Sparkling wines

Champagne, crémant, prosecco, spumante, cava...

Only when a wine comes from the Champagne region and is produced according to specific methods - it can be called Champagne!

This is the difference between Champagne and other sparkling wines. Therefore, there isn't always a huge difference in quality between "real" Champagne and sparkling wine, although most producers in the Champagne region go the extra mile to ensure quality and maintain the well-deserved luxury reputation Champagne has enjoyed for centuries.

Depending on where in the world the sparkling wine comes from, you may come across names like:

• Cava
• Asti
• Prosecco
• Crémant

Of course, we have them all at Walter...

Know your sparkling wine?

Crémant

Crémant is made using the same method as Champagne, which results in a high carbon dioxide content. The two most well-known types of Crémant are Crémant d'Alsace, based on chardonnay, pinot blanc and auxerrois grapes, and Crémant de Bourgogne, which can be made from a wide range of grapes: Gamay, pinot gris, pinot noir, aligoté, chardonnay, melon, pinot blanc and sacy.

Cava

Cava, the Spanish equivalent, is also made using champagne methods, but the grape varieties differ, with Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel grapes most commonly used.

Prosecco

Prosecco is produced using the Italian charmat method, which is also used for Asti. Fermentation, and thus the bubbles, occur in steel tanks, after which the wine is bottled. This is a cheaper process, which explains why Italian sparkling wines are often more affordable. Prosecco is based on Glera grapes, but there can be up to 15% other grapes.

Asti

Asti is made from 100% moscato bianco grapes, which gives it its characteristic sweet flavour. Asti has a lower alcohol percentage than the other wines, maximum 12%

Which sparkling wine should I choose?

Come in and have a chat about which sparkling wine is best suited for the purpose - or call us on +45 86 34 43 31