Why not enjoy sparkling wines more often? They are among my favorite beverages for any occasion. Many people tend to reserve sparkling wine for celebrations, but there’s no reason not to pair it with their favorite dishes more frequently.
The bubbles in sparkling wines contrast beautifully with the textures of deep-fried foods like calamari or fried chicken. These wines also pair well with Asian cuisines, including sushi, tempura, raw seafood, oysters, ceviche, and most shellfish. Additionally, they complement appetizers, puff pastries, and rich buttery sauces perfectly.
Sparkling wine can be produced anywhere in the world. It ranges from dry to sweet and expresses a scope of flavors that depend on the grape(s) used, the climate in which they were grown, and the winemaking method used. Here are a few popular sparkling wines all around the world.
Prosecco
Prosecco is Italy’s comparable sparkling wine to Champagne from France. This light-bodied sparkling wine must have 85% of the Glera grape, available from dry to semi-sweet, and produced primarily in Veneto. The bright and effervescent wine features melon, pear, and honeysuckle aromas. This Italian sparkling will pair well with many appetizers, Sushi, chilled shrimp, smoked salmon, and Chinese food. A Rosé Prosecco pairs well with barbecues, salads, and sandwiches.
Asti
Asti is another famous Italian sparkling wine native to Piedmont. It is a Muscat-based wine known as Asti Spumante. This Italian sparkling wine is sweeter with savors of lychee, apricot, and tangerine. Asti pairs well with salted and cured meats like charcuterie, strong cheeses, summer salads, and salted nuts.
Cava
Cava, Spain’s most famous sparkling wine, is unique because it can be produced in various regions across the country. In terms of flavor profile, Cava has more substantial earth and fruit notes than Champagne. Cava is made in the traditional method and must age on its lees for nine months before being released to retail. Cava pairs well with various foods, including fried fish, appetizers, desserts, eggs, quiche, roasted dishes, salads, soup, and Sushi.
South Africa Sparkling Wine
South Africa ranks among the world’s oldest winemaking regions in the world. It’s also one of the most overlooked, especially when it comes to sparkling wine. Cap Classique’ is the traditional method of sparkling wine fermentation in South Africa. Sparkling wines can be produced anywhere in the country and get their sparkle through a second fermentation in the bottle, like Champagne. Their sparkling wines have light yeasty aromas, good fruit on the nose, and a rich, creamy complexity on the palate. Perfect with seafood or light meats.
California sparkling wines
American sparkling wine made its debut in the 1860s when wine producers in California began crafting these bubbly beverages. While California is renowned for its high-quality sparkling wines, it does not dominate the entire market. The Finger Lakes region of New York has also gained recognition for its sparkling Rieslings, particularly those produced by Dr. Frank. Additionally, the emerging wine region of Washington State is home to several sparkling wine producers, with Chateau Ste. Michelle being one of the most prominent.
Explore your local wine stores and ask the sommelier for recommendations on a fantastic Cava to pair with sushi. On your next lunch outing at one of your favorite restaurants, consider ordering a glass of Prosecco to enjoy with fried calamari or your favorite chicken salad. You’ll discover the pleasure of these delicious sparkling wines and find reasons to enjoy them on any occasion! Cheers!