SPARKLING WINES:
A bubbly selection for special moments

Even in economically uncertain times like the ones we are currently experiencing, there are certain constants that wine merchants can rely on. One of these constants remains the sparkling wine segment. While sales and trade volume for red wine are increasingly declining, and although white wine sales are also down, the trade volume remains relatively stable, sparkling wines are a refreshing exception. In the retail food sector, while sales of sparkling wines have recently decreased, trade volume is rising globally. In Germany, for example, it has increased by 2%.

It’s no surprise to most experts that sparkling wines remain a reliable category. After all, there are several fixed days each year when consumption is a given for most people. The most important day for sparkling wine sales for any wine merchant is New Year's Eve. Whether it's Champagne, Prosecco, Crémant, Cava, German or Austrian sparkling wine, Méthode Cap Classique, or English Sparkling – sparkling wine flows abundantly as the year comes to a close.

Christmas and New Year's Eve are peak times for sparkling wine

But it’s not just New Year's Eve that is a reliable sales opportunity for sparkling wines. Christmas, Easter, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, corporate events, private parties, and other special occasions typically call for a sparkling wine. Not to mention, almost all varieties are excellent as an aperitif. And let’s not forget casual social gatherings or a beautiful summer day. In short, there are opportunities to enjoy sparkling wines for your customers throughout the entire year.

The catch is that, in most cases, customers opt for the well-known choices: Champagne, Crémant, Prosecco, or sparkling wine. These are terms that even wine enthusiasts with no prior knowledge are familiar with. Sometimes, however, the surprise is significant if the taste turns out to be different from what the customer expected. Or, they might not choose a particular type of sparkling wine at all due to preconceived taste stereotypes.

For which occasion should what be enjoyed?

Instead of focusing solely on the designation itself, it can be worthwhile to consider the occasion first. If the sparkling wine is to be served at a wedding or a milestone birthday, Champagne would be a great choice. If it doesn’t fit the budget, Crémant or English Sparkling is a very good alternative. Of course, it can also go the other way around. For instance, Prosecco is perfect for a bachelorette party. However, if the bride-to-be has a larger budget, Franciacorta or a Spumante from South Tyrol are excellent alternatives.

However, it is even more effective to focus directly on taste preferences. For example, if your customer prefers Champagne or English Sparkling Extra Brut, it makes little sense to offer Prosecco as a price alternative. On the other hand, a Winzersekt Extra Brut might be a more suitable option. Of course, you can’t categorize all sparkling wine variants uniformly or sort them into neat categories. Nevertheless, there are certain parameters for each sparkling wine that can provide a reasonably clear picture of its taste. We will now demonstrate this.

Overview of sparkling wine styles

Since white sparkling wines still account for a significant portion of both production and consumption, we will focus on this wine color here. However, you can apply the same classification to rosé variants. In addition to the sweetness level, the general character of the sparkling wine is also crucial for classification.

Fruity and fresh sparkling wines

• Prosecco: Whether as Spumante or Frizzante, as long as the Prosecco is Brut, your customers will enjoy a fresh and fruity sparkling or semi-sparkling wine. This applies to both Prosecco DOC and DOCG varieties.
• Lugana Spumante:A sparkling delight from Lake Garda. The sparkling version of Lugana is less known outside the region, making it a great insider tip for those looking to offer something new to their customers.
• Crémant: Not all Crémants are the same. However, Crémant d'Alsace or Crémant de Bordeaux are consistently on the fruity and fresh side. Many Crémants from Saumur (Loire) are also notable for their freshness.
• Cava: The quintessential Spanish sparkling wine. Especially those made from indigenous grape varieties shine with a lot of fruit. A very good alternative to a fruity Crémant.
• Champagner NV Brut: Non-Vintage Champagnes taste consistent regardless of the year. Especially the Bruts from the major houses usually have a good balance of fruit and freshness.

Full-bodied and creamy sparkling wine

• Vintage Champagne: An extended aging on the lees gives a Vintage Champagne substantial body, often accompanied by a beautifully creamy texture. Ideal for the more discerning customer.
• Crémant:Crémants from the Jura and Burgundy can be significantly more complex and intense. They also offer a good price alternative to Champagne.
• English Sparkling: English sparkling wines are currently among the rising stars in the market. They can be both full-bodied and fresh with a lively effervescence.
• Winzersekt: German sparkling wine has matured! An extended aging on the lees increasingly produces serious wines that impress with their vibrant complexity.
• Sekt Austria Grande Reserve:Austria's answer to German Winzersekt. Less known than the sparkling wines from its neighboring country but gaining recognition rapidly.

Floral and charming sparkling wine

• German Sekt Dry: Traditional bottle fermentation isn’t always necessary here. A dry Sekt from Germany can also be excellent when produced in a pressure tank. It is particularly well-suited to mass appeal.
• Prosecco Dry: This can also come from a tank and may simply be a semi-sparkling wine. With its floral notes, it brings the Italian lifestyle to many consumers' glasses.
• Malvasia Secco: Violet, lavender, and lilac notes are present in this charming semi-sparkling wine, which is especially suited to hot summer days and spicy dishes.

Fruity and sweet sparkling wine

• Asti Spumante: Among sparkling wines with significant residual sugar, Asti Spumante is a classic. It is currently experiencing a small renaissance on the global market.
• Moscato d'Asti: Even more fruity and lush than Asti Spumante, but with a finer mousse. It is also a major classic from the Italian Piedmont region.

Experimental sparkling wine

• Pétillant Naturel: Admittedly, Pét Nat isn't as experimental as it once was. However, thanks to the Méthode Ancestrale, it still requires some explanation. It’s the ideal sparkling wine for individuals who appreciate something unique.
• Prosecco Col Fondo:Do you have customers who turn up their noses at Prosecco but rave about Pét Nats? Then suggest a Prosecco Col Fondo as a great surprise. After all, Pét Nat isn't the only sparkling wine where the yeast remains in the bottle to create exciting flavor nuances.

For increased sparkling wine sales

As you can see, sparkling wines can be categorized not only by prestige, price, or origin but also by occasion and taste. The broader your sales arguments, the more likely customers are to choose the recommended bottle.