Wine Made Simple
Wine Made Simple
French & Italian Wine Education
Sparkling Wine Methods Explained: Champagne, Prosecco, and All the Bubbles in Between!
When most people think of sparkling wine, two names immediately come to mind: Champagne and Prosecco. But the world of bubbles is far bigger—and far more interesting—than those two bottles alone.
Sparkling wines can be made in several different ways, and each method influences how the wine tastes, how the bubbles feel on your palate, and even what food it pairs best with.
From elegant, age-worthy styles to fresh, fruity, or delightfully rustic wines, there’s a sparkling wine for every mood and every table.
Let’s take a tour through the main sparkling wine methods, from the most prestigious to the most playful. 🥂
👉 Prefer watching instead of reading? Here’s my full video explaining the different sparkling wine methods 👇
Chapter 1 – The Traditional Method: Where Elegance Is Born
The Traditional Method—also known as Méthode Traditionnelle or Méthode Champenoise—is the most famous and time-intensive way to make sparkling wine.
In this method, bubbles are created through a second fermentation that happens directly inside the bottle. After fermentation, the wine rests on its lees, which are the dead yeast cells.
This long aging period is what builds complexity and texture. Eventually, the lees are removed through a process called riddling and disgorging, leaving a clear, refined wine.
Where you’ll find it
This method is used in Champagne and in all Crémant regions, including Alsace, Bourgogne, the Loire Valley, and Jura. It’s also behind Spain’s Cava, Italy’s Franciacorta and Trentodoc, and many premium sparkling wines from California, Oregon, Washington, and New York.
Grapes make the difference
Champagne is mainly based on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Crémants adapt to local traditions, using grapes such as Chenin Blanc in the Loire or Pinot Blanc in Alsace.
Cava relies on native Spanish varieties like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada.
Franciacorta focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
How it tastes
Expect fine, persistent bubbles and flavors that lean toward brioche, toasted bread, nuts, and sometimes a subtle creamy richness.
What to eat with it
Champagne’s crisp structure works beautifully with oysters, sushi, and even fried chicken.
Crémant de Loire pairs wonderfully with goat cheese or apple-based desserts.
Cava shines alongside tapas like croquetas or jamón.
American Traditional Method sparkling wines are excellent with lobster rolls or crab cakes.
Chapter 2 – The Charmat (Tank) Method: Fresh, Fruity, and Social
The Charmat Method takes a very different approach. Instead of fermenting in each bottle, the second fermentation happens in a large pressurized tank. This preserves fresh fruit aromas and allows wines to be made more quickly and at a lower cost.
Where you’ll find it
This method is best known for Prosecco and Lambrusco in Italy, but it’s also used in Germany and by many producers in California and Washington State.
Grapes in the spotlight
Prosecco is made primarily from the Glera grape. Lambrusco uses several grape varieties from the Lambrusco family.
How it tastes
These wines are light, aromatic, and fruit-forward, with flavors like apple, pear, and floral notes rather than toastiness.
What to eat with it
Prosecco is perfect with aperitivo snacks or a charcuterie board.
Lambrusco’s fruity red sparkle is fantastic with pizza, lasagna, or barbecue.
American Charmat-style wines pair nicely with brunch dishes and fresh salads.
Chapter 3 - The Asti Method: Sweet, Aromatic, and Low in Alcohol
The Asti Method creates sparkling wine through a single fermentation that is stopped early by chilling the wine. This leaves natural sugar in the wine and keeps the alcohol level low.
Where you’ll find it
This style is closely associated with Piemonte in Italy, although some American producers also make Moscato-based sparkling wines inspired by this method.
The grape behind it all
Moscato Bianco is the star here, known for its intense aromatics.
How it tastes
These wines are fragrant and expressive, with notes of peach, apricot, and orange blossom.
What to eat with it
The sweetness and low alcohol make this style a great match for spicy Asian dishes, fruit-based desserts, or festive treats like panettone. Some American versions even work surprisingly well with spicy chicken wings.
Chapter 4 - The Transfer Method: A Practical Middle Ground
The Transfer Method begins like the Traditional Method, with a second fermentation in the bottle. Instead of riddling and disgorging each bottle individually, the wine is transferred under pressure into a tank, filtered, and then rebottled.
Where you’ll find it
This method is common in Australia, New Zealand, and several American wine regions, particularly California and Oregon.
Grapes and style
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are frequently used, though producers enjoy flexibility here.
How it tastes.
These wines often show a touch of creaminess, but with a simpler profile than Champagne.
What to eat with it
They’re ideal for brunch classics like eggs Benedict, smoked salmon bagels, or avocado toast.
Chapter 5 - Pet-Nat: Wild, Cloudy, and Joyfully Unpolished
Pétillant Naturel—usually shortened to Pet-Nat—is one of the oldest ways to make sparkling wine. Unlike Champagne or Prosecco, there is no second fermentation here. The wine is bottled before the very first fermentation has finished, so the bubbles are created naturally as that fermentation continues inside the bottle.
Because the wine is usually not disgorged, it often stays slightly cloudy and can feel a bit unpredictable from bottle to bottle. That’s part of its charm. Pet-Nat is less about precision and polish, and more about energy, freshness, and a free-spirited personality.
Where you’ll find it
Traditionally made in regions like the Loire Valley and Gaillac in France, Pet-Nat is now produced all over the world, including California, Oregon, and Texas.
Grapes without rules
Chenin Blanc, Gamay, Syrah, and countless other varieties can be used.
How it tastes
Pet-Nats are playful, rustic, and sometimes slightly funky, often reminding people of cider.
What to eat with it
They’re perfect for casual moments: picnics, cheese and charcuterie, roast chicken, or even a bowl of potato chips.
Step 6 - Carbonation: Simple Bubbles, No Illusions
Carbonation is exactly what it sounds like: CO₂ is injected directly into still wine, much like soda.
Where it’s used
This technique is mainly found in inexpensive sparkling wines from the New World.
Is it legal?
In the Old World, this method is not permitted for wines that want to be labeled as quality sparkling wines.
How it tastes
The bubbles tend to be large and sharp, and the finish is usually short.
What to eat with it
These wines are casual by nature and pair best with party snacks like popcorn, nachos, or finger food.
Final Thoughts: One World, Many Bubbles, many Sparkling Wine Methods🍷
Once you understand how sparkling wines are made, the category becomes far less confusing. Instead of guessing between Champagne, Prosecco, or something unfamiliar, you can start choosing based on style, flavor, and occasion. That’s when bubbles become less intimidating—and a lot more fun.
For a closer look at the most famous sparkling wine of all, I’ve also created a detailed video on how Champagne is made, which you can watch here.
You loved this article and you want to know more about how still wine is made? Check out my article: How is Wine Made and my YouTube video where I walk you through the process with fun visuals, behind-the-scenes shots, and a few wine jokes along the way.
And if you’re curious about other sparkling wine stories — like the amazing life of Madame Clicquot — make sure you subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss the next episode.
What’s your favorite method in the sparkling world? Let me know in the comments!
Don’t forget—new videos drop every week on my YouTube channel Vio's Food & Wine!
Cheers! 🍷🥂
Vio
Check these out
Central Italy's Best Reds!
How Did Chardonnay Become The World's Favorite White Wine?
The most mysterious grape that drives wine collectors wild!
