If you like this, try…

Wines like Traditional-method sparkling

Sparkling wine with its second fermentation in the bottle, aged on the lees — the method behind Champagne, Cava, Crémant, Franciacorta and English sparkling. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.

← Back to Traditional-method sparkling

Refine

What do you like about Traditional-method sparkling?

Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.

I like…

How fresh and crisp it is The bubbles

But it’s a bit…

too sharp or acidic too alcoholic or warming too light or thin too fizzy

Clear all

What these words mean

How fresh and crisp it is: Acidity is what makes your mouth water and makes a wine feel refreshing rather than heavy. It is the single most useful thing to know about your own taste.
That it is not too strong: Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
How light it is: A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
The bubbles: Carbonation, from a light prickle to a full sparkling mousse.

Looking for something keeping the fresh, crisp acidity, while moving away from too fizzy, too light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.

Based on what you said

Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Has noticeably less of the fresh, crisp acidity.
Substantially less fizzy.
Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less alcoholic or warming.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Corpinnat

Both are made from xarel·lo.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Australian traditional-method sparkling

Both are made from pinot noir.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

English Blanc de Noirs

Both are made from pinot noir.

Keeps the fresh, crisp acidity.
About as fizzy as the wine you started from.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Has some of the fresh, crisp acidity, though less of it.
Substantially less fizzy.
About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.

Closest overall

Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.

Closest matches

The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Change the structure

Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.

Similar but lighter

Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.

English Blanc de Blancs

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Prosecco

Prosecco scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but lower in alcohol

Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.

Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Corpinnat

Both are made from xarel·lo.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.

Similar but fuller

Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Oloroso sherry

Oloroso sherry scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Port

Port scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Similar but less tannic

For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Corpinnat

Both are made from xarel·lo.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian traditional-method sparkling

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

English Blanc de Noirs

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more structured

More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

English sparkling rosé

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Montefalco Sagrantino

Montefalco Sagrantino scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Similar but softer

Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and broader and softer.

Franciacorta

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Méthode Cap Classique

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

California traditional-method sparkling

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

The still version

Moves from sparkling to still while keeping the grape and flavour family intact.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Vouvray

Both are made from chenin blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Savennières

Both are made from chenin blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

South African Chenin Blanc

Both are made from chenin blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Similar but drier

Reduces perceptible sugar while keeping aromatic character.

Savennières

Both are made from chenin blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

South African Chenin Blanc

Both are made from chenin blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Santorini Assyrtiko

Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Assyrtiko

Assyrtiko scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Bual

Bual scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Port

Port scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Late Bottled Vintage Port

Late Bottled Vintage Port scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Vintage Port

Vintage Port scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Change the flavour

Same shape, different aromatic character.

Similar but less oaky

One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Prosecco

Prosecco scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more oaky

Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Tawny Port

Tawny Port scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Amarone della Valpolicella

Amarone della Valpolicella scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and broader and softer.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and softer and rounder.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Sekt

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

English sparkling rosé

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more restrained

For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Corpinnat

Both are made from xarel·lo.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more floral

Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Lambrusco

Lambrusco scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Prosecco

Prosecco scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Asti

Asti scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Cava

Both are made from macabeo.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Corpinnat

Both are made from xarel·lo.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Similar but fruitier

More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Austrian Sekt

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Sekt

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Change the place

Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.

Same grape, somewhere else

Holds the variety constant and changes the place, which is often a bigger change than swapping the grape.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Corpinnat

Both are made from xarel·lo.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, cooler climate

Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.

English Blanc de Blancs

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Same grape, warmer climate

Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.

Australian Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

New Zealand Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Chilean Chardonnay

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

South African Chenin Blanc

Both are made from chenin blanc.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Change the mood

Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.

A safe next step

Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Champagne

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Crémant

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Cava

Both are made from macabeo.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Corpinnat

Both are made from xarel·lo.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian traditional-method sparkling

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

English Blanc de Noirs

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

A better-value alternative

Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.

Sparkling Shiraz

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and softer and rounder.

Corpinnat

Both are made from xarel·lo.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Australian traditional-method sparkling

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

English Blanc de Noirs

Both are made from pinot noir.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

A step up

The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.

Santorini Assyrtiko

Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

Barolo

Barolo scores closest to Traditional-method sparkling across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be stiller, and lighter.

English sparkling wine

Both are made from chardonnay.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

How these are chosen

Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.