Wines: Traditional Method

ETVIN
May 11
2 min read

A Tour Through Bubbles: Traditional Method Sparkling Wines from Europe

There’s something timeless about traditional method sparkling wine—the finesse of the bubbles, the richness from aging on the lees, and the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. Known as the méthode traditionnelle, this winemaking technique is famously used in Champagne, but its influence reaches far beyond France.

At our recent tasting, we explored five sparkling wines from Italy, France, and England, each made with this exacting method.

Here’s what we tasted:

1. Louis Bouillot Brut Grande Millésime

Year: 2021

Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Article Number: 77865

A refined Crémant de Bourgogne that shows how Burgundy can deliver elegance outside of still wines. This vintage cuvée brought citrus, toast, and vibrant acidity in perfect balance.

2. Derbusco Cives Brut

Year: N/A

Grapes: Chardonnay, pinot bianco, pinot grigio, and pinot nero

Article Number: 210301

From Italy’s Franciacorta region, this wine offered structure and depth, with creamy texture, ripe orchard fruit, and a nutty, savory complexity.

3. Gusbourne Brut Reserve

Year: 2019

Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Article Number: 9000402

England continues to impress in the sparkling scene, and this wine was no exception. Crisp, refined, and layered with notes of red apple, brioche, and citrus zest.

4. José Michel - Special Club

Year: 2015

Grapes: Pinot Meunier

Article Number: 9210701

A true Champagne made from 100% Pinot Meunier—a grape often playing a supporting role. This cuvée showcased elegance and charm with red fruit, soft mousse, and a lightly spicy finish.

Pre-Drink: Rotari Brut

Year: 2020

Grapes: Chardonnay

Article Number: 756701

Our welcome glass was this fresh and lively Trento DOC from northern Italy. With crisp apple, lemon peel, and a clean, mineral backbone, it set the perfect tone for the evening.

Other Sparkling Wines Using the Traditional Method

If you're curious to explore beyond Champagne, here are other traditional method sparkling wines from around the world:

Cava (Spain)Grapes: Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada
Sekt – Traditionelle Flaschengärung (Germany/Austria)Grapes: Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Cap Classique (South Africa)Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Espumante (Portugal – esp. Bairrada)Grapes: Baga, Maria Gomes, Bical, Arinto
California Traditional Sparkling (USA)Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Tasmania/Yarra Valley (Australia)Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Skål!