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Champagne has always been there with us when we’ve clinked our glasses to toast. Or was it really Champagne? Chances are, it wasn’t. True Champagne comes from the Champagne region in France and is made using a method where a second fermentation occurs in the bottle (creating the bubbles). There are many different sparkling wines that make awesome Champagne alternatives for their quality and their price tag, and some are even made using the same method as Champagne.
Here are a few of our favorite bubblies, and unless stated otherwise, they are all made using the Champagne method.
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Written by Raoul Segarra, General Manager & Wine Director at North Square Restaurant
Raoul Segarra has been working with spirits for over 15 years. A seasoned sommelier, Segarra has worked at Keens, Judson Grill, and Jean-Georges, under the direction of great sommeliers-mentors who noticed and nurtured his talent. In 2004, he joined the Beanstalk Group (The Red Cat, The Mermaid Inn, The Harrison, Pace) as Wine and Beverage Director, where he put his creativity and love for finding a lesser known region or wine at a great price to work. Raoul brings this philosophy to the wine list at North Square, which features over 110 wines from 15 countries, 65 priced at less than $50.
Cava
Region: Spain
Look for bottles by: El Xamfra Mercat, Cavas Llopart, Agusti Torello, Cava Avinyo
Spain's Cava is generally soft, fresh and slightly fruity, and can run the gamut from very dry to sweet. Look for: El Xamfra Mercat, Cavas Llopart, Agusti Torello and Cava Avinyo.
Crémant
Region: Any region in France, with the exception of Champagne
Look for bottles by: Lucien Albrecht, Albert Mann, Frederic Lornet, Terre Dorres,Thevenet & Fils
Crémant is any sparkling wine made in France using the same method as Champagne but not made in the Champagne region. The bottle will tell you what part of France the wine is from, as in "Crémant d'Alsace" (Crémant from the Alsace wine region). A particular standout is Lucien Albrecht's Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé, made from 100% Pinot Noir, for its surprisingly high-quality to price ratio (only $18).
Prosecco
Region: Italy
Look for bottles by: Bisson, who makes a very interesting, completely dry Prosecco
Prosecco is bottled under pressure (in tank, not bottle), so it's not made in the same method as Champagne. This process keeps the costs down, which is why this light and fun Italian sparkler is so inexpensive.
American Sparklers
Region: United States
Look for bottles by: Gruet (from Albuquerque, New Mexico), Soter (if you want to splurge), Schramsberg, Iron Horse, Salinia
There's a surprising amount of great sparkling wine coming out of our very own backyard. California and Oregon are the leaders in both quality and popularity, but you can find some great wines from other areas as well.
Franciacorta
Region: Lombardi, Italy
Look for bottles by: Ca' Del Bosco, Bellavista, Cavaller, Monte Rossa
High-quality Brut (aka dry) Franciacorta from Italy's Lombardi region can offer enough subtlety and complexity to rival Champagne with a more moderate price tag.
Sparkling Vouvray
Region: Vouvray, France
Look for bottles by: Francois Pinon, Domaine Huet, Philippe Foreau, Domaine Aubuisieres
The area of Vouvray in France's Loire Valley is best known for its still white wine of the same name, but there's also a sparkling version that can be delicious and deserves mention.
Pezsgo
Region: Hungary
Look for bottles by: Kiralyudvar Pezsgo
For the true cork dork, Pezsgo is the Hungarian answer to Champagne. If there's one wine that deserves special mention, it's Kiralyudvar Pezsgo "Henye." While this is one of the more expensive options, it's an exceptionally well-crafted, unique wine and perfect for celebrations or at the dinner table.
Sekt
Region: Germany
Look for bottles by: Sektellerein Henkell & Sohnlein, Geldermann
Made in Germany, quality Sekt sparkling wine comes in variety of styles from dry to sweet and can be made in the Champagne method or can be bottled under pressure, like Prosecco.