Anything But Champagne
Champagne is often seen as the gold standard of sparkling wine, and for good reason. Made in France’s Champagne region using traditional methods, it offers elegance, complexity, and those signature fine bubbles that make any moment feel a little more special. But it’s far from the only great option out there. From Italian Prosecco to Spanish Cava to Crémant, there are many styles of sparkling wine worth exploring. Whether you’re looking for something crisp and fruity, rich and toasty, or just budget-friendly and fun, there’s a sparkling wine to match your taste — even if you’re just getting started.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a light, bubbly white wine from Italy that's known for being refreshing, easy to drink, and usually a bit more affordable than Champagne. It’s made primarily from the Glera grape and typically has fruity flavours like green apple, pear, and citrus. Most Prosecco is sparkling (what the Italians call spumante), though you can also find lightly sparkling (frizzante) or even still versions. It’s often enjoyed on its own or used in cocktails like the classic Bellini. If you’re just getting into wine or want something crisp and celebratory without breaking the bank, Prosecco is a great place to start.
Ca’ dei Zago, Valdobbiadene Col Fondo Prosecco, 2024
This bottle is a refreshing, lightly sparkling Prosecco made in the traditional "col fondo" style, which means it's unfiltered and naturally cloudy, with a bit of sediment at the bottom. That gives it a rustic, slightly funky character that’s super lively and fun to drink.
It’s a great alternative to Champagne if you’re looking for something more laid-back and food-friendly, without the big price tag. It’s crisp, dry, and full of fresh citrus and green apple notes, with a touch of yeastiness from the lees (kind of like sourdough crust). Chill it, pour gently (or swirl it up if you want that cloudy vibe), and enjoy with snacks, pizza, or just good company.
Cava
Cava is a type of sparkling wine from Spain, kind of like Champagne but typically more affordable and just as festive. It’s mostly made in the Catalonia region using local grapes like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Cava gets its bubbles through the “traditional method,” meaning the wine goes through a second fermentation in the bottle — the same technique used in Champagne. The result is a crisp, refreshing wine that can range from dry to slightly sweet, with flavours of citrus, green apple, and sometimes a little nuttiness or toastiness. It's great for celebrations or just sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Pago de Tharsys, Cava Brut Nature, NV
Pago de Tharsys, Cava Brut Nature, NV is a crisp, dry sparkling wine from Spain that offers a fantastic alternative to Champagne — without the Champagne price tag. Made in the same traditional method (so you still get those fine bubbles and toasty notes), this Cava brings zesty citrus, green apple, and a touch of almond to the table, with no added sugar (that’s what “Brut Nature” means).
It’s perfect for casual celebrations, brunches, or just because — it feels festive without being fussy. If you like bubbles but don’t want something too sweet or too pricey, this is a smart and stylish pick.
Crémant
Crémant is a type of sparkling wine from France that's made using the same traditional method as Champagne, but it's not from the Champagne region, so it can't use that name. You’ll find Crémant made in several areas across France, like Alsace, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley. It’s usually a bit more affordable than Champagne but still has that bubbly elegance people love. Each region uses its own mix of grapes, so flavours can vary, but generally, Crémant is crisp, refreshing, and great for celebrations or just a casual night in.
Domaine Léon Boesch, Zéro, NV is a sparkling wine from Alsace, France that makes a fantastic alternative to Champagne—especially if you're looking for something a bit more unique and budget-friendly. Made without added sugar (hence the “Zéro”), it’s crisp, dry, and refreshing, with bright notes of citrus, green apple, and a hint of toastiness. It’s crafted using traditional methods like Champagne, so you still get that elegant bubble and finesse, but with a slightly more approachable and natural feel. Perfect for celebrations, casual get-togethers, or just when you want a glass of something sparkly without the Champagne price tag.
Other Styles of Sparkling
Philippe Balivet, Bugey Cerdon Méthode Ancestrale, NV
This fun and fruity sparkling wine comes from the tiny Bugey region in eastern France. Made using the méthode ancestrale (an old-school, natural way of making bubbly), it’s a lightly sweet, low-alcohol wine with fresh flavours of strawberries, raspberries, and a gentle fizz.
If you like the idea of Champagne but want something more playful, less dry, and a bit more wallet-friendly, this is a great alternative. It’s perfect for brunches, picnics, or just sipping with friends — especially for people who say, “I don’t really like wine” (this might change their mind).
Andreas Bender, Riesling Brut Sekt, 2021
This German sparkling wine (or Sekt) is made from 100% Riesling grapes and offers a bright, fresh take on bubbles. It’s crisp and lively, with zesty citrus, green apple, and a touch of minerality that makes it super refreshing. Unlike Champagne, which is usually made with grapes like Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, this one's all Riesling — so it’s a bit more aromatic and fruit-forward, but still dry and elegant.
If you're looking for something festive without the Champagne price tag, this is a fantastic pick. It's great on its own or with snacks, and it brings that same celebratory sparkle with a slightly more playful twist.
There’s a lot more to sparkling wine than Champagne. Fancy looking at a wider range?
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