Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is the celebration drink par excellence, a style defined by its lively effervescence, festive character, and remarkable versatility at the table. From the world-famous Champagne of France to Prosecco from Italy, Cava from Spain, and the new wave of English sparkling wines, this is a category rich in history, regional diversity, and craftsmanship.

The hallmark of sparkling wine is its bubbles, created by carbon dioxide trapped in the wine during fermentation. The most prestigious examples, such as Champagne, are made using the traditional method (méthode traditionnelle), in which a second fermentation occurs in the bottle, producing fine, persistent bubbles and complex flavours that develop with time spent ageing on the lees (spent yeast cells). This process adds distinctive notes of brioche, biscuit, and nuttiness alongside the wine’s fruit character.

Other production methods include the Charmat method, used for most Prosecco, where the second fermentation takes place in large pressurised tanks, resulting in fresher, fruitier wines with softer bubbles; and the ancestral method (pétillant naturel or “pét-nat”), where the wine is bottled before primary fermentation is complete, creating a lightly sparkling, often hazy and rustic style.

Each sparkling wine region brings its own identity:
• Champagne - Produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France, typically from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Renowned for its finesse, ageing potential, and balance between richness and freshness.
• Prosecco - From Italy’s Veneto and Friuli regions, made primarily from the Glera grape. Light, aromatic, and approachable, with notes of pear, apple, and white flowers.
• Cava - Spain’s answer to Champagne, made using the traditional method from local varieties such as Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Offers excellent value, with flavours of citrus, almond, and toast.
• English Sparkling Wine - A rising star, particularly from Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire, made mostly from Champagne grapes using the traditional method. Crisp, mineral, and vibrant, reflecting the cool English climate.
• Franciacorta and Trentodoc - Premium Italian sparkling wines made by the traditional method, offering richness and elegance.

Sparkling wines range in sweetness from Brut Nature (bone dry) to Doux (lusciously sweet), allowing them to pair with an array of foods. Dry styles like Brut Champagne complement oysters, smoked salmon, or fried dishes, while sweeter styles such as Demi-Sec can accompany desserts or spicy cuisine. Rosé sparkling wines, with their red berry character, are perfect for charcuterie and summer salads.

Quality sparkling wine also ages beautifully, with vintage examples developing layers of complexity over years in the cellar. Collectors prize long-aged Champagnes, vintage Cava Gran Reservas, and special cuvées from top producers for their rarity and depth.

Our Sparkling Wine collection includes celebrated Champagne houses, artisanal grower-producers, premium Proseccos, and exciting English sparkling wines. Whether you’re marking a milestone, hosting a gathering, or simply elevating an everyday meal, sparkling wine offers a universal language of celebration, and a glassful of craftsmanship, history, and joy.