The continuous method is the least common of the six sparkling winemaking methods. It’s not nearly as time-consuming as other methods which is predominantly the reason for Prosecco’s more affordable price tag. The majority of the steps for this method, including secondary fermentation, take place inside a stainless steel tank. Prosecco is the shining star of wine made using the Charmat method. The main differences happen following the transfer of wine from bottle to tank after the secondary fermentation. Wine made via the transfer method also shares many of the initial steps used in the traditional method. However, it excludes the tirage step and doesn’t see the addition of dosage (more on those terms below). The ancestral method is the earliest form of making sparkling wine and shares many of the same steps as the traditional method. Wine made in the Champagne and traditional method often exude aromas and flavors of brioche and butter along with a creamy textural mouthfeel. Because this method includes lees aging (where dead yeast cells sit in contact with the wine for an extended period), it produces wine with the most prevalent autolytic character. These reasons can also translate to a higher price at the till. From start to finish, this method takes the longest amount of time, mostly because of aging requirements and time-consuming steps, like hand-riddling (which is explained below). Outside of the Champagne region, it’s known as the traditional method. The Champagne winemaking method is widely thought of as being the highest quality way to make sparkling wine.

Overview of Common Sparkling Winemaking Methods For our purposes today, we’re diving deep into the throws of sparkling winemaking methods.įrom France to Italy, and across the globe, there are a handful of methods that determine the flavor profile, consistency, and identity of a particular sparkling wine. Wine professionals can immerse themselves in centuries of history that can include everything from wine law, varietal characteristics, terroir, and of course, winemaking methods. There’s a depth of knowledge that is limitless when it comes to the world of wine.

Pommie sparkling wine