As we hit the festive season, sparkling wine is often the go-to choice. But while Champagne, the iconic French bubbly, is a timeless favourite, it’s not the only wine that offers effervescence and elegance. From Italy’s Prosecco to Spain’s Cava, there’s a whole world of alternative sparkling wines to explore! Here’s a guide to help you discover affordable, high-quality options that will bring that signature sparkle to any occasion.


1. Crémant: France’s Regional Sparkling Star
While Champagne comes exclusively from the Champagne region, other French regions like Alsace, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley produce fantastic sparkling wines known as Crémant. Using the same traditional method as Champagne, crémants can be made with various grapes and exhibit diverse flavours from region to region.

Flavour profile: can vary from fresh and fruity to rich and toasty, depending on the region.
Top tip: Crémant de Bourgogne (Burgundy) is highly regarded for its quality, flavour and likeness to Champagne (using the Chardonnay grape).


2. Cava: Spain’s Crisp & Affordable Sparkler
Cava, Spain's answer to Champagne, is also made in the traditional method (similar to Champagne) but usually with Spanish grape varieties such as Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Cava is aged on its lees, which gives it a more pronounced depth and a toasty, nutty flavour profile. Personally we'd still go for a crémant over Cava, but we are Francophiles here at Plonk!

Flavour profile: crisp and clean, with citrus, apple, and subtle nutty notes.
Top tip: Look for "Reserva" or "Gran Reserva" on the label for longer-aged, more complex Cava.


3. Prosecco: Italy’s Bubbly Number
If you're looking for an approachable, fruit-forward sparkling wine, Prosecco is a good alternative. Produced in the Veneto region of Italy, Prosecco is made primarily from the Glera grape, using the Charmat method - a technique that preserves bright fruit flavours like green apple, pear, and peach. Beware though, as a lot of Prosecco can be a bit bland!

Flavour profile: Light and fruity, often with floral and citrus notes.
Top tip: Look for labels that say "DOCG" or “DOC” for a higher level quality.


Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Sparkling Match
While Champagne will always have a special place in the world of sparkling wine, exploring these alternatives can lead to delightful discoveries. Each offers a unique take on bubbly, from the light and fruity allure of Prosecco to the crisp refinement of Cava and the artisanal appeal of Crémant. Whether you’re hosting a party, toasting a milestone, or simply enjoying a quiet night in, there’s a sparkling wine to suit every occasion - and every budget.

So next time you’re browsing for a bottle of bubbly, consider trying one of these Champagne alternatives and discover a new favourite!