As the sparkling wine world continues to drastically rise in popularity, there are a few themes we keep seeing over and over! Recently this industry has been a bubbling cauldron of deliciousness and it seems as though there's always something new to discover. Here are the five trends that are currently popping up in the sparkling wine industry:
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Grower Champagne Over Brand Names: Grower champagne is the new "IT" girl! Forget about big brand names, the real stars are the small, independent champagne houses and "grower" champagnes that are produced by the same estate that grows the grapes. These champagnes are like the indie band you discovered before they became mainstream, they're unique, authentic and always a great value. (read more on grower champagne here)
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Obscure Varietals: Unique varietals are shaking things up. Typical champagnes are made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier grapes, but even some of the Champenois are starting to experiment in the lesser-know varietals of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier. These new kids on the block are bringing some serious flavor to the party as well as allowing wine makers to adapt to the changes in climate.
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Bubbles from the UK: British Bubbles are the new Queen. The UK has been making sparkling wine for centuries, but now they're getting a second chance at fame. English and Welsh sparkling wines are made from the same main grape varietals as champagne, but with a British twist, they're like the posh version of your favorite Crémant.
- Low Dosage Bubbles: Brut Nature and Extra Brut sparkling wines are all the rage. The dosage, or amount of sugar added to a sparkling wine, is a key determinant of its sweetness level. But don't worry, don't let the term "added sugar" make you second guess. Low dosage sparkling wines actually have a lower sugar content than most still wines. (read more on Brut Nature champagne here)
- Large Format Bottles: Large format bottles are the ultimate party starter. Traditional sparkling wine bottles come in the standard 750ml size, but why settle for less? Large format bottles like Magnums (1.5L) and Jeroboams (3L) are perfect for special occasions and events... they bring people together and they last longer. They also happen to keep the wine fresher as they mature and make for a better aging environment. Bigger bottles are a win-win.
Overall, these trends show that the popularity of sparkling wine is here to stay. It is a constantly evolving industry, and as consumers become more interested in unique and authentic options, producers are looking for new ways to innovate and stand out from the competition. And let's be real, who doesn't love trying new things?
