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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2015 Kalex Pinot Noir Rose Brut
Bob Campbell MW
Reduced to clear a gorgeous Rose bubbles made from Cerntral Otago Pinot. The Kalex is soft-textured and generous but dry, with an off-pink colour and beautiful, broad yeasty characters running ... read moreElsewhere up to $35.99 Save $16.00 $19.99 in mixed 6+ or $22.99 per bottle -
Vilarnau Organic Cava Brut Reserva
John Caro
A 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$22.99 in mixed 6+ or $25.99 per bottle -
Squawking Magpie SQM Brut Methode NV
Cameron Douglas MS
A 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 -
Squawking Magpie Rose Brut Methode NV
Cameron Douglas MS
A 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 -
Quartz Reef Brut Methode NV
Bob Campbell MW
This 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 moreElsewhere up to $41.99 Save $10.00 $31.99 in mixed 6+ or $35.99 per bottle -
Bernard Fouquet Aubuisieres Vouvray Brut NV
John Caro
Serious bubbles that is consistently the "best value in its appellation". The Chenin Blanc of Vouvray brings riper citrus and tree fruit to the bready flavours of Methode Traditionelle and racy, ... read more$31.99 in mixed 6+ or $35.99 per bottle -
Cloudy Bay Pelorus Sparkling Brut
Sam Kim
Pelorus 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$34.99 in mixed 6+ or $38.99 per bottle -
Cloudy Bay Pelorus Rose NV
Bob Campbell MW
A 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$36.99 in mixed 6+ or $41.99 per bottle -
Nautilus Methode Traditionelle
Bob Campbell MW
Nautilus NV is a long-time classic that keeps getting better. It is on generous side, with yeasty apple and stone fruits rounding out a style that is satisfying and mouth filling but still ... read more$39.99 in mixed 6+ or $44.99 per bottle