Sparkling Red Wine : a surprising pop for bubble lovers
Is Sparkling Red Wine Produced in Champagne? Not Quite! Although Pinot Noir is used to make sparkling wines, there is no such thing as a bubbly red Champagne – due to regulations. However, sparkling red wine is real and delights with its joyful bubbles and delicious flavors. Let’s take you on a sparkling world tour where red wines take on a festive flair.
How is Sparkling Red Wine Made?
To add bubbles to red wine, different winemaking methods are used:
The Charmat Method (or Martinotti): The second fermentation in pressurized tanks creates young, fresh, and fruity wines. Perfect for Lambrusco, this method results in wines with light bubbles and a rich, playful character.
The Ancestral Method: The fermentation starts in a tank and finishes in the bottle without adding yeasts. This preserves the natural sweetness and primary aromas of the wine.
The Traditional Method (or Champenoise): Used for sparkling red Crémants, this method produces complex wines with fine mousse and a beautiful tannic structure.
Sparkling Red Wine in France
In France, several sparkling red gems deserve attention.
Saumur Rouge Mousseux, made from Cabernet Franc, delights with its cherry notes and smooth texture. It pairs perfectly with rillettes or roast pork.
In Burgundy, Crémant Rouge, made from Pinot Noir, has elegant bubbles and aromas of red berries. It pairs wonderfully with a soft cheese platter.
Even though it's not technically a sparkling red, we feel compelled to mention Bugey Cerdon... This light and sweet sparkling rosé, made mostly from Gamay and Poulsard, will elevate your fruity desserts or a galette des rois with its charming aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and peach.
Sparkling Red Wine in Italy
Italy is the queen of sparkling reds, offering an exciting diversity of productions.
Lambrusco, the emblem of Emilia-Romagna, is the most famous sparkling red wine in Italy. It ranges from dry to sweet. Variants like Lambrusco di Sorbara bring floral and light notes, while Grasparossa offers richer, more structured wines. The former pairs wonderfully with marinated vegetable antipasti, while the latter goes perfectly with aged Parmesan.
In Piedmont, Brachetto d'Acqui, sweet and aromatic, enchants with its ripe strawberry flavors, making it perfect for chocolate desserts. From the same region, Freisa reveals tannic and tangy character, ideal for lovers of full-bodied wines. Its spicy notes pair well with stews or mushroom dishes.
Sparkling Red Wine Around the World
Still relatively rare but increasingly appreciated, Portuguese sparkling red wine is mainly produced in the Douro, Barraida, and Alentejo regions, using local varieties such as Baga, Touriga Nacional, and Vinhão, as well as international varieties like Pinot Noir. Often made using the traditional method, this wine is vibrant and fruity, with red fruit aromas like strawberry, making it a great choice for an aperitif.
In Australia, the famous Sparkling Shiraz surprises with its richness and spicy aromas. This wine combines silky tannins with notes of black fruits, often with a touch of chocolate or pepper. It pairs wonderfully with a rib-eye steak or sweet-and-sour dishes.
Other countries, like Spain, New Zealand, and South Africa, are also experimenting with sparkling reds, adding even more variety to this effervescent world.
So, forget the Petit Champagne Rouge, which is still a fairy tale – the world is not lacking in sparkling treasures! From light bubbles to full-bodied structures, sparkling red wines delight all palates. Make your meals sparkle with these original and bold bottles!
