Wine 101: Champagne & Sparkling Wines

Champagnes are usually a blend of grapes, typicallyPinot Noirand Chardonnay, often with a touch of Pinot Meunier as well. They range from dry (brut) to mildly sweet (demi-sec) to very sweet (doux). Different producers, or “houses,” have different styles, too, ranging from light and delicate to rich and full-flavored.

That all said, many other countries make excellent sparkling wines. Those from North America tend to be more fruit-forward than most Champagnes. Cava, an inexpensive sparkler from Spain, often has an earthy character. Italy’s Prosecco is also affordable, and popular for its engaging foaminess and hint of sweetness on the finish. Sparkling wines make great aperitifs, but they’re also good throughout the meal, especially with shellfish and salty or spicy dishes.

• Perrier Jouët Grand Brut (France)
• Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs Champagne (France)
• Taittinger Brut La Française (France)

• Pol Roger Brut NV (France)
• Gosset Brut Excellence (France)
• Bollinger Brut Special Cuvée (France)

• Zardetto Prosecco Brut (Italy)
• Mionetto Prosecco (Italy)
• Domaine Carneros Brut (California)
• Mumm Napa Brut Prestige (California)

• Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava (Spain)
• Gramona Gran Cuvée (Spain)
• Mont Marçal Brut Reserva Cava (Spain)