At FAB, we curate organic sparkling wines from Australia and around the world, including Champagne, Prosecco, pét-nat, Lambrusco and Franciacorta. Our collection focuses on wines made with organic and sustainable vineyard practices, as well as producers who take a thoughtful approach to winemaking.
But what makes one sparkling wine different from another? From the Traditional Method used for Champagne to the Ancestral Method behind pét-nat, the way a sparkling wine is made has a huge influence on its flavour, texture and character.
This guide explores the main organic sparkling wine styles, the regions and terroirs behind them, and how to choose the right bottle for your taste.
What is organic sparkling wine?
Organic sparkling wine is made from grapes grown using organic farming practices, which avoid synthetic herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers. Depending on the producer and certification, organic winemaking may also involve restrictions on additives and cellar practices.
Organic sparkling wines can be made using many different methods, including the Traditional Method, Charmat Method and Ancestral Method. This means organic sparkling wine isn't a single style: you can find everything from elegant, complex Champagne to fresh pét-nat and vibrant Lambrusco.
Many organic sparkling wines are also vegan, although this isn't automatic. If vegan wine is important to you, always check the producer's winemaking practices.
Types of organic sparkling wine
Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle)
The Traditional Method, also known as Méthode Traditionnelle, is the classic technique used for Champagne and many premium sparkling wines.
After the base wine is made, a second fermentation takes place inside the bottle. The wine then spends time ageing on its lees, developing greater texture and complexity.
Traditional Method sparkling wines can show flavours of brioche, pastry, roasted nuts, citrus and creamy minerality, alongside fine, persistent bubbles.
This method is used for styles including Champagne, Franciacorta and Cava, as well as some Australian sparkling wines.
Ancestral Method (Pét-Nat)
The Ancestral Method is one of the oldest ways of making sparkling wine. Instead of adding a second fermentation, the wine is bottled while the first fermentation is still underway.
Often called pét-nat, short for pétillant naturel, these wines can be cloudy, fresh, textural and highly expressive. They are often less polished and more spontaneous in style than traditional sparkling wines.
If you enjoy natural wine, pét-nat is a particularly interesting style to explore.
Charmat Method (Tank Method)
With the Charmat Method, the second fermentation takes place in a pressurised tank rather than in the bottle.
The technique is widely associated with Prosecco, and is also used for some Lambrusco and other sparkling wines. Because the wine spends less time ageing in bottle, the method helps preserve fresh fruit and floral aromas.
Charmat sparkling wines are generally bright, aromatic and refreshing, making them particularly suited to casual drinking and aperitivo.
Why does terroir matter in sparkling wine?
Just like still wine, sparkling wine reflects where its grapes are grown. Climate, soil, altitude and vineyard practices all influence acidity, fruit character, texture and freshness.
Here are some of the regions and producers to know when exploring organic sparkling wine.
Champagne, France
Champagne's cool climate and chalk and limestone soils help produce grapes with high natural acidity and remarkable finesse.
Champagne Jean Michel, a family-run Récoltant-Manipulant estate with winemaking roots dating back to 1847, produces Champagne from its own vineyards.
Prosecco, Italy
Prosecco is closely associated with the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of northern Italy. The Glera grape produces wines known for their floral aromas, fresh orchard fruit and lively character.
Il Brolo produces organic Prosecco while combining sustainable winemaking with a strong commitment to social inclusion.
Cava, Spain
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine traditionally produced using the Traditional Method. Catalonia is its historic heartland, although Cava is produced across several designated areas in Spain.
Alta Alella, located near Barcelona in the Alella wine region, is a family estate focused on organic and biodynamic viticulture. Its Mirgin Gran Reserva shows the combination of freshness, structure and savoury character that makes traditionally made sparkling wine so compelling.
Franciacorta, Italy
Located in Lombardy in northern Italy, Franciacorta is one of Italy's most prestigious Traditional Method sparkling wines.
The region's relatively cool climate and mineral-rich soils help produce wines with freshness, structure and ageing potential.
Clarabella produces organic Franciacorta while also operating as a social cooperative, combining wine production with a broader social mission.
Australian sparkling wine
Australia has a growing number of organic and biodynamic producers making distinctive sparkling wines.
Cooler regions and sites with good natural acidity are particularly well suited to sparkling wine, while producers such as Castagna and Organic Hill demonstrate the diversity of Australian organic viticulture.
Champagne vs Prosecco: What's the difference?
The biggest differences between Champagne and Prosecco are the grapes, region and production method.
Champagne is produced in the Champagne region of France and made using the Traditional Method, where the second fermentation occurs inside the bottle. This can give Champagne fine bubbles, greater texture and flavours of pastry, brioche and nuts.
