About Other Sparkling

About Other Sparkling
Sparkling wine covers many countries, grape types and quality levels. What all of these wines have in common are bubbles.

How the bubbles get there define the type and quality of the sparkling wine. The most famous sparkling wine of course is Champagne, from the eponymous region in France. These are made by what is known as the Champagne or "classic" method, where the secondary fermentation that produces the sparkle is done in an individual bottle. Other sparkling wines that use this method include Franciacorta and Alta Langa in Italy as well as Cava from Spain.

Other sparkling wines are made when the bubbles (or carbonation) is created in large tanks. While there are many inexpensive, simple sparkling wines made in this method, there are some excellent examples, most notably Prosecco.

Sparkling wines in many cases are meant to be drunk upon release, although the best examples of Champagne can age well for more than a decade. As sparkling wine is celebratory in nature, it is often used for toasting a special event, such as an anniversary or birthday. Yet the finest dry sparking wines work beautifully with a huge array of foods. These wines are arguably the finest food wines in the world.

Top Picks for Other Sparkling

Bright Leaf Vineyard 2018 Eclair Cuvée Brut Finger Lakes
93 points
$36
Well-balanced structure with direct flavors of orchard fruit, citrus, and mild lees aging; a crowd pleaser for any lovers of traditional sparkling wines.
Colliano 2023 Estate Sparkling Ribolla Gialla
92 points
$18
Best Buy
Rich orchard fruits with a pleasantly honeyed and floral note make this a fun sipper and an interesting alternative to Champagne or ciders.
92 points $18 Best Buy
Fulkerson NV Sparklin Diamond
92 points
$16
Best Buy
A delicious off-dry sparkler with rich ripe fruit for days.
92 points $16 Best Buy
Weis Vineyards 2021 Perle Rosé Finger Lakes
91 points
$19
An elegant and balanced Rosé sparkler that will be very versatile.
Damiani Wine Cellars 2016 Brut Method Champenoise Finger Lakes
91 points
$44.99
A well poised Champagne-like bubbly that will be sensational at the table.
91 points $44.99
Hillside Winery NV Indian Summer American
90 points
$29
A well balanced off-dry blueberry bubbly that will be fun with desserts or BBQ.
Johnson Estate NV Estate Grown Brut Rosé Pinot Noir
90 points
$29
A creamy, round, and welcoming Rosé bubbly with expressive, ripe Pinot Noir fruit.
Krasno 2022 Sparkling Rebula
90 points
$18
Best Buy
A citrus forward, earthy salinity makes this Slovenian sparkler a natural pairing with oysters.
90 points $18 Best Buy
Damiani Wine Cellars NV Bollicinie Finger Lakes
90 points
$18
Best Buy
A supple and savory sparkler that will be great with fish and seafood dishes.
90 points $18 Best Buy
OBrien Vineyards 2021 Verde Old Mission Peninsula
89 points
$23
A nicely blended sparkling with charming Riesling character and ample fruit.