparkling wines people start with when exploring the category.
Types of Sparkling Wine by Style
Champagne (French Sparkling Wine)
Champagne is the most famous French sparkling wine and is often considered the best Champagne for celebrations and gifting. Made in the Champagne region of France using the traditional method, Champagne is known for fine bubbles, high acidity and complexity.
Flavours typically include citrus, apple, brioche and toasted notes. Many people consider vintage or grower Champagne to be fine sparkling wine suitable for special occasions.
Prosecco (Italian Sparkling Wine)
Prosecco is one of the most popular Italian sparkling wine styles and is often chosen as a nice sparkling wine for casual drinking. Prosecco wine is typically lighter, fruitier and more approachable than Champagne.
Flavours often include pear, apple and floral notes. Many people searching for the best sparkling wine for parties or everyday occasions choose Prosecco.
Cava is a traditional method Spanish sparkling wine mainly produced in Catalonia. It offers excellent value and is often considered a great sparkling wine alternative to Champagne.
Flavours usually include citrus, green apple and light toast notes, making it versatile with food and suitable for celebrations.
Crémant (French Sparkling Wine Alternative)
Crémant is French sparkling wine made outside the Champagne region using similar traditional methods. Many wine lovers see Crémant as a great sparkling wine that offers Champagne-style quality at a lower price.
Crémant can be made in regions such as Alsace, Loire and Burgundy and often shows apple, citrus and light brioche flavours.
English Sparkling Wine / UK Sparkling Wine
English sparkling wine has grown rapidly in quality and popularity, with many producers now making some of the best English sparkling wine styles available.
UK sparkling wine and British sparkling wine are typically made using the same grapes and methods as Champagne, often showing crisp acidity, citrus fruit and mineral character.
Sweet sparkling wine is ideal for those who prefer softer, fruitier styles. These wines often pair well with desserts or can be enjoyed on their own.
Some of the best sweet sparkling wine styles include Moscato d’Asti and some demi-sec sparkling wines.
Sparkling White Wine Explained
Sparkling white wine is a broad category that includes Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and many other styles. Not all sparkling white wine is sweet — many styles are dry.
Some sparkling white wine styles may also overlap with sweet white wines depending on sugar levels.
White Wine FAQs
What is sparkling wine?
Sparkling wine is wine that contains bubbles created during fermentation or carbonation.
What are the most popular sparkling wines?
Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Crémant and English sparkling wine are among the most popular sparkling wines worldwide.
What is the best sparkling wine to gift?
The best sparkling wine for gifting is often Champagne or fine sparkling wine from premium producers.
What is fine sparkling wine and when should you choose it?
Fine sparkling wine is typically made using traditional methods and is suited to celebrations, gifting or special occasions.
Is French sparkling wine always Champagne?
Not all French sparkling wine is Champagne. Champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region of France. Other French sparkling wine styles, such as Crémant, can still be excellent alternatives to Champagne and are often considered great sparkling wine options.
What is Spanish sparkling wine and what does it taste like?
Spanish sparkling wine is usually Cava and typically tastes fresh, citrusy and lightly toasted.
What is the best English sparkling wine style to try first?
Many people start with classic British sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
What is sweet sparkling wine and who is it best for?
Sweet sparkling wine is ideal for dessert drinkers or those new to wine and looking for the best sweet wine styles.
What is the best sparkling wine for Christmas?
Many people choose fine sparkling wine or Champagne as the best sparkling wine option for Christmas.
What’s a nice sparkling wine for casual drinking?
Prosecco is often considered a nice sparkling wine for relaxed occasions.
Where can I buy sparkling wine online?
You can buy sparkling wine online directly from The Wine Flyer, where you can browse a wide range of sparkling wine styles, from everyday Prosecco and Cava to fine sparkling wine and premium Champagne.
If you are exploring new styles, a mixed case is a great way to discover different sparkling wines before deciding which bottles you would like to buy regularly.
Sparkling wine offers incredible variety, from everyday easy-drinking fizz to fine sparkling wine used for celebrations. Exploring different regions and styles is the best way to find the sparkling wines you enjoy most.
Shop Our Sparkling Wines
We’ve created a helpful list of our top 10 sparkling wines. Or, if you’re keen to try a variety of styles, explore our curated sparkling cases, featuring bottles from renowned regions around the world - and collect Avios as you go.