Hello, sunshine! Warmer days are here in Portland, Connecticut, and that means it’s prime time for sparkling wine. Picture this: a well-deserved weekend, a few good friends, and a chilled glass of bubbly — pure joy!
But sparkling wine isn’t just for sunny days and special toasts; its bright flavors and refreshing sparkle make it perfect for any time of the year. Here at Arrigoni Winery, we’re not just fans; we make the stuff! So we’re here to share why we love it so much and why you will too.
A Sparkling Wine Breakdown: How It’s Made and the Different Types
Sparkling wine is a wine with significant levels of carbon dioxide which makes it fizzy. They are usually white or rosé with sweetness ranging from very dry (brut ) styles to sweeter (doux) varieties.
How It's Made
The most notable quality of sparkling wines is the need for two fermentations. The first fermentation is to make the wine and the second is to make the bubbles. There are several methods for production but the most popular ones are the traditional and tank methods.
Traditional Method
The traditional method is widely appreciated, and it is the method for making Champagne. With this method, the transformation from still to sparkling wine happens inside the bottle.
1. It begins when the grapes are picked at a slightly younger age to
preserve acidity; high sugar levels are not ideal for sparkling wines. It is
then fermented into dry wine, the first fermentation is complete, and we
now have a base wine.
2. It’s time for tirage. Tirage is when some sugar and yeast, called liqueur
de tirage, is added to the base wine in the bottle to start the second
fermentation.
3. The second fermentation happens inside the bottle, and this process
adds more alcohol (about 1.3%) and creates CO2 which gets trapped
inside the bottle, making it fizzy.
4. Aging is the next step in order to develop flavors and textures, and the
time duration for aging varies. For example, non-vintage Champagnes
must be aged for at least 15 months, with vintage Champagnes requiring a
minimum of 3 years.
Arrigoni’s rosé and white sparkling wines are meant to be enjoyed young
and fresh, so we age them for at least 6 months.
5. We are getting to the end with the process of riddling that clears the
bottle of dead yeast and disgorging to remove sediments from the bottle.
6. Finally, in the dosage stage, a mixture of wine and sugar is added to fill
the bottles before they are corked.
Tank Method
The tank method differs from the traditional one with the use of a special pressurized tank (also known as the Charmat method). The base wines are added together with the sugar and yeast mixture (tirage) into a large tank. During the second fermentation, the CO2 released causes the tank to pressurize.
Next, the wine goes through filtering to remove sediments, and the dosage stage adds the mixture of wine and sugar. Finally, it is bottled without aging.
Sparkling wines produced with the tank method are known for a fresher, fruitier, and yeasty character with larger bubbles. Prosecco is a well-known sparkling wine produced using this method.
Arrigoni Winery’s Sparkling Wine-Making Process: Homegrown and Made in Our Connecticut Winery
Our Connecticut vineyard sits on 200 acres of beautiful farmland, tucked between Route 66 and the Connecticut River. We grow our own Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc grapes to craft our rosé and white sparkling wines using the tank method—bringing out those fresh, fruity flavors this style is loved for.
Types of Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is made all around the world and its organization into types can vary. But the following types are the classics that show up on just about every list.
Champagne
Region: Champagne, France
Crémant
Region: All over France excluding Champagne region
Prosecco
Region: Northeastern Italy
Cava
Region: Penedés, Spain
American (New World) Sparkling Wine
Region: All over U.S. from our home Connecticut to California
English Sparkling Wine
Region: All over England – Kent, Sussex and beyond
Rosé
A small amount of red wine is blended into white sparkling wine before the second fermentation.
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content can influence a wine’s sensory profile. Wines with lower alcohol content, below 12% ABV, can feel lighter on the palate. Higher percentage wines, above 14% ABV, can have full-bodied flavors and heavier mouthfeel.
Sparkling wines can have ABVs of 5.5% – 12%, offering a refreshing and lighter choice. Our Sparklin’ Rozy has 10.8% ABV while Sparkle! is 11.1% ABV.
Sparkling Wine, Champagne, or Prosecco? Let’s Clear Things Up
Talking about sparkling wine can get a little confusing—terms often mix regions, grape varieties, and local names. Let’s break down some of the most common ones to help make things clearer.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is a category of wine used to describe any wine with significant levels of carbon dioxide in it. It’s usually either white or rosé. Sparkling wines are produced all around the world and are often referred to by their local name or region.
Champagne
Champagne is the most well-known sparkling wine and comes from the Champagne wine region in France. It’s produced using the traditional method.
Champagne accounts for ~8% of worldwide sparkling wine consumption by volume. The Champagne winemaking community developed a comprehensive set of rules and regulations for all wine produced in the region to protect its name and economic interests.
Prosecco
Prosecco is named after the village of Prosecco, in the province of Trieste, Italy. It is made from the Prosecco grape, Glera, but 15% of the wine can be from other grape varieties. It is made using the tank method, making it less expensive to produce.
Prosecco shouldn’t be confused with the term “spumante,” which refers to a whole category of sparkling wines. Spumante, directly translated from Italian, is sparkling, bubbly wine.
Is Sparkling Wine for You? Find Out with This Quiz
1. What’s your go-to drink at a celebration?
A) Champagne, always
B) Something sweet like Moscato
C) Beer or a cocktail
D) I’m more of a water-with-lemon person
2. Do you enjoy light, fruity flavors?
A) Yes, give me peach and citrus!
