Sparkling varietal refers to a style of wine that has been carbonated to create a bubbly effervescence when poured. Most commonly associated with Champagne, which comes from the Champagne region of France, sparkling varietal wines can be produced from a variety of grape types. The carbonation in these wines is generally created through a secondary fermentation process, either in the bottle (as with traditional method champagnes) or in a large tank prior to bottling (as with many Proseccos). Sparkling varietals can range from dry (Brut), to lightly sweet (Extra Dry), to sweet (Demi-Sec and Doux). They are often used for celebrations and are a popular choice for toasting.
