14 Sparkling Wines Beyond Champagne You Should Try

Champagne may be the first bottle that comes to mind when there is something to celebrate, but it is far from the only sparkling wine worth opening.

Across France, Italy, Spain, England, South Africa and many other regions, producers are creating sparkling wines with their own grapes, flavours and traditions. Many offer excellent value and some come surprisingly close to the style and complexity of Champagne.

If you enjoy bubbles, these 14 sparkling wines beyond Champagne are well worth exploring.

Why Look Beyond Champagne?

One of the best reasons is value. Champagne can be expensive, particularly when you move towards premium producers and longer ageing.

Other sparkling wines can offer fine bubbles, fresh acidity, brioche notes and elegant fruit at a lower price.

They also introduce different grapes and regional styles. Some are very dry and mineral, others are fruity, floral or gently sweet.

There is a sparkling wine for almost every occasion, from a relaxed summer lunch to a wedding, birthday or formal dinner.

What Makes Sparkling Wine Different?

The production method has a major influence on flavour.

Traditional method sparkling wine completes a second fermentation in the bottle. This can create finer bubbles and flavours such as toast, biscuit and brioche.

Tank method wines complete their second fermentation in a pressurised tank. Prosecco commonly uses this approach, helping preserve fresh fruit and floral aromas.

The ancestral method is an older style where fermentation finishes naturally in the bottle. These wines can be cloudy, lively and less predictable.

Lees ageing also matters. More time resting on yeast can add texture and savoury flavours.

Champagne vs Other Sparkling Wines

Champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France and is usually made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Other regions use different grapes, climates and methods.

That means sparkling wines can range from lean and mineral to fruity, creamy, floral or sweet.

Price is another difference. Excellent Champagne alternatives are available across a much wider range of budgets.

1. Crémant From France

Crémant is one of my favourite places to start.

Crémant de Bourgogne can use Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, giving it familiar citrus, apple and sometimes brioche flavours.

It is made using the traditional method and can offer excellent value if you enjoy Champagne style sparkling wine.

2. Prosecco From Italy

Prosecco is normally lighter and fruitier.

Expect pear, apple, peach and floral aromas.

Prosecco Superiore can offer more depth and balance than basic examples.

Try it with light cheeses, seafood, antipasti or simply as an aperitif.

3. Franciacorta From Italy

Franciacorta is one of Italy's most serious sparkling wines.

It is made using the traditional method and commonly features Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Expect fine bubbles, citrus, orchard fruit and sometimes biscuit notes.

If you love Champagne but want to explore Italy, Franciacorta is a natural next step.

4. Alta Langa From Italy

Alta Langa is another Italian sparkling wine worth discovering.

It is produced mainly from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and uses the traditional method.

Longer lees ageing can create attractive notes of apple, citrus, flowers and bread.

This is a brilliant choice for drinkers looking for something less familiar.

5. Moscato d'Asti

Moscato d'Asti is very different from Champagne.

It has a gentle sparkle, lower alcohol and naturally sweet fruit.

Expect peach, apricot, flowers and citrus.

It works beautifully with fruit based desserts, cakes and lighter cheeses.

6. Cava From Spain

Cava is one of the best known Champagne alternatives.

Traditional method production can give it fine bubbles and savoury complexity.

Styles range from fresh and affordable to much more serious aged examples.

Cava works well with seafood, tapas, cheese and fried foods.

7. Ancestral Sparkling Wine From Spain

Ancestral sparkling wines can offer something much more rustic and natural.

They are often bottled before fermentation is fully complete, allowing bubbles to develop inside the bottle.

The result may be cloudy, dry and full of character.

Expect fresh fruit, herbs and sometimes earthy notes.

8. Austrian Sparkling Wine

Austria produces excellent Sekt, including traditional method wines.

You may find crisp white styles as well as elegant rosé.

Some producers also use organic or biodynamic farming.

These wines often combine bright acidity with apple, citrus and delicate floral notes.

