Sparkling Wine Grapes

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are two grape varieties commonly blended together to produce sparkling wines and Champagne around the world. Pinot Meunier is sometimes added to enhance the character of the wine.

Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties to be grown for the purpose of making wine from as early as the first century AD. Pinot noir is grown throughout the world. Chardonnay is the world’s most popular white wine grape and it is grown in virtually every wine-producing region It’s distinct, delicate and easy to recognise. It can smell like apples, lemons, peaches or tropical fruits. With extensive oak ageing, they become creamy and buttery with vanilla, spice and oak flavors.

English sparkling wines are made from the following grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Precoce, Pinot blanc and Pinot gris.

Interestingly, Cabernet Sauvignon is used to make sparkling wine at a few wineries in the Napa Valley.