B) Sometimes, depends on my mood
C) I prefer bold and heavy
D) Not really
3. How important are bubbles to you?
A) Love ’em—bring on the fizz
B) Fun for special occasions
C) Meh, I could do without
D) Not my thing
4. Your ideal wine pairing?
A) Brunch foods or appetizers
B) Dessert
C) Steak dinner
D) I don’t usually pair
5. How adventurous are you with new wines?
A) I’ll try anything bubbly
B) Open to it
C) Pretty picky
D) Not interested
Quiz Result
Mostly A’s
You’re born for bubbles! Arrigoni sparkling wines are totally your vibe.
Mostly B’s
You’re bubble-curious, explore some sweeter or rosé sparkling wines.
Mostly C’s
You might enjoy sparkling in small doses but it seems like our craft beers or red wines are more your type.
Mostly D’s
Sparkling wine might not be your thing… but never say never!
Locally Made, Perfectly Sparkling: Taste Our Connecticut Rosé and White Sparkling Wines
At Arrigoni Winery, we take pride in crafting sparkling wines that capture the essence of Connecticut’s rich terroir. Our Sparklin’ Rozy and Sparkle! sparkling wines are results of our dedication to quality, flavor, and local production.
Our CT Vineyard and Winery: How It All Started
Family-owned and operated, the inspiration for Arrigoni Winery was introduced by boxing champion John “Jack LaSalle” Gherlone — grandfather to the current winery owner. A second-generation Italian immigrant, Gherlone passed on his love of oenology— the science and study of winemaking — to his grandson, and now his great-granddaughter.
Arrigoni Winery is named after the landmark Arrigoni Bridge that spans the CT River between Middletown and Portland. Our vineyard is on 200 acres of farmland nestled between Route 66 and the Connecticut River.rper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Where Our Rosé and White Sparkling Wines Began
We released Arrigoni sparkling wines in 2018 with the goal of bringing sparkling wines to the Connecticut wine scene. After chatting with guests, it was clear they were eager and ready for a local sparkling option. We love finding new ways to surprise and delight, and this was the perfect way to do it.
Sparklin' Rozy: Our Sparkling Rosé from Pinot Noir Grapes
This semi-sweet Pinot Noir sparkling rosé offers a sassy and refreshing experience. Its bright flavors make it an ideal companion for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon.
Sparkle!: Our Sparkling White from Sauvignon Blanc Grapes
Our off-dry Sauvignon Blanc sparkling white wine is designed to celebrate life’s everyday moments. With its delightful bubbles and crisp taste, Sparkle! adds a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Our Sparkling Wines are Fun to Mix: Our Favorite Cocktails for Summer and Beyond
Mimosa
Sparkling wine + orange juice. Brunch perfection.
Bellini
Sparkling wine + peach purée. Light, fruity, and fun.
Sparkling Sangria
Sparkling wine + peach purée. Light, fruity, and fun. Check out our world famous sangria for a non-bubbly option.
French 75
Sparkling wine + gin + lemon juice + simple syrup. Bubbly with a kick.
Food Pairings We Can’t Get Enough Of
One of the best things about sparkling wine is that it’s super food-friendly. The bubbles and bright acidity make it a natural match for a wide range of dishes from our food menu.
Our Arrigoni crew isn’t just family—they’re wine and food pros. So when it comes to pairing suggestions, you’re in great hands. Let’s take a look at what they recommend!
Team Recommended Sparkling Wine + Food Combos
Salty snacks
Potato chips, popcorn, and pretzels. Because salt + bubbles are magic!
Charcuterie Board Cheeses
Selection of assorted cheese, crackers, cured meat, olives, nuts, dried fruit and chocolate kisses.
Nutella Dessert Flatbread
In the mood for sweet instead of savory? This flatbread is toasted and topped with Nutella spread and powdered sugar, finished with a raspberry sauce.
Looking for Things To Do In Connecticut or Celebrating Special Occasions?
Any moment, big or small, deserves bubbles. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, toasting a promotion, or just gathering with friends on a sunny weekend, our sparkling wines add just the right touch of joy and elegance.
Our scenic vineyard with shaded patios, seating, and heated spaces makes a great backdrop for unforgettable memories and gorgeous photos. You don’t have to worry about reservations; just walk on in. But if you want to book a private space, we have tables, cabanas, or tented spaces to make it extra special.
What Our Guests Have to Say
“ Best winery in all of Connecticut, if not the world! This place is just awesome vibes & super fun – every human seems so happy here, like everyone is friends! The music is always so good, they have healthy events like yoga & live bands, plus we love their new cabanas & fire pits 💪🏼 this is our favorite place in town to relax & enjoy! “
Joseph P.
“ Great place to catch up with friends… Love all the new seating choices. Rent a cabana for a special event or just get together… We loved having the shade, comfy seating, and a waitress! The slushies, live music, and sunshine were perfection…. Sunday Funday!! “
Kimberly B.
Apple Cider and Sparkling Wine: A Great Friendship
Sparkling wine might not be everyone’s go-to, and that’s okay! When you’re in a group, tastes can vary, and we’ve got something for everyone. Our locally grown and crafted cider is the perfect companion to our sparkling wines. It’s crisp, refreshing, and just as celebratory.