9. Brazilian Sparkling Wine

Brazil may not be the first country you associate with sparkling wine, but Serra Gaúcha produces some excellent bottles.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blends can show citrus, pear and refreshing acidity.

They are well worth trying if you enjoy discovering lesser known wine regions.

10. Argentinian Sparkling Wine

Argentina is another exciting source of sparkling wine.

Look for organic sparkling wines and fresh sparkling rosé made from varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

These wines can be bright, fruity and easy to pair with food.

11. New Zealand Sparkling Wine

New Zealand's cool climate regions can produce very elegant sparkling wines.

Central Otago is particularly interesting.

Traditional method examples often combine bright apple, lemon and lime with subtle yeast notes.

Serve them with seafood, chicken or light starters.

12. American Sparkling Wine

The USA produces sparkling wine well beyond California.

The Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley in New York are both worth watching.

Blanc de Blancs made from Chardonnay can offer crisp apple, lemon, mineral notes and fine bubbles.

These wines are excellent with oysters, shellfish and fresh cheeses.

13. English Sparkling Wine

English sparkling wine has become increasingly important.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir perform particularly well in the cooler climate.

Many examples use the traditional method and show citrus, apple, mineral notes and biscuit like complexity.

For UK wine drinkers, this is one of the most exciting categories to explore.

14. South African Cap Classique

Cap Classique is South Africa's traditional method sparkling wine.

It can offer impressive quality and value.

Expect fine bubbles, citrus, orchard fruit and sometimes toasted notes from lees ageing.

It pairs beautifully with seafood, chicken, cheese and lighter dishes.

Which Champagne Alternative Should You Choose?

If you like very dry sparkling wine, try Crémant, Cava or English sparkling wine.

For fruitier styles, Prosecco is an easy choice.

If you enjoy rosé, look towards Austria, Argentina or Franciacorta.

For something sweeter, Moscato d'Asti is ideal.

If you want the closest experience to Champagne, Franciacorta, Crémant, English sparkling wine and Cap Classique are strong places to start.

Best Sparkling Wines by Budget

Under £15, Prosecco and some Cava offer very good value.

Under £20, you can start exploring better Cava, Crémant and regional sparkling wines.

Under £30, the choice becomes much wider, including quality English sparkling wine and premium traditional method bottles.

For special occasions, premium Franciacorta, Alta Langa or mature English sparkling wine can be worth spending more on.

At Taylor's Fine Wine, exploring sparkling wines from different regions is part of the enjoyment. If you usually reach for Champagne, trying a new country or production style can lead to some excellent discoveries.

Sparkling Wine Food Pairing Guide

Sparkling wine is extremely food friendly.

Seafood works beautifully with dry styles.

Cheese pairs well with Crémant, Cava and Cap Classique.

Chicken suits richer traditional method wines.

Pork can work particularly well with sparkling rosé.

Vegetarian dishes pair nicely with crisp, citrus driven styles.

For desserts, Moscato d'Asti is often the easiest choice.

How to Serve Sparkling Wine

Serve sparkling wine well chilled, but not freezing cold.

A standard sparkling wine glass or white wine glass can both work well.

Open the bottle gently by holding the cork and slowly turning the bottle.

Pour smaller servings at first so the bubbles stay lively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best alternative to Champagne?

Crémant, Franciacorta, English sparkling wine and Cap Classique are excellent choices if you want something close in style.

Is Crémant similar to Champagne?

Yes. Crémant is also made using the traditional method, although it comes from French regions outside Champagne and may use different grapes.

What is the difference between Cava and Prosecco?

Cava normally uses the traditional method, while Prosecco usually uses the tank method. Cava tends to be more savoury, while Prosecco is often fruitier.

Is Franciacorta made like Champagne?

Yes. Franciacorta uses the traditional method and often includes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Which sparkling wine is driest?

Look for terms such as Brut Nature or Extra Brut when you want a particularly dry sparkling wine.