The world's best known sparkling wine is Champagne. until a couple of decades ago the word champagne was widely used for sparkling wine. But with modern international trade agreements forbidding the use of geographical names for wine and other products we have had to use other words.
The classic varieties used to make Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A few other varieties are permitted but are used rarely only in tiny amounts.
Most sparkling winemakers around the world tend to use that classic trio in an effort to emulate champagnes success.
But as we are interested in Vinodiversity we are looking for winemakers who think (and make) outside the square.
Below I have listed just a few white and red sparkling wines made from alternative varieties.
I'd love you to contribute to the list via the comment box near the bottom of this page.
Arneis
Bianco D'Alesssano
Chenin Blanc
Crystal
Fiano
Gewurztraminer
Gouais Blanc
Gruner Veltliner
Kerner
Orange Muscat
Petit Meslier
Pignoletto
Marsanne
Pinot Grigio
Riesling
Roussanne
Savagnin
Verdelho
Vermentino
I'd love you to contribute to the list via the comment box near the bottom of this page.
Alicante Bouschet
Barbera
Chambourcin
Durif
Grenache
Lagrein
Lambrusco Maestri
Malbec
Marzemino
Montepulciano
Nebbiolo
Petit Verdot
Trincadeira
Sangiovese
Saperavi
Tempranillo
Touriga
Trincadeira (Tinta Amarela)
Zinfandel
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