Popular types of sparkling wine
Sparkling wine is all about celebration, but not all bubbles are created equal
Each type of sparkling wine brings its own unique zest, offering a delightful taste experience that’s sure to make you fizz. From prosecco to sparkling rosé to champagne, there’s a bubbly for everyone! And the great news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy that next toast.
Related: How to choose your next wine
What to expect from sparkling wine
Flavour: Sparkling options can range from sweet and floral to dry and toasty, often featuring notes of citrus, apple, pear, or brioche, depending on the style.
Colours: Most sparkling wines are pale gold or straw in colour, though red sparkling wines have pink hues from grape skin-contact fermentation.
Acidity: High acidity is a hallmark, giving bubbles their crisp, refreshing bite and making them great for pairing with food.
Fruitiness / sharpness / crispness: Sweeter wine styles lean toward ripe fruit flavours like peach and honey, while drier varieties are sharper and crisper, with hints of citrus and minerality.
Related:
Wines from sweetest to driest Guide to the different types of wine
Comparing sparkling wines
The main factors differentiating Champagne, Prosecco, Moscato, and other common sparkling wines are the grapes used, how it’s made, sweetness levels and the all-important flavours.
Here’s a rundown of each:
Champagne is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle (traditional method), where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle, creating fine bubbles and complex flavours like brioche, citrus, and green apple. And yes,it’s always from France. To be called Champagne, the wine (and grapes) must come from the region Champagne.
New Zealand Méthode Traditionnelle. A great alternative if you don’t want to pay for the French version.
Prosecco (from Italy) is made using the Charmat method, where fermentation happens in large tanks, resulting in a fruitier, lighter, and more floral wine with softer bubbles.
Moscato (often from Italy’s Asti region) is naturally sweet, with lower alcohol and strong floral and stone fruit notes, making it ideal for those who enjoy a sweeter style. Other sparkling wines, such as Cava (from Spain) or Sparkling Shiraz (from Australia), offer unique regional flavours.
Popular sparkling wines
What's on the shelves these days is surprisingly diverse. There's something for every taste, from sweet to dry.
Popular sparkling white wines
Dry options
Dry sparkling white wines, often labelled as "Brut" or "Extra Dry," are characterised by their crisp acidity and subtle fruit flavours, making them excellent aperitifs and versatile food companions.
Sweet options
For those who prefer sweetness, sparkling white wines like Moscato provide a delightful experience with their fruitiness and floral aromas. Look for demi-sec or doux on the label if you prefer sweeter styles.
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Popular sparkling red wines
While New Zealand's sparkling wine is renowned for its high quality, particularly in the Méthode Traditionnelle style, sparkling reds are less common. However, you can still find them. In fact, sparkling rose is proving a refreshing option in the summer months.
Dry options
Sparkling Shiraz is an Australian specialty, with dark berry flavours, spice, with a dry finish. Like the sill variety of Shiraz, it’s great for pairing with BBQ or rich meats.
Pinot Noir is renowned for its red fruit and delicate spice notes. When transformed into a sparkling wine, its refined flavours meet vibrant bubbles.
Sweet options
As with dry white styles, look for demi-sec or doux on the label.
Sweeter sparkling reds are often Italian. Popular bubbly versions are Brachetto d’Acqui or Lambrusco Amabile/Dolce.
Some Australian producers make slightly sweeter versions of their iconic Sparkling Shiraz, balancing bold fruit with a touch of sugar.
Related:
Low or zero alcohol options
Low or zero-alcohol sparkling wines are growing in popularity. They offer a great alternative for those who enjoy bubbles without the buzz!
Related:
Non-alcoholic wine
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Other helpful info about sparkling wine
Storing
Sparkling wine should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally on its side. Unlike still wines, most sparkling wines are best enjoyed young, though premium Champagne can age beautifully if you’re lucky enough to have that stored!
Serving
Serve sparkling wine well-chilled (around 6–10°C) to give it crisp and lively bubbles. Use a flute or tulip-shaped glass to preserve the carbonation and concentrate the aromas.
Nutrition
Sparkling wine is generally lower in calories than many other wines, with drier styles like Brut containing less sugar. A standard glass typically has around 90–120 calories, depending on sweetness.
Pairing
Sweet sparkling wines pair well with desserts and fresh fruit, while drier varieties like Champagne and Prosecco complement seafood, salty snacks, and creamy cheeses. The acidity and bubbles help cleanse the palate, making sparkling wine a versatile food match. Find out more about pairing food with wine.
FAQs
This is a common question. Champagne comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France and is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle (traditional method). There are strict rules and laws around using the brand Champagne.
Sparkling wine is a broader category that includes all wines with bubbles, made in various places and very different ways.
It sure is! Sparkling wine is made from fermented grapes just like still wine. The key difference is the secondary fermentation, which creates carbonation and gives it those signature bubbles we love.
Prosecco is just one type of sparkling wine. There are many other sparkling wines including Champagne, Cava, Moscato, and Méthode Traditionnelle, from all around the globe.
Yes, sparkling wine can go bad over time, especially once opened. Unopened bottles of non-vintage sparkling wine are best consumed within a few years, while vintage Champagne can age longer.
Once opened, sparkling wine should be consumed within 1–3 days and kept in the fridge with a sparkling wine stopper to preserve bubbles.
Moscato can be sparkling, but not all Moscato wines are fizzy. Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante are well-known Italian sparkling Moscato wines.
It depends on the style. Brut Nature and Extra Brut sparkling wines have little to no sugar, while Demi-Sec and Doux styles contain higher amounts. Sparkling wines vary a lot in sweetness, so check the label for this info.
Pinot Grigio (a cousin to Pinot Gris) is usually a still white wine, but some sparkling versions exist, particularly from Italy. These sparkling Pinot Grigios are light, fresh, and crisp, often made using the Charmat method, similar to Prosecco.
Yes, Lindauer is a popular New Zealand sparkling wine brand, offering a variety of styles, including Brut, Rosé, and Prosecco. It is made using both Méthode Traditionnelle and tank methods, depending on the style.
