Our guide demystifies the world of bubbly so you can raise a glass on graduation day
Something feels right about toasting a special occasion with a glass of sparkling wine. Whether it’s a wedding toast, New Year’s Eve, or graduation day, a glass of bubbly brings energy and elegance to the occasion. The good news? You don’t have to wait for a major holiday to enjoy it. Champagne and sparkling wine are more popular than ever – and more accessible than you might think.
At Bullfrog Wine & Spirits, we carry one of the best selections of Champagne in Fort Collins and a wide range of sparkling wines from around the world. In this guide, we’ll walk you through different types of sparkling wine, how to choose the right one for your event, and why sparkling wine is a must-have for any season’s special moments.
Sparkling wine is trending for life’s big moments
Graduation season is a peak time for bubbly. Retailers and beverage distributors see a spike in sales each May and June, with sparkling wine always a go-to gift and party essential.
Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a large gathering, toasting the occasion with sparkling wine makes the moment feel extra special, no matter the setting. (And here’s a fun AI Toast Generator for inspiration.)
What is sparkling wine?
Sparkling wine creates natural carbonation, made by allowing carbon dioxide to build up during fermentation. This is what gives it its signature bubbles. The style, taste and production method can vary depending on where it’s made.
Here are the most common types:
Champagne (France)
- Only produced in the Champagne region of France; any sparkling wine produced elsewhere cannot legally be called Champagne
- Made using the traditional method (méthode champenoise)
- Aged on the lees (dead yeast) for added texture and flavor
- Taste: dry, toasty, citrus, apple, brioche
Grower Champagne
- Produced by the same estate that grows the grapes, meaning the winemaker has full control from vineyard to bottle
- Producers are known as Récoltant-Manipulants, and you’ll often find an “RM” on the label
- Reflects the specific terroir of a single vineyard or region, unlike large Champagne houses that source grapes from many vineyards
- Tends to be more expressive, distinctive, and seasonal, often made in smaller batches
- Wine lovers seek it out for its authenticity and the personal touch of family-owned production
Big-house Champagne (Grandes Marques)
- Produced by large Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Piper-Heidsieck
- Grapes are sourced from multiple vineyards, often across the entire Champagne region, to ensure consistency year to year
- Non-vintage blends dominate, crafted to maintain a house style regardless of vintage variations
- Heavily marketed and widely distributed, making them the most recognized Champagne brands globally
- Often aged longer on the lees than required, contributing to rich texture and complex flavor
- Reliable quality and approachable style, ideal for celebrations and gifting
Crémant (France, outside Champagne)
- Made in the same method as Champagne but from other French regions
- Great value with high-quality bubbles
- Taste: ranges from fruity to creamy depending on the region and grape
Prosecco (Italy)
- From the northeast region of Italy
- Made using the tank method (Charmat method)
- Lighter and fruitier than Champagne
- Taste: pear, green apple, honeysuckle, fresh and crisp
Cava (Spain)
- Spain’s answer to Champagne, mostly from Catalonia
- Uses the traditional method
- Often more affordable with a dry, clean finish
- Taste: lemon zest, almond, herbs, subtle minerality
Sparkling Rosé
- Can be made in any sparkling wine region
- Adds red fruit character from red grape skins
- Taste: strawberry, raspberry, floral, bright acidity
Pét-Nat (Pétillant Naturel)
- Made using the ancestral method – bottled during initial fermentation
- Natural wine made with minimal intervention and zero dosage, meaning no added sugar
- Less predictable, more rustic, slightly cloudy
- Taste: wild, fresh, funky, unfiltered, with gentle fizz
Key label terms to understand
Shopping for sparkling wine can be overwhelming. These terms will help you understand what you’re buying:
- Brut nature / zéro dosage – Bone dry, no sugar added
- Extra brut – Very dry
- Brut – Dry but with a hint of roundness; most common style
- Extra dry – Slightly sweeter than brut
- Sec / demi-sec / doux – Increasing levels of sweetness
Other useful sparkling wine terms:
- Méthode traditionnelle / méthode champenoise – Made using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle
- Charmat method – Fermentation takes place in a pressurized tank (used in Prosecco)
- Lees – Dead yeast cells left in the wine during aging; gives nutty, creamy flavors
- Vintage – Made from grapes of a single year; often more refined and age-worthy
- Non-vintage (NV) – A blend from multiple years; consistent flavor profile
Pair these foods with sparkling wine
Sparkling wine isn’t just for toasts – it’s incredibly food-friendly. Its acidity and bubbles make it a great match for a wide range of dishes.
- Champagne: oysters, sushi, fried chicken, aged cheese
- Prosecco: antipasto, melon and prosciutto, light salads
- Cava: tapas, grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables
- Rosé sparkling: smoked salmon, goat cheese, berry desserts
- Pét-nat: charcuterie, spicy Thai food, brunch favorites
Top global sparkling wine producers
Here are some highly regarded names across different sparkling wine categories. Bullfrog Wine & Spirits carries a rotating collection; a friendly associate will be happy to help you pick one out.
Champagne
- Moët & Chandon – iconic and elegant
- Veuve Clicquot – rich and toasty
- Ruinart – known for finesse and balance
- Bollinger – full-bodied and complex
- Pierre Gimonnet – grower Champagne with strong terroir expression
Prosecco
- La Marca – approachable and popular
- Riondo – fruity, floral, and budget-friendly
- Adami – higher-end with nuanced flavors
Cava
- Segura Viudas – great quality at a great price
- Freixenet – classic and widely available
- Raventos i Blanc – organic, estate-grown, and elegant
Where to buy Champagne and sparkling wine in Fort Collins
Looking for the best selection of Champagne in Fort Collins or want to pick out a sparkling wine for your next celebration? Bullfrog Wine & Spirits is your go-to destination.
Why choose Bullfrog Wine & Spirits?
✅ Wide selection – From grower Champagne to budget-friendly Prosecco
✅ Helpful staff – We’ll help you find the perfect bottle for any event
✅ Local focus – We stock Colorado-made sparkling wines
✅ Convenient location – Easy access and great service
Whether you’re preparing for a graduation, wedding toast or casual get-together, we have something bubbly to match the moment.
Shop Bullfrog Wine & Spirits for a great selection of Champagne in Fort Collins
No matter the occasion, a glass of sparkling wine makes it better. Whether you’re drawn to crisp Prosecco, classic Champagne, or funky pét-nat, you’ll find it at Bullfrog Wine & Spirits. We carry a top selection of Champagne and sparkling wine in Fort Collins, including local and international options for every taste and budget.
Stop by today to find your next favorite bottle. Or subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to know what we’ve got bubbling. From everyday sparkle to once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, Bullfrog has the sparkling wine you’re looking for.