Collection: Buy sparkling wines

Although champagne is the most famous of the sparkling wines, there are also many other sparkling wines worth exploring ! Indeed, we can mention the Crémants from Alsace, Loire, Jura, and Burgundy, as well as the delightful bubbles of Vouvray and the Prosecco from our dear Italian neighbors. Let's take a presentation tour !

 

How are Crémants and Vouvray made?

Sparkling Crémants and Vouvray are made using the traditional method, the same process used for Champagnes! This century-old method involves vinifying a still wine (without bubbles) and then bottling it with a dose of sugar and yeast called “liqueur de tirage". The yeasts will then consume the added sugar and transform it into alcohol, releasing CO2 in the process, which will be trapped in the bottles : this is the birth of effervescence.

During this stage, the bottles are left in the cellar (aging on slats) for a period ranging from 9 months minimum to several years. After this phase, the deposit of dead yeast (lees) remaining at the bottom of the bottles is then removed. Then, a mixture of wine and sugar called "liqueur d'expédition" (or dosage liqueur) is added to the whole, thus giving its final style to the sparkling wine: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Sec, Demi-sec, Sec, or Doux.

Nevertheless, some differences do exist between Crémants and Champagnes, particularly in terms of grape varieties or minimum aging duration. Indeed, while in Champagne the only grape varieties Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay represent more than 99% of the wines produced, other varieties are allowed in other regions of France.

Thus, in Alsace, the grape varieties used for making crémants will be Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or even Pinot Auxerrois. You can notably find some of them in the delicious crémant from the domaine Boehler.

In Burgundy, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir will represent the majority of the production, although Gamay can also be used in rosé crémants.

In the Loire, Chenin, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pineau d’Aunis, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are the main varieties used.It is the latter that notably allows for the creation of the beautiful cuvée from the domaine Plou & Fils. However, in the AOC Vouvray, only Chenin will be authorized for the production of local sparkling wines, like the brilliant Vouvray Brut from the domaine François et Julien Pinon.

In the Jura, the grape varieties Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir, Savagnin and Chardonnay are the chosen ones.

Finally, while the aging on laths (resting period during which effervescence is created) in Champagne lasts for a minimum of 15 months, it will only be 9 months for crémants and 12 months for Vouvray.

How is Prosecco made?

Prosecco is a sparkling wine mainly produced in the northeast of Italy (regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia). Unlike Crémant and Champagne, Prosecco is made using the Charmat method, a less expensive and faster process than the traditional method in which the second fermentation (prise de mousse) occurs in a closed tank rather than in a bottle. This process gives the Italian wine its light, fruity, and agreeable character, making it the star of our aperitifs, exactly like the Prosecco Extra Dry Sacchetto.

The unique grape variety used for making these Italian bubbles is Glera. Moreover, Proseccos are regularly more dosed than our crémants and sparkling wines. Thus, the mention Extra Dry (or Demi-Sec -ranging from 12g/L to 17g/L of sugar-) is the most popular, while in France, it is indeed the Brut (0g/L to 12g/L of sugar) that is the most produced type of wine !

Serving sparkling wines at the table: with which dishes to pair them?

Sparkling wines are not reserved only for the aperitif ! Of course, a Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut or a Crémant de Bourgogne will work wonders at the start of a meal, but why stop there?! Our bubbles can indeed accompany an entire meal, bringing freshness and lightness to the dishes.

Seafood and shellfish pair perfectly, for example, with a Champagne or a Crémant d'Alsace brut. These also highlight the iodized freshness of oysters and langoustines.

For fish and light dishes, a Crémant de Loire brut or a sparkling white wine from Jura can enhance a scallop carpaccio or a prawn salad.

If you opt for white meats or poultry, a rosé Champagne or a Crémant de Bourgogne rosé will be very good choices.

As for cheeses, bubbles are also too often underestimated, while an organic Crémant d'Alsace can, for example, work wonders with an aged Comté or a creamy Brie !

Finally, for dessert, a demi-sec Champagne or a gourmet sparkling wine made from Muscat will enhance a fruit tart or a pavlova.

How to properly taste a sparkling wine?

A good service makes all the difference in fully enjoying sparkling wines. The ideal temperature for these is often between 6 and 8°C. To achieve this, place your bottle in the refrigerator a few hours beforehand. For more complex and aromatically rich sparkling wines, a few degrees more (serving between 8-10°C) can be beneficial.

Additionally, the opening should be done gently. Loosen the wire cage while firmly holding the cork, slightly tilt the bottle, and gently rotate it on itself to avoid a too abrupt release of gas. For the service, choose a tulip flute with a slight opening or a classic wine glass rather than a coupe to concentrate the aromas and preserve the bubbles.

Tasting a sparkling wine is about engaging all your senses. Start by observing its golden color and the fineness of the bubble cord. Listen to the gentle fizz of the effervescence, then smell its aromas of fruits, brioche, and almonds. On the palate, let the bubbles dance on your tongue and appreciate the freshness and liveliness of the wine.

Whether you choose a Crémant de Bourgogne, a brut Champagne, or a sparkling wine from Languedoc-Roussillon, the important thing is to enjoy with pleasure and especially in good company!

Which sparkling wine for which occasion?

Sparkling wines can turn any occasion into a celebration. Whether it's a champagne to mark a big moment or a prosecco for a relaxed aperitif, there is something for every taste !

Here are some suggestions to help you choose the perfect sparkling wine, depending on the occasion.