Prosecco is primarily made from Glera grapes in northeastern Italy and is generally produced using the Charmat Method. This preserves the wine's fresh, fruity and floral character.
In simple terms: Champagne tends to be more complex and structured, while Prosecco is typically lighter, fruitier and more aromatic.
Is Prosecco sweet?
Not necessarily.
Prosecco can range from very dry to sweet. The terminology can also be confusing because Extra Dry is actually sweeter than Brut.
- Brut Nature: up to 3 g/L residual sugar
- Extra Brut: up to 6 g/L
- Brut: up to 12 g/L
- Extra Dry: 12–17 g/L
- Dry: 17–32 g/L
- Demi-Sec: 32–50 g/L
- Doux: more than 50 g/L
If you prefer a dry sparkling wine, Brut is generally a good place to start.
What is pét-nat?
Pét-nat is short for pétillant naturel, meaning naturally sparkling.
It is generally made using the Ancestral Method, where wine is bottled before fermentation is complete. The remaining fermentation creates the natural carbonation.
Pét-nat can be cloudy, juicy, textural and slightly rustic, with plenty of personality. It is a particularly popular style among natural wine drinkers looking for something less conventional.
Is Lambrusco sweet?
Lambrusco isn't necessarily sweet.
Although inexpensive sweet Lambrusco has historically shaped the wine's reputation, high-quality Lambrusco can be completely dry. Dry examples can have vibrant acidity, dark berry flavours, floral aromas and earthy or mineral notes.
Bugno Martino Ciamballa is a great example of a dry, organically made Lambrusco that shows just how serious and food-friendly sparkling red wine can be.
How do I know how sweet a sparkling wine is?
The label can tell you how much residual sugar a sparkling wine contains.
As a general guide:
- Brut Nature / Zero Dosage: 0–3 g/L
- Extra Brut: 0–6 g/L
- Brut: 0–12 g/L
- Extra Dry: 12–17 g/L
- Dry: 17–32 g/L
- Demi-Sec: 32–50 g/L
- Doux: 50+ g/L
Remember that these terms can vary slightly depending on the appellation and local regulations.
If you're ever unsure, check the producer's notes or ask our team for a recommendation.
FAB Organic Sparkling Wine Collection
We've selected sparkling wines from Australia, France, Italy and Spain that showcase the diversity of organic and sustainably made bubbles.
Spain: Alta Alella – Mirgin Gran Reserva
Alta Alella Mirgin Gran Reserva
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 sustainable winemaking.
France: Champagne Jean Michel – Carte Blanche Brut NV
Champagne Jean Michel Carte Blanche Brut NV
Traditional Method | 50% reserve wines
Flavours 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
Il Brolo Prosecco DOC Bollicine di Seta
Prosecco | Charmat Method
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
Castagna Sparkling 'Allegro' Ancestrale
Ancestral Method | Pét-nat style
Flavours of strawberry and lemon zest, with a creamy palate and saline edge.
Julian Castagna's biodynamic vineyard draws inspiration from Rhône Valley traditions, crafting wines of profound character.
Italy: Clarabella – Franciacorta Brut DOCG NV
Clarabella Franciacorta Brut DOCG NV
Traditional Method | 18 months on lees
Marked by intense minerality, with notes of hay and candied fruit.
Clarabella is a social cooperative producing premium organic Franciacorta while supporting neurodivergent adults.
Italy: Bugno Martino – Lambrusco Mantovano Ciamballa
Bugno Martino Lambrusco Mantovano Ciamballa
Charmat Method | Extended fermentation
Notes of raspberries, blueberries and violets, with a mineral finish.
This dry, structured Lambrusco redefines expectations of sparkling red wine, crafted organically with serious attention to terroir.
Australia: Organic Hill – Sparkling Rosé
Charmat Method
Earthy beetroot tones, watermelon and guava lead to a dry finish.
Organic Hill was founded with a mission to champion clean, organic winemaking and showcase the character of Australian vineyards.
Why choose organic sparkling wine?
Choosing organic sparkling wine is one way to support producers who prioritise healthier soils, biodiversity and reduced reliance on synthetic agricultural chemicals.
Organic certification focuses primarily on how grapes are grown, while individual producers may take additional steps in the winery, such as using lower-intervention techniques or avoiding animal-derived fining agents.
For wine lovers, the appeal is also about discovering producers who put place, farming and transparency at the centre of their wines.
Shop organic sparkling wine at FAB
Whether you're looking for an elegant Champagne, a fresh organic Prosecco, a wild pét-nat, a dry Lambrusco or an Australian sparkling wine with a strong sense of place, our collection brings together thoughtful producers from around the world.
Explore FAB's organic sparkling wine collection and find your next bottle of bubbles.
