From Cap Classique to Crémant, the best bubblies you might not have heard of.
When it comes to bubbles, Champagne reigns supreme. Or does it? You may be surprised to find out that there are a few different sparkling options out there, with many that are just as elegant. When it comes to sparkling wines, every country and region tends to have one (or a few) that they produce, and they can be made using different methods and a variety of grapes that are known to be grown in a particular region.
Tired of the same old sparkling but don’t know where to start? Vogue chatted with Lydia Richards, wine expert and PR pro, as well as Desiree Harrison-Brown, wine expert and educator, to take us through some of the best sparkling wine varietals and varieties. Here, a wine guide to sparkling wines beyond Champagne to pop open and enjoy.
Franciacorta
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“This is one of Italy’s best-kept bubbly secrets, in my opinion,” says Richards. Produced in Northern Italy in Lombardy, it’s made in the traditional method (like Champagne) and is known for its “high-quality” bubbles, though it’s less known in the U.S. (though that’s changing a bit), according to Harrison-Brown. This type of sparkling is known for its beautiful texture, freshness, and finesse, says Richards. She suggests keeping an eye out for Satèn wines, which means “silk” in Italian and are unique to the Franciacorta region.
Producers to Try: Ca’ del Bosco, Barone Pizzini
Crémant
Both Harrison-Brown and Richards note that Crémant is one of their favorite sparkling options, and an “unsung hero,” according to Richards. “These sparklers are made using the same method as Champagne, but they can be made in nine different regions around France, so there is some variety in terms of the grapes used,” says Harrison-Brown. (Currently, more than 500 producers are making Crémant.) This sparkling is made in regions across France, including Alsace, Jura, Loire, Alsace, and more, and offers exceptional quality. “One of my favorites is Crémant de Limoux,” says Harrison-Brown. “Limoux is believed to be the birthplace of sparkling wine—not Champagne, as many believe.”
Producers to Try: Louis Bouillot, Veuve Ambal
Prosecco
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