While sparkling wine is the wine of choice for special occasions, bubbly can be enjoyed any time and on any occasion. Champagne, with its bottle fermentation method yielding impressive complexity, intensity and ability to improve with age, has become the benchmark for producers and consumers. But you likely will want a sparkler that doesn’t carry the price tag of Champagne.
Luckily, interesting, delicious and affordable sparkling wine is made just about everywhere on the planet. Often the Champagne grape varieties of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier are used, though many experiment with other varieties. I offer several from Italy, a couple from France and several from California to give you a head start.
But it also is quite expensive and that has spurred other producers to find ways to make Champagne (also known as traditional) method bubbly at (usually) more accessible prices. Some seek to emulate Champagne so much that they use the same grape varieties (various combinations of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier), though many experiment with other varieties. They often also produce the fizz using the same method, variously described as Méthode Champenois (Champagne Method) or Methode Traditionelle (Traditional Method).
The list below highlights traditional method wines worth seeking out. (NOTE: All are nonvintage, unless otherwise state.)
Outside of Champagne, Méthode Champenois is known as Crémant and is a fine value. Crémant De Limoux from the Languedoc region typically is distinguished with the addition of chenin blanc. The Côté Mas “M” Brut ($13) is 60% chardonnay, 20% chenin blanc, 10% pinot noir, and 10% mauzac – citrus, green apple, pear, creamy texture.
In Italy, the traditional method is known as Metodo Classico. And Franciacorta, a small region in Lombardy northeast of Milan at the foot of the Alps, sources some of the best bubbles (made mostly with chardonnay and pinot noir) outside of Champagne. Typically, these offer high energy, precise and complex moderate alcohol, silky acidity and ripe fruit. Suggestions of citrus, peach and nectarine are present, alongside, floral notes.
It also is on the forefront of sustainability practices. Corte Bianca is committed to organic growing practices, protection of biodiversity, and green building. Its 2017 Rosé Extra Brut ($48) is 80% pinot nero (noir), 20% chardonnay with a structure balanced between briskness and fullness, persistence, red berries, vanilla and mineral. sustainability principles.
The winery 1701 Franciacorta is set on a historic property but is firmly set in the present and focused on the future. Dedicated to organic practices, it also is the first certified biodynamic Franciacorta. Its 2018 “Satèn” Brut ($38) is a special type of Franciacorta produced with 100% chardonnay and softer bubbles. It is dry and fresh, with apple, orange, lemon and a salty note.
Alta Langa from southern Piedmont reportedly was Italy’s first sparkling wine, dating to the mid-1800s. Enrico Serafino, the oldest operating producer in Piedmont’s Roero region, is a leader in Alta Langa sparkling wine. In 1878, they began making Metodo Classico sparkling wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 2018 “Oudeis” Brut ($30), made primarily from pinot noir for flavor and body, with 20% chardonnay for refined citrus and toasty complexity.
California also makes many fine sparkling wines. Most of the best use the traditional method and Champagne grapes pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot meunier.
Frank Family. A premier Napa Valley producer since its establishment in 1992, these wines are sourced from its acclaimed Lewis Vineyard in Carneros: 2016 Blanc de Blancs ($60), 100% chardonnay; lively citrus, delicate, rich; 2017 Brut Rosé ($60) 100% pinot noir; complex red berries, citrus, full, yet refined texture.
Laetitia. Another longtime favorite of mine. From the Arroyo Grande Valley in California’s Central Coast, these Estate grown bubbles are especially affordable. The Brut Cuvée RM ($29), 67% chardonnay, 33% pinot noir, offers apple, brioche, creamy lemon and toasty notes. The 2020 Brut Rosé RM ($29) 65% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir leans to strawberry, peach, and fresh bread.
Seppi. This is a new one to me and the wines are impressive. The debut project from Kelsey Phelps Finch, granddaughter of Napa Valley pioneer Joseph Phelps. The 2018 Blanc de Blancs ($48), 100% chardonnay, presents crisp green apple, grapefruit, toasted brioche and richness. The 2018 Brut Rosé ($52), 95% chardonnay, 5% pinot noir, shows raspberry with apple, pear and hints of baking spices.