Exploring the Variety of Wine Grape Possibilities for Sparkling Wine

Chardonnay, often referred to as the "royalty of wine grapes," because of its versatility. In the world of sparkling wine, Chardonnay shines as a key player, particularly in the creation of Blanc de Blancs. These sparkling wines, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, offer crisp acidity, citrusy notes, and a creamy texture. They're a symbol of elegance and sophistication.

Pinot Noir, primarily associated with red wines, also has its place in the sparkling wine world. Used to make Blanc de Noirs, these wines exhibit rich red fruit flavors, often with a hint of toastiness. Pinot Noir brings depth and complexity to the bubbly party, offering a delightful alternative to the classic white sparkling wines.

Pinot Meunier often plays a supporting role in Champagne production, adding fruitiness, softness, and accessibility to the final blend. While it doesn't always receive the spotlight, it contributes significantly to the character of many fine blended Champagnes.

For those who prefer a touch of sweetness in their sparkling wine, Riesling delivers. Whether used for Sekt in Germany or traditional-method sparklers elsewhere, Riesling's natural acidity balances its sweetness, creating wines with vibrant fruitiness and floral aromas.

Glera is the star grape behind Prosecco, Italy's beloved sparkling wine. With its crisp apple and pear notes and lively bubbles, Glera has earned a special place in the hearts of sparkling wine consumers worldwide.

Chenin Blanc, known for its adaptability, thrives in various wine regions. Its natural acidity and broad range of flavors make it a go-to choice for crafting sparkling wines. From the refreshing Crémant de Loire to the South African Cap Classique, Chenin Blanc is a versatile gem.

In Spain, Garnacha (known as Grenache elsewhere) is used to create sparkling Rosé wines known as Cava. These wines exhibit red berry flavors, sometimes with a hint of spice, making them an intriguing choice for those seeking sparkling diversity.

Albariño, a beloved grape of Spain's Galician region, is now being used to craft sparkling wines that reflect the coastal influence. These sparklers offer a crisp, mineral character with citrus and green apple notes.

Don’t forget Lambrusco, a red sparkling or semi-sparkling wine produced primarily from Salamino in the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. While it may have had a reputation as a sweet, low-quality wine, modernization of winemaking techniques and creativity has elevated the perception of Lambrusco wines, from dry to sweet, and from light and fruity to more robust and complex.

These are just a few examples of varieties that can be crafted into effervescent delights, but the possibilities don't stop here. Our philosophy is that if you can make a wonderfully drinkable still wine from any particular grape, the bubbly universe beckons you. Here’s a list of varieties that we’ve sparkled: Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Viognier, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cão, Rabigato, Malvasia, Viosinho, Parellada, Graciano, Ribolla Gialla, Fiano, Reggiano, Sylvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Xarel·lo, Grüner Veltliner… Each grape variety lends its own personality to the effervescent realm. Let’s work together to expand on the diversity of grape expressions!