Tracing the Origin Story of Grower Champagne
Author David White defines the key players and developments that shaped the now-popular category
Sparkling Wine Month
The sparkling-wine market is on a seemingly unquenchable climb, and that’s even more apparent during the months of November and December, when sales annually spike. Whether the end-of-year buzz has guests feeling a bit more celebratory, or shoppers are looking for bubbly gifts for friends and family, restaurant and retail buyers alike are stocking up on sparklers.
At the same time, many restaurants, bars, and bottle shops are expanding their sparkling-wine offerings, dedicating more menu and shelf real estate to funky pét-nats, grower Champagnes, and fizz from far-flung regions. But while Prosecco, Cava, and other familiar sparklers have benefited from a boost in popularity, some wines—like Sekt from Austria and Germany—haven’t seen the same growth.
For SevenFifty Daily’s Sparkling Wine Month, we looked across countries, styles, and production techniques to bring you the latest developments in the sparkling wine category. Here’s all the intel you need to build a selection that leaves guests thirsting for more. Cheers!
15 Top-Selling Sparklers for the Holiday Season
Buyers discuss the sparkling wines that they expect to fly off their lists and shelves this holiday season
7 Tips for Building a Sparkling-Wine List That Pops
From menu organization to pricing, here’s how to set your bubbly selection apart
Recent Articles
The Complex Role of Dosage in Sparkling Wine
A sparkling wine’s dosage or liqueur d’expedition is often communicated as a number—grams per liter of sugar—yet it’s not about sweetness. Here’s why
A New Chapter in Oregon’s Sparkling Wine Movement
Armed with the right climate and grape varieties—and now, the resources—Oregon winemakers set their sights on traditional-method sparkling wines
Why Are There So Many New Champagne Cuvées This Year?
A recent influx of new releases from Champagne houses has been spurred by a changing climate, a move towards terroir specificities, and increasing demand for this sparkling wine
The Science of Lees Aging
Lees aging not only yields attractive aromas and textures for still and sparkling wines alike—it also prevents oxidation and structural instability. Here’s how
The Growing Movement Behind ‘Long Charmat’ Sparkling Wine
In Italy, Brazil, and beyond, winemakers are leaving Charmat-method bubbly on the lees for longer periods of time in the effort to make more complex and robust wines
Examining the State of Champagne, by the Numbers
A look at the performance of France’s most famous sparkling wine region—and what to expect in the months ahead
In Search of the New Franciacorta
A new generation of producers in Italy’s premier sparkling wine region are casting off decades of French influence to pursue metodo classico wines with a more genuine sense of place
Inside Cava’s Quest to Upgrade its Reputation
Amidst movements to leave the Cava DO, the denomination has introduced new, quality-minded regulations. Can it change the perception of Spain’s most famous sparkling wine?
A New Era for American Sparkling Wine
As emerging and legacy domestic sparkling wine producers alike invest in quality and ageability, the U.S. market is ready to embrace a wider array of home-grown bubbly
What Corks Will Wine Pros Be Popping on NYE?
We asked 14 industry insiders to share the bottle of sparkling wine they’ll be opening to toast 2020’s end—and why it’s the right wine for this moment