Friendly aperitif: Prosecco Extra Dry or Crémant d'Alsace

For a nice aperitif with friends or family, you need some light and fruity bubbles. The Prosecco Extra Dry is ideal for that. This Italian sparkling wine , less acidic than Champagne and very fresh, is perfect for relaxing moments. If you want something a bit more French, opt for a Crémant d'Alsace brut. The region offers bubbles with a lively and elegant side, and moreover, they often come at very attractive prices.

Finally, why not try a Crémant de Bourgogne white or a Crémant de Loire during your aperitif ?

For special occasions: Champagne (vintage)

For a special occasion like a birthday or a special dinner, champagne is a must. Whether you choose a classic champagne or a vintage, the finest sparkling wine from France will delight you with its fine bubbles and its great class... it is simply the star wine of festive occasions ! So yes, the price is a bit higher compared to crémants and other sparkling wines like Vouvray... but for a memorable moment, it's an investment worth making !

Wedding or reception: a wide choice

If you are organizing a wedding or a large reception, everything is possible to enhance your event: from refined champagne to the festive bubbles of crémant de Loire, including a sparkling Vouvray or other equally elegant sparkling wines.

Crémant de Loire is indeed an excellent option: affordable, with fine bubbles and a beautiful aromatic complexity, it pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes and appeals to a broad audience. A smart solution to impress your guests without breaking the budget.

And why not also dare to try a Crémant de Bourgogne rosé to add a touch of color and originality? Chic and festive, it offers a change from the classic while remaining accessible.

Whatever your desires, there is indeed a perfect sparkling wine for your event !

Brunch or dessert: Demi-sec Champagne or natural sparkling wine

A brunch or a dessert? Opt here for sweeter sparkling wines , such as a demi-sec Champagne or an Extra Dry Prosecco.

If you prefer organic, biodynamic, or natural options, a Pet’ Nat’ (natural sparkling wine) focused on indulgence can also be an excellent choice. These are simple but fresh, light, good wines (when well selected) and very trendy !

Learn to read a sparkling wine label

Choosing a sparkling wine is a bit like deciphering a coded message. Unlike still wines, champagnes, crémants, and other sparkling wines, the bottles here display specific mentions that can sometimes be confusing. Here is the essential information to know to decipher a label and choose the cuvée that suits you.

The sugar level: Brut, Extra-Brut, Sec… What to choose?

The residual sugar level plays a crucial role in the taste of the wine. Here are the main categories:

• Brut Nature (0-3 g/L) : ultra-dry, without added sugar.
• Extra-Brut (0-6 g/L) : very dry, but with a slight roundness.
• Brut (0-12 g/L) : the most common version, offering a good balance between freshness and sweetness.
• Extra-Sec (12-17 g/L) : slightly sweeter, with a touch of sweetness.
• Sec (17-32 g/L) : a sweet presence, ideal for certain pairings.
• Demi-Sec (32-50 g/L) : perfect for accompanying desserts.
• Doux (+50 g/L) : very sweet, for those who will produce the sweeter wines.

If you prefer a dry wine, opt for a brut nature or an extra-brut.If you prefer more sweetness, a demi-sec or a sparkling sweet will be your best options.

Vintage or Non-Vintage?

If a year is specified on your bottle of sparkling wine, it indicates the harvest year. In this case, your sparkling wine is a vintage.

For a champagne, this often indicates a great year that the winemaker wanted to highlight. Indeed, the vast majority of champagnes are non-vintage (several harvest years are often blended in your bottle).

For a crémant from the Loire or Burgundy, vintages are more frequently indicated.

In any case, the vintage effect (impact of the climate during the year, in particular) is then more pronounced in tasting.

Alcohol content and volume

Don't forget to also check the alcohol content (usually between 10 and 13% for a sparkling wine) as well as the volume of your bottle (75 cl, magnum, etc.). On our site La Cave Éclairée, you will also find useful information such as the unit price or sorting filters by ascending price, perfect for comparing offers !

Bubbles for all tastes and budgets

As you can see, sparkling wines offer a range of flavors and adapt to all occasions and budgets. Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant d’Alsace brut, Crémant de Loire brut, Champagne blanc de noirs or Brut Nature, Prosecco or even organic sparkling wine, there is a bottle for every moment.

If you are looking for a sparkling white wine with fruity notes, opt for an organic Crémant d’Alsace or a Crémant du Jura. For more complex bubbles, a white Crémant de Bourgogne or a house Brut Champagne will be perfect. And for an excellent value for money, why not turn to a Crémant de Loire brut or a Prosecco Extra Dry ?

Whether you prefer a Crémant d’Alsace rosé, a Crémant de Bourgogne rosé, or even a Champagne blanc de noirs, La Cave Éclairée offers you a rigorous selection of quality sparkling wines. Do not hesitate to consult our sparkling reviews and recommendations to find the cuvée that meets your expectations!

Finally, for a more accessible unit price, turn to a Crémant de Bourgogne brut or a Crémant d’Alsace brut. If you are looking for a sparkling wine produced according to environmentally friendly practices, an organic Crémant d’Alsace will charm you.

You now have all the keys in hand to choose the bubbles that match your desires. Whether it's a Crémant de Loire brut, a Champagne blanc de noirs, an organic Crémant d'Alsace, or an Extra Dry Prosecco, sparkling wines cater to all preferences. Discover our suggestions and enjoy an advantageous price.

And if you have a question, do not hesitate to contact La Cave Éclairée, we will be delighted to offer you personalized advice!

See you soon !