Sparkling Conversation

10 things to know about the world of bubbly wine

An illustration of a man and a woman drinking sparkling wine on a deck, with mountains and hot air balloons in the background
Made all around the world and in many styles, sparkling wine offers a variety of delights. (Luis Mendo)

Whether it’s a soft sigh or a loud and lively pop, the signature sound of opening a bottle of sparkling wine is always well-received. Wine lovers continue to embrace sparklers for life’s important events, from weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and more. But bubbly has also found a place amid more everyday moments: at Sunday brunch, during dinner prep, while you wait at the bar for a table to open up, or when you linger over a meal with friends you haven’t seen in far too long.

If you’re a sparkling wine lover looking to dive even deeper into your next glass of fizz, use Wine Spectator's guide to answer the most common questions about bubbly, to find specific recommendations at any price point and to glean insights from top sparkling winemakers around the globe, from Champagne to Prosecco to Cava and beyond.

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