Methode Traditionelle
It was called Méthode Champenoise before producers from the real Champagne claimed branding rights. Despite this, the method was created in Southern France over a Century earlier, called Blanquette de Limoux. It involves a normal fermentation to produce still wines, which are blended and bottled with an added grape syrup that sparks a second ‘bottle fermentation’, the internal pressure causing CO2 bubbles. Methode gets its biscuity flavours from contact with dead yeast cells, which are then ‘riddled’ to the neck and removed or ‘disgorged’ before, finally, a ‘dosage’ adds the desired sweetness - i.e. very little for dry or ‘brut’ wines. Methode Traditionelle is labelled in many languages but is called Cava in Spain, can have the Franciacorta label in Italy and is called Cremant in French regions outside Champagne.

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Vilarnau Organic Cava Brut ReservaA gorgeous organic methode from Spain. With the citrus and toasty bread notes of a classic sparkler, the local varietals also bring mineral and almond touches to the nose and palate. ... read more$24.99 in mixed 6+ or $27.99 per bottle
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Squawking Magpie SQM Brut Methode NVA sparkling Methode from a quality Hawkes Bay producer that is "simply delicious". Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines were aged on lees for 18 months before disgorging, creating a Champagne style ... read more$26.99 in mixed 6+ or $29.99 per bottle
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Squawking Magpie Daisy Rose Brut Methode NVA sparkling Rose from boutique Hawkes Bay label, Squawking Magpie. With roundness of delicate fruit provided by Pinot Noir, this naturally fresh style has been nicely softened further by a full ... read more$26.99 in mixed 6+ or $29.99 per bottle
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Jansz Pemium Cuvee NV Methode TraditionelleSuper deal on Christmas fizz! This is one of Australia's best Champagne-styles -- a specialist collaboration with the Champagne house of Louis Roederer that produces a highly-regarded wine, ... read more$26.99 in mixed 6+ or $29.99 per bottle
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Quartz Reef Brut Methode NVThis expert bubbles is a reference point for quality. Made by Rudi Bauer with serious Champagne knowledge to draw on, the vibrant apple fruits and some breadiness give mouth-filling texture but ... read more$34.99 in mixed 6+ or $38.99 per bottle
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Cloudy Bay Pelorus Sparkling BrutPelorus NV is perfectly balanced -- slightly yeasty but fresh, fine and elegant. A perfect aperitif, this wine doesn't shout quality but for decades has just quietly embodied it. An effortless ... read more$42.99 in mixed 6+ or $47.99 per bottle
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Cloudy Bay Pelorus Rose NVA seriously good Rose bubbles from Marlborough. Cloudy Bay are old hands in the region and still making world-beating wine -- like this rare example of local Rose bubbles. Made from Pinot Noir ... read more$45.99 in mixed 6+ or $50.99 per bottle