Cava, Prosecco, Champagne—a Definitive Guide to Sparkling Drinks

Sparkling wines are *everywhere*—and we mean that in two ways. 1) It seems like they're being offered and served now more than ever and 2) More countries are starting to producing and export their own delicious variations. 

While Champagne may be the most commonly known sparkling wine, it's often *not* champagne that you're drinking—because while every Champagne is sparkling wine, not every sparkling wine is Champagne (#alcoholmath). 

Here, your official guide to the bubbly stuff.

The one that set the gold standard, Champagne is the most popular and most requested sparkling wine by far. Produced in the Champagne region of France (hence the name), these wines are produced with three types of grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meaner. (Note that some sparkling wines made in England and the U.S. use a lowercase "c" to denote a sparkling wine that is like Champagne, but not from France.)

Try: Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage, $73 orDom Perignon, $160

This is a hugely popular sparkling wine that is loved by U.S.-drinkers, mostly for its price. (At least, when compared to Champagne.) It's a dry, white Italian wine that's been fermented, but unlike Champagne it does *not* get better with age, since it's made with Prosecco grapes. Basically, this is your PSA to drink all that prosecco in your fridge this weekend.

Try: Ruffino Prosecco, $12 or Martini Prosecco, $17

Spain's answer to sparkling wine wasn't originally a hit over here in the States, but is experiencing a resurgence thanks to awesome exports that definitely deserve a pour (or five). Cava is generally made from Xarello, Macabeo, and Parellada, and many are aged longer than Champagne.

Try: Campo Viejo, $12.99

Cremant means "creamy" in French, and is sparkling wine made in France but *not* in the Champagne region—meaning different grapes. It's made the same way as Champagne, though. So, you know—everything's sparkling.

Try: Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose, $20

Lambrusco has become increasingly popular over the years—it's an Italian sparkling red wine. Yes, red. (Oooh.)

Try: Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco, $16

The Portuguese version of a sparkling wine, espumante is made in the style of Champagne and is solely produced in a region just south of Vinho Verde. Don't be fooled by Espumosos—that is the cheapest and lowest level of sparkling wine, which is made by injecting the wine with carbon dioxide. (Not that we'd turn down a glass.) 

Try: Caves Alianca Danubio Espumante, $6

The Italian sparkling wine is a bit sweeter than prosecco, as it's made from the Moscato grape in the province of Asti. Think: really grape-y flavors, and a low level of alcohol (usually 5-8%). 

Try: Saracco Moscato d'Asti, $15

This German and Austrian version of sparkling wine uses Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc grapes. Most Sekt is produced using the traditional Champagne method (known as the Charmat method), but some cheap options are injected with carbon dioxide. (These wines are and should be known as Schaumwein, meaning "foam wine.") 

Try: Weingut Schwaab-Dietz Sekt Trocken Riesling, $25

Pretty much every country by now has their own version of a sparkling wine. South Africa's version is known as Methode Cap Classique, while Australia's is a version of Shiraz. Ask your local winery for more recommendations—then say cheers, salud, prost, or whatever you need to down the good stuff.