Top 100 Sparkling Wines
in the World

Made entirely from the Moscato Bianco grapes, Moscato d'Asti is a fragrant, not overly sweet fizzante (semi-sparkling) wine that is produced mainly in the province of Asti and the nearby Alessandria and Cuneo. The wine is delicate, floral, and aromatic, with hints of peach, apple, pear, pineapple, sage, lime, and orange. Because it is sweet and low in alcohol, it naturally pairs with desserts, especially those made with apples, berries, peaches, hazelnut, and lemon, but it also works well with fresh salads, charcuterie, antipasto plates, or cheese. The wine should not be confused with Asti Spumante, a fully sparkling version that falls under the same Asti DOCG.Expand

Popularly known as the gold standard of sparkling wine, true Champagne only comes from the actual Champagne region in France. It is produced using the so-called méthode Champenoise; the process in which secondary fermentation is done in the bottle with the addition of yeast and rock sugar, and it is made with the basic, traditional blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, all of which are indigenous to the Champagne region. However, there are four other permitted grape varieties in the Champagne AOP - Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier and Arbane - but these are rarely mentioned as they're almost never used for sparkling wine production outside of France. Varietal Champagne made with solely Chardonnay grapes is designated as Blanc de Blancs, while the one produced by the fermentation of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir is called Blanc de Noirs. When young, a classic Blanc de Blancs is restrained and elegant, but with aging, it develops a mouth-coating brioche richness that overlays its intense, supple fruitiness. It is also lighter in body, and thus perfect for lighter meals, such as soups and seafood. On the other hand, Blanc de Noirs is considered to be richer in taste and typically showcases a bit more body and a vibrant red fruit character, which makes it a worthy match for foie gras in all its forms, but it can also be paired with hearty meat-based dishes. Based on their terroir-driven complexity, other styles of Champagne range from lean and crisp with lots of lemons and green apples to rich and full with aromas of toffee, brioche, and even baked apples, while rosé Champagne displays more red fruit and berry aromas. Established as an iconic drink of exquisite refinement during the French Belle Époque in the late 19th century, Champagne remains the preferred choice for celebrations of all kinds, standing alone and unmatched among a plethora of sparkling wines produced worldwide.Expand

This supreme Spanish sparkling wine is made with a blend of grape varieties indigenous to Spain, mainly Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarello. Rosé Cava, called rosat in Spanish, is produced by adding Trepat, Garnacha, or other red grapes, which lends delicate red berry and floral aromas, and also boosts its body. Sometimes even Chardonnay will be added to the blend, though some producers suggest that this practice diminishes Cava's regional character. Though Cava D.O. appellation extends across a number of Spanish regions, Catalonian Penedés is its heartland and accounts for over 95% of the entire production. The style was first produced in 1872 by Josep Raventós, heir of the Codorniú family whose brand has been dominating Cava production until this day. Cava is produced with método tradicional, which was modeled on the méthode Champenoise in France. Though similar in quality and style to the French Champagne, Cava usually sells for a fourth of the price of its French counterpart. The wine is produced in several styles, and perfectly pairs with light fish-based courses, cheese, or traditional Spanish tapas.Expand

Crémant de Bourgogne are the white or rosé sparkling wines produced in Burgundy, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the principal grape varieties, but the blends can also include Gamay, Aligoté, Melon, and Sacy. The wines are produced with a traditional method (méthode traditionnelle) in which the second fermentation must take place in the bottle. Depending on the grape structure, the wines come in several versions. Floral and citrusy blanc pairs well with poultry, while the Chardonnay-based blanc de blancs is a perfect accompaniment to fish and shellfish. The well-structured blanc de noirs is characterized by the notes of small fruit, and it works well with poultry or snails, while the fruity and floral rosé can be a good match with fruit-based desserts. All varieties are suitable to be enjoyed as an aperitif.Expand

These white and rosé sparkling wines are produced in the French wine region of Alsace, with Pinot Blanc as the principal grape variety, though Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are also permitted. The wines are produced with a traditional method—in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle—and they must be aged for a minimum of nine months. Crémant d'Alsace wines are usually lively and fresh, with fine bubbles and fruity notes of apples, pears, apricots, and peaches. Although they can be enjoyed as an aperitif, these vibrant wines are food-friendly and can match different appetizers, various seafood dishes, poultry, and cheese, while semi-dry varieties can pair well with desserts.Expand

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco is a DOCG region in Italy that produces premium, high-quality Prosecco. These prized sparkling wines are made with Glera as the principal grape variety, while common additions include Bianchetta Trevigiana, Perera, and/or Verdiso. The wines produced in the region are refined and well-balanced with a straw-yellow color and fine effervescence. The aromas are floral and fruity, reminiscent of wisteria, acacia, rose, and white-fleshed fruits such as apple, pear, and peach. They also might display subtle citrus nuances. These wines can be enjoyed as an aperitif or an accompaniment to light appetizers and snacks. They also pair well with fish, vegetable-based main courses, and salads. The region mostly produces fully sparkling (spumante) wines, though there is a small amount of semi-sparkling (frizzante) and still wines, but only spumante versions can be labeled as Superiore. The region also includes prestigious Cartizze and Rive subzones, and there is also a small number of col fondo (sur lie) Prosecco, in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle and the sediment remains in the bottle.Expand

Widely regarded as the finest Italian sparkling wine, Franciacorta is made using metodo classico—just like Champagne and Cava. It is produced with a typical blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero, and comes in non-vintage, millesimato or vintage, and riserva form. Apart from the standard white version, there are also Franciacorta Satèn—made exclusively with Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco grapes—and Franciacorta Rosé made with a base of at least 25% Pinot Nero. Depending on its style, this delicate wine with subtle notes of white fruits, flowers and peaches provides excellent pairing for a wide range of dishes, from delicious Lombard desserts like bossolà and sbrisolona to pasta and seafood dishes, as well as cheese and charcuterie.

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Clairette de Die is a small French appellation located in the department of Drôme that produces sparkling wines based on Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Clairette grapes. They are produced with méthode dioise ancestrale—a unique technique in which the wine is fermented once, starting in the tanks and continuing in the bottle, without the addition of yeast or sugars. These light and fruity wines are usually enjoyed young, while their aromatic profile usually displays aromas of peaches, apricots, roses, and citrus. It is recommended to serve them well-chilled, preferably in champagne glasses. The wines can pair well with canapés, foie gras, fruit salads, and fruit tarts, but they also make a great aperitif.Expand

These white and rosé sparkling wines are produced in Anjou, Saumur, and Touraine wine regions located in Loire valley. The principal grape variety used in its production is Chenin Blanc, but the permitted varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pineau d’Aunis. White Crémant de Loire wines are fresh and crisp, with typical notes of white fruits, almond, and vanilla, while rosé varieties usually display notes of red berries. Both types can be enjoyed as an aperitif or an accompaniment to different appetizers, cheese, charcuterie, or desserts, but the white version can also be an excellent match to fish from the Loire river, seafood, and poultry.Expand