The world's sparkling wine drinkers may be, essentially, divided into two camps: those that inadvertently call all sparkling wines Champagneand those that abhor that erroneous practice. No judgment here, but learning a few simple traits and indicators about bubblies from regions outside of Champagne is low-hanging fruit when it comes to wine appreciation.  This field guide will help you recognize some of Italy's most famous sparkling wines.

The Basics

Wines around the world are typically classified by place (where they were cultivated and made) and/or by what grapes they contain. When it comes to sparkling wines, the method by which the bubbles were crafted is also a significant factor. Questions to ask when choosing a bottle of Italian bubbles: Where was it made? This will also give you a hint at what varieties are included, as many regions have regulations on what grapes can be used to make wine labeled under the denomination name.