For sparkling wine lovers, Italy today offers far more than just the traditional regions of Trentino, Franciacorta, and Oltrepò Pavese. In recent years, the production of Italian sparkling wines has flourished across the country, with some regions even seeing greater growth in sparkling wines than in reds. This marks yet another remarkable achievement for Italy in the world of wine.
Currently, over 70 winemakers in Italy are passionately crafting more than 200 sparkling wine labels. Particularly outstanding are those from southern regions such as Abruzzo, Puglia, and Sicily, which rival the classic sparkling wines from the North in both quality and character.
Let’s embark on a journey from north to south across Italy to discover these lesser-known but truly captivating sparkling gems.
Northern Beginning: Trentino
Chardonnay from Trento has never disappointed. Take the Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore Extra Brut 2008, a benchmark cuvée that can age beautifully for over a decade. Another standout is the Maso Martis Trento Riserva Madame Martis Brut 2009, matured for 9 years. This wine showcases a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir’s elegance, Chardonnay’s aromatic finesse, and Pinot Meunier’s softness, all underscored by a deep minerality and layered complexity.
Franciacorta: The Epitome of Elegance
Crossing into Lombardy, we arrive at the heart of Franciacorta. Here, Ca’ del Bosco’s Franciacorta Riserva Cuvée Annamaria Clementi Dosage Zéro 2009 is an unmissable gem: a masterful blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir, aged for 7 years, offering rich aromatics and a multi-dimensional palate.
Another must-try is Franciacorta Quinque Extra Brut from Uberti. Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes harvested over five vintages, it’s a characterful wine with remarkable length and personality.
Oltrepò Pavese: The Muse of Pinot Noir
In Oltrepò Pavese, Casteggio Winery is celebrating its tenth harvest. Its Te Blanc de Noir, made from Pinot Noir using the traditional method and aged 36 months on lees, exudes aromas of white peach and floral notes, with a lingering finish hinting at dried fruit and fresh-baked bread.
Veneto: The Crisp Charm of Durello
Nestled between Verona and Vicenza, Veneto’s Durello wineries thrive on limestone soils, producing finely structured, high-acid white sparkling wines. The Durello Metodo Classico Doc 36 Extra Brut Riserva Sacramundi, grown at 380 meters altitude and aged 36 months, is complex and vibrant—a full-spectrum sensory experience.
Abruzzo: Where Organic Meets Elegance
In Abruzzo, the Marramiero Brut Metodo Classico, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offers abundant fruit and rich brioche notes. Aged for 36 months, it leaves a long-lasting, memorable impression.
Don’t miss the organic 830 Cuveé Prestige Rosé Spumante Brut by Agriverde. Made from local Montepulciano grapes, this vibrant rosé shows a bright pink hue and seductive aromas of strawberries, cherries, and raspberries. It’s soft, elegant, and beautifully balanced on the palate.
Puglia: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
In San Severo, the La Dama Forestiera 2013 from d’Araprì combines Montepulciano and Pinot Noir, crafted using white winemaking techniques and aged for five years in large local oak barrels. It reveals a unique style and remarkable vitality.
Further south in Puglia, Nel Noitre 2014, made from the native Nero di Troia grape, is elegant and full of character. Each vintage showcases a different personality depending on the year’s climate—for example, the 2003 and 2007 vintages were warmer and yielded fuller-bodied, more intense wines.
Sicily: White Gems Beneath the Volcano
Our final stop is the captivating island of Sicily. On the slopes of Mount Etna, Terre Siciliane Gaudensius Blanc de Blancs Brut by Firriato, made from Carricante and Chardonnay, is a standout among southern Italian sparkling wines. Using the traditional method, this wine delivers refined aromas and a distinctive minerality born from volcanic soils—perfectly reflecting Sicily’s warmth and vibrant spirit.
Italian sparkling wine is no longer confined to a few renowned regions. From alpine valleys to volcanic terrains, it now boasts an unprecedented diversity and charm.
This tasting journey may be just the beginning, but it’s enough to open our eyes to a new chapter in Italy’s ancient winemaking story.
