Popular Types of Sparkling Wine for Toasting
Celebrating special occasions
Sparkling wine is widely renowned as the ultimate accompaniment for celebrating life’s special moments, and the festive, indulgent vibe created by a good bottle of fizz is simply perfect for toasting. This blog will introduce you to the most popular types of sparkling wine, so that you can make an informed decision on your choice of bubbly for your next special occasion.
Champagne
Champagne, the iconic sparkling wine from France’s Champagne region, is synonymous with celebration. Known for its fine bubbles and rich, complex flavors, it’s often associated with luxury, due in part to its high price tag.
Champagne is prized for its ability to balance crisp acidity with toastiness and notes of citrus and almond. Ideal for toasting at lavish events such as weddings, New Year’s Eve parties, or celebrations of significant achievements, Champagne elevates any occasion. Toasting with a glass of Champagne is the ultimate symbol of celebration and success, and its timeless appeal ensures it remains one of the top choices for toasts around the world.
English Sparkling Wine
English sparkling wine has seen a surge in popularity in recent years due to the cooler climates and chalky soils in regions like Sussex and Kent which mirror those in Champagne, France. The wine is often made using the traditional method, resulting in elegant bubbles and a crisp, refreshing taste with notes of apple and citrus.
English sparkling wine is perfect for marking elegant, sophisticated occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. Whilst it may not yet have the global renown of Champagne, English bubbly is quickly becoming a refined choice for those seeking high quality, celebratory fizz.
Cava
Cava, Spain’s very own sparkling wine, hails from the Penedès region and is made using the traditional method. It offers a bright, zesty profile with notes of apple, citrus, and sometimes almond. Typically more affordable than Champagne, Cava’s lower price tag makes it an excellent choice for casual celebrations or informal toasts.
The versatility of Cava styles also makes it a brilliant crowd-pleasing option with suitability to various tastes. Whether it’s a summer party or a casual toast, Cava’s refreshing effervescence brings joy to any occasion at a respectable price.
Prosecco
Prosecco, from Italy’s Veneto region, is known for its light, fruity, aromatic profile. It’s usually made using the tank method which preserves fresh, vibrant flavors like pear, apple, and citrus. Prosecco’s approachable, off-dry nature makes it an ideal choice for more laid back settings such as birthdays dinners and casual gatherings.
Prosecco is less expensive than Champagne but still offers a certain elegance, making it a go-to choice for many. Prosecco’s easy drinkability and light, fruity taste makes it a great choice for celebrations at the dinner table, as it pairs excellently with a variety of foods including seafood, light cheeses, and fruity desserts.
Greek Sparkling Wine
Greek sparkling wine offers a refreshing and unique alternative for toasting on special celebrations. Greek sparkling wine is often made from indigenous grape varieties. Aphrodise sparkling wine is no different, being produced from Greece’s noble and indigenous Xinomavro grape variety.
Greece’s sparkling wines have gained recognition for their vibrant acidity, aromatic complexity, and tendency to feature citrus and floral notes with a crisp, clean finish. Greek sparkling wine, especially Aphrodise, is a celebration of youth, conviviality, and the height of carefree luxury, making it the perfect choice for sophisticated, elegant events such as luxury weddings, milestone birthdays, and high-profile galas.