Champagne, Franciacorta and Burgundy Crémant Highlight Classic Method Sparkling Wines

The classic method (méthode traditionnelle) remains the benchmark for high‑quality sparkling wines. In France, Champagne’s chalky soils, cool climate and the trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier create wines noted for sharp acidity, mineral nuance and fine perlage. Italy’s Franciacorta, centred in Lombardy near Lake Iseo, follows a similarly strict discipline, using primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Nero to produce elegant, balanced bubbles with extended aging on the lees.

Levert Frères, a historic Burgundian estate dating back to 1595 in Mercurey, produces Crémant de Bourgogne using its own 9 ha of marl‑limestone vineyards. Under the guidance of winemaker David Fernez, the house releases Chardonnay and Pinot Noir cuvées that spend at least nine months on lees, delivering pale gold colour, fine bubbles and aromas of green apple, citrus and brioche. These wines are now distributed in Italy by Compagnia del Vino, offering consumers refined alternatives to Champagne.