At FAB we carry a curated collection of organic, vegan, and sustainably crafted bubbles from Australia and beyond. Whether you are drawn to a crisp Prosecco, an elegant Champagne, a vibrant Lambrusco, or an adventurous Pet Nat, our collection offers a journey into the artistry and integrity behind truly thoughtful winemaking.
This is your guide to understanding the sparkling wine styles, the unique terroirs, and the passionate producers behind each bottle.
Styles of Organic Sparkling Wine
Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle)
The Traditional Method is the classic technique used in regions like Champagne. After the base wine is created, a second fermentation takes place inside the bottle, naturally capturing the bubbles. Wines made in this style often develop rich textures and complex flavours, including notes of brioche, roasted nuts, and creamy minerality from extended lees aging. These are elegant, layered wines made for memorable occasions.
Ancestral Method (Pet Nat)
The Ancestral Method, or "Pétillant Naturel," predates Champagne and involves bottling the wine before the first fermentation is complete. The result is a lively, sometimes slightly rustic sparkling wine that captures a raw, natural freshness. These wines are unfiltered, vibrant, and full of energy, perfect for relaxed, casual celebrations.
Charmat Method (Tank Method)
In the Charmat Method, the second fermentation occurs in a pressurized tank rather than in the bottle. This technique is best known for creating the bright, fruit-driven style of Prosecco and some types of Lambrusco. Charmat wines are approachable, clean, and celebrate the pure, youthful character of the grapes.
Terroir Talk: Why Origin Matters
Sparkling wine is deeply influenced by its place of origin. Soil composition, climate, and vineyard practices all shape the final expression of a wine.
Champagne, France
The cool climate and chalky limestone soils of Champagne are ideal for creating wines of high acidity, finesse, and precise minerality. Champagne Jean Michel, crafted by a family with winemaking roots since 1847, exemplifies the authentic character of this revered region.
Prosecco, Italy (Veneto)
In the hills of Veneto, the warmer climate and clay-limestone soils produce Prosecco that is fruitier, floral, and wonderfully aromatic. Il Brolo’s Bollicine di Seta captures this joyous style while advancing a mission of sustainability and social inclusion.
Cava, Spain (Alella)
The small coastal appellation of Alella, just outside Barcelona, features granitic sandy soils and benefits from Mediterranean breezes. Alta Alella’s Mirgin Gran Reserva reflects the region’s saline freshness and structured elegance, offering a sophisticated expression of organic Cava.
Franciacorta, Italy
Situated in the Alpine foothills of Lombardy, Franciacorta’s glacial soils and cooler climate contribute to Italy’s finest sparkling wines. Clarabella’s Franciacorta Brut displays a refined style that rivals the best of Champagne, crafted by a cooperative dedicated to social purpose as well as excellence.
Australia (Victoria and McLaren Vale)
In Australia, ancient granite-rich soils and continental climates foster bold and expressive sparkling wines. Castagna’s Allegro and Organic Hill’s Sparkling Rosé show the vibrancy and authenticity of Australian organic viticulture at its best.
Sparkling FAQs: Your Bubbly Questions, Answered
What’s the difference between Champagne and Prosecco?
In short: the method and the mood. Champagne is made using the Traditional Method, with its second fermentation in the bottle, giving it fine bubbles, toasty complexity, and serious structure. Prosecco, on the other hand, is made with the Charmat Method, fermented in tanks to keep it bright, fruity, and fresh. Think of Champagne as black tie and Prosecco as a garden party in the sun.
Is Prosecco sweet?
Not necessarily. Most Prosecco is Brut or Extra Dry, which can be confusing because Extra Dry is actually a touch sweeter than Brut. If you prefer your bubbles on the drier side, go for Brut (up to 12 g/L of sugar). For a rounder, fruitier experience, Extra Dry (12 to 17 g/L) might be your style. Sweet Prosecco like Dry or Demi-Sec is less common but great with desserts.
What is pét-nat?
Pét-nat (short for pétillant naturel) is sparkling wine in its wildest, most natural form. Made using the Ancestral Method, it’s bottled before the first fermentation is complete with no added sugars or second fermentation required. Expect cloudy fizz, lots of personality, and a more rustic, unfiltered charm. It’s the wine equivalent of a natural wine party crasher and we love it for that.
How do I know how sweet a sparkling wine is?
Look for these common labels on the bottle, which tell you the level of residual sugar (RS):
Brut Nature / Zero Dosage — bone dry (0 to 3 g/L)
Extra Brut — very dry (0 to 6 g/L)
Brut — dry (0 to 12 g/L)
Extra Dry — off-dry (12 to 17 g/L)
Dry — semi-sweet (17 to 32 g/L)
Demi-Sec — sweet (32 to 50 g/L)
Doux — dessert-level sweetness (50+ g/L)
If you’re ever in doubt, check the producer notes or just ask us.
Is Lambrusco sweet?
Not always. While Lambrusco has a reputation for sweetness, many high-quality versions like our Bugno Martino Ciamballa are completely dry or just lightly off-dry. Dry Lambrusco is rich in texture and bursting with dark berry fruit, floral notes, and earthy minerality. It’s a game-changer for sparkling red lovers.
FAB Collection Highlights
Spain: Alta Alella - Mirgin Gran Reserva 2018
Traditional Method, aged 46 months on lees
Notes of white fruits, delicate pastry, and refreshing salinity
Alta Alella is a pioneering family estate committed to organic farming and sulphite-free sparkling wines.
France: Champagne Jean Michel - Carte Blanche Brut NV
Traditional Method, with 50 percent reserve wines
Flavors of fresh apple, Mirabelle plum, lemon zest, and hay
A true Récoltant-Manipulant estate, Jean Michel crafts authentic Champagne exclusively from its own vineyards.
Italy: Il Brolo - Prosecco DOC Bollicine di Seta 2020
Charmat Method, 12 months refermentation
Aromatic notes of apple, peach, wisteria, and acacia honey
Il Brolo combines exceptional organic Prosecco production with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Australia: Castagna - Sparkling 'Allegro' Ancestrale 2018
Ancestral Method (Pet Nat style)
Flavours of strawberry, lemon zest, creamy palate with a saline edge
Julian Castagna’s biodynamic vineyard draws inspiration from Rhône Valley traditions, crafting wines of profound character.
Italy: Clarabella - Franciacorta Brut DOCG NV
Traditional Method, 18 months on lees
Marked by intense minerality, notes of hay, and candied fruit
Clarabella is a social cooperative producing premium Franciacorta while supporting neurodivergent adults.
Italy: Bugno Martino - Lambrusco Mantovano Ciamballa 2019
Extended Charmat fermentation
Notes of raspberries, blueberries, violets, and a mineral finish
This dry, structured Lambrusco redefines expectations, crafted organically and with serious attention to terroir.
Australia: Organic Hill - Sparkling Rosé 2021
Charmat Method
Earthy beetroot tones, watermelon, guava, and a dry finish
Founder Leon Hill turned personal health challenges into a mission for clean, organic winemaking that speaks to both heart and palate.
Why Choose Organic Sparkling Wines
Organic practices reduce the chemical footprint in vineyards, support biodiversity, and preserve the health of the land for future generations. Many organic producers are also vegan-friendly, using no animal products during the winemaking process. Perhaps most importantly, organic wines often offer a more authentic and pure taste of terroir, allowing the true character of the grape and vintage to shine through.
