Why not?
Why not enjoy sparkling wines more often? They are among my favorite beverages for any occasion. Many people tend to reserve sparkling wine for celebrations, but there’s no reason not to pair it with their favorite dishes more frequently.
The bubbles in sparkling wines contrast beautifully with the textures of deep-fried foods like calamari or fried chicken. Sparkling wines also pair well with Asian cuisines, including sushi, tempura, raw seafood, oysters, ceviche, and most shellfish. Additionally, they complement appetizers, buttery popcorn, puff pastries, and rich buttery sauces perfectly.
Sparkling wine can be produced anywhere in the world. It ranges from dry to sweet and expresses a scope of flavors that depend on the grape(s) used, the climate in which they were grown, and the winemaking method used. Here are a few popular sparkling wines all around the world.
Prosecco
Prosecco is Italy’s comparable sparkling wine to Champagne from France. This light-bodied sparkling wine must have 85% of the Glera grape, available from dry to semi-sweet, and produced primarily in Veneto. The bright and effervescent wine features melon, pear, and honeysuckle aromas. This Italian sparkling will pair well with many appetizers, Sushi, chilled shrimp, smoked salmon, and Chinese food. A Rosé Prosecco pairs well with barbecues, salads, and sandwiches.
Cava
Cava, Spain’s most famous sparkling wine, is unique because it can be produced in various regions across the country. In terms of flavor profile, Cava has more substantial earth and fruit notes than Champagne. Cava is made in the traditional method and must age on its lees for nine months before being released to retail. Cava pairs well with various foods, including fried fish, appetizers, desserts, eggs, quiche, roasted dishes, salads, soup, and Sushi.
Crémant
Crémant is a type of sparkling wine from France that is made using the traditional method similar to Champagne but produced outside the Champagne region. It is valued for its affordability and versatility with food, making it a popular choice for various occasions.
Crémant can be produced in several regions, including Crémant de Loire, which primarily uses Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc grapes. This variation offers flavors of lemon, quince, and honey.
The production process typically involves aging the wine on its lees for at least nine months, which contributes to its complex flavors and aromas.
Shop for Sparkling’s from Wines for Humanity
Made using the same method like Champagne, with in-bottle fermentation, this is the “Pink” cousin to our Crémant de Bourgogne. Alsace is also known for its Gewurztraminer and makes this refined Pinot Noir sparkler. With raspberry and strawberry aromas, it’s zesty and refreshing, and goes with all the local delicatessen such as pate, salmon, sushi or summer salad.