About Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wine has effervescence - bubbles- that are the result of a secondary fermentation. This fermentation can take place in the bottle itself or in a tank, after which it is then bottled.

Sparkling wines are produced in many countries around the world; the most famous examples are from Champagne. The method used to create Champagne is known as the classic method outside this region and is used to produce bubblies such as Cava in Spain, Franciacorta and Alta Langa in Italy as well as the finest sparkling wines in countries such as the USA, New Zealand and Australia.

Sparkling wines with their bubbles are celebratory wines to be sure, but they are also among the finest food wines produced, as they can accompany a wide variety of foods. Sparkling wines range from extremely dry to very sweet and are produced in several versions from Blanc de Blancs (only white grapes) to Rosé, which have a copper, salmon or pink color.

Top Picks for Sparkling Wines

Baron Aime NV Brut Rose Pinot Noir
94 points
$20
Best Buy
Lively and bright for a perfect apéritif yet with just enough richness and body to carry you in seamlessly to the first course.
94 points $20 Best Buy
Le Chemin Du Roi NV  Champagne
94 points
$299
A rich and powerfully delicious Rose Champagne that hits all the high notes.
Le Chemin Du Roi NV Brut Rosé Champagne
94 points
$299
A rich and powerfully delicious Rose Champagne that hits all the high notes.
Awards: 2022 Best Champagne Brut Rose
Ruggeri 2020 Giustino B Prosecco DOCG
94 points
$31.99
Perfectly balanced bubbly; great for sipping or pairing.
Awards: 2021 Best Prosecco
94 points $31.99
Acquesi NV Spumante Asti DOCG
94 points
$14
Best Buy
An ethereal, delicious, and precisely balanced Sparkling Moscato; ready to pair with a fresh fruit and cream dessert - or replace dessert entirely.
Awards: 2021 Best Asti Spumante
94 points $14 Best Buy
Baron Aime NV Brut Cremant De Bourgogne
93 points
$20
Best Buy
A lovely and racy apéritif that will pair splendidly with a cheese and bread course.
93 points $20 Best Buy
French Blue NV Brut Rose Cremant de Bordeaux
93 points
$26
Refreshing and delightful with good body and texture, this is an alluring wine to pair with food.
Rinaldi NV Joyful Extra Dry Spumante Italy
93 points
$28
Citrus forward and bright with a subtle hint of salinity makes this sparkling completely crushable yet sophisticated enough to bring to dinner.
Monzio Compagnoni 2018 Brut Saten Millesimato Franciacorta DOCG
93 points
$57
This is some world class methode traditionale Blanc de Blanc bubbles, regardless of what country it comes from.
La Gioiosa 2021  Prosecco di Treviso DOC
93 points
$14
Best Buy
A rich, yet refreshing, very pleasurable Prosecco bursting with ample fruit that glides down the palate with silky texture, fine carbonation, and pinpoint balance.
93 points $14 Best Buy