Pop, Pour, and Celebrate!
By Wanda Haynes, Certified Sommelier
There’s something about a glass of sparkling wine that makes any moment feel a little more special—the pop of the cork, the fizzing bubbles, the cheerful clink of glasses. But there’s more to these bubbly beauties than just celebration. Sparkling wines come in all styles and flavors, from light and fruity Proseccos to elegant Cavas and bold American versions that hold their own.
Champagne
Whether you’ve been sipping for years or are just getting curious, this guide will walk you through what makes sparkling wine so fun, flavorful, and worth getting to know—no special occasion required.
Champagne is a sparkling wine that has come from the Champagne region of France and is made from a combination of chardonnay, Pinot noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Anything made elsewhere goes by other names, even if it’s made in a similar style.
One common myth is that “brut” is the driest kind of Champagne, but actually, brut nature (sometimes called brut sauvage) is even drier, with little to no sugar added. Brut is dry; demi-sec is a little sweet; and doux is the sweetest.
What makes Champagne special is how it gets those signature bubbles. It goes through a second fermentation right inside the bottle, and that’s when all the fizz forms thanks to trapped carbon dioxide. This process is known as the “traditional method,” or méthode traditionnelle, and it’s a big part of what sets true Champagne apart from the rest.
Vintage Champagne is a sparkling wine that is made exclusively from grapes harvested in a specific year when the harvest was exceptional. Non-vintage Champagne (NV) also known as multi-vintage, is produced from a variety of growth years. This version of Champagne is the most affordable and accessible.
The “perlage” (a stream of bubbles as it's poured) is delicate, and the golden straw hue is stunning. The nose is fanciful with whispers of apples, quince, pear, lemon rind, iris, violets, and a summer breeze. Tastes of Champagne consist of baked brioche, simmered fall pears, Granny Smith apples, toasted almonds, hazelnuts, and orange blossoms.
Champagne pairs well with roasted herbed chicken, crab cakes, oysters, omelets, and a tuna sandwich. Don’t wait for a special occasion to pop open a bottle—it’s terrific with lunch all by yourself. Make a mimosa with ¾ Champagne and ¼ good quality orange juice. Champagne is also produced in a rosé and sold in half bottles.
Cava
Cava is made the same way as Champagne (traditional method). Hailing from the Penedès region of Northeast Catalonia in Spain, Cava is produced from three grape varietals: macabeo, xarel-lo, and parellada. This delicious wine can be sweet, dry, or rosé. The affordable price of a Cava seems ridiculous compared to the high standards by which it’s produced. A nose of fresh-baked yeast rolls and white stone fruits envelop the senses. Tastes of fresh citrus, baked bread, and ripe apples lavish the palette. Cava is delicious when served with baked fish, seafood, and a ham-based charcuterie board and is available in half bottles.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is a small wine-producing area in Lombardy, Italy. It is famous for high-quality sparkling wines produced in the image of Champagne, as well as in a dry rosé, loaded with small silky bubbles. The Franciacorta sparkling style and the DOCG* title under which it is sold, are both recent additions to Italy’s wine portfolio. The first sparkling wine to bear the name Franciacorta was created by Berlucchi Winery in the late 1950s. The Franciacorta DOC title was created in 1967 and promoted to DOCG status in 1995, the highest classification Italian wines can be awarded.
*DOCG is Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita which means controlled production methods and guaranteed wine quality with each bottle.
Franciacorta pairs well with salmon, shrimp scampi, frittata, fettuccini Alfredo, and rich poultry dishes.
Prosecco
Prosecco is an easy-drinking, dry sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy and made from the glera grape. Prosecco is produced by the “Charmat method” or tank method. This sparkling wine is best drank when young. It’s also available in a rosé variety made from 85% glera and 15% Pinot noir. Prosecco has large frothy bubbles, a golden delicious apple bouquet, and notes of ripened peaches, pears, and honeysuckle. Add a splash of peach nectar to prosecco (no ice) for a Bellini cocktail. This sparkling wine is also available in half bottles. Some prosecco is available in an organic version.
Champagne Glasses
When it comes to Champagne, the glass you sip from can be just as interesting as what’s inside it.
It’s rumored that the original coupe glass was modeled after the left breast of Marie Antoinette—though that may be more legend than fact. The coupe is small, shallow, and nostalgic, often seen in vintage or retro settings.
The tulip glass has a slightly wider bowl and flared top—elegant and perfect for a formal table.
The flute is the classic choice: tall, narrow, and designed to showcase bubbles. It also comes in fun materials like plastic, metal, or even gold-rimmed versions.
The double-walled stemless glass, introduced in the 1960s, keeps Champagne cooler longer since your hand doesn’t touch the inner wall.
Lead-free crystal uses safer elements like barium, zinc, and magnesium instead of lead—better for your health and still beautifully clear.
To avoid soap residue that can dull your glass or affect taste, hand wash with baking soda instead of dish soap. If you’re a guest, wipe off any lipstick before placing your glass down—it’s a simple gesture that hosts always appreciate.
Wanda Haynes is a Sommelier and wine educator living her best life. She loves parties, fine dining, gourmet chocolate, and a great glass of wine.