Bairrada. Távora-Varosa. Bubbles.
When people think of sparkling wine, they usually think of Champagne, Cava or Prosecco.
Portugal rarely comes to mind.
That is a shame, because Portuguese sparkling wine, known as espumante, can be excellent, characterful and remarkably good value.
It is one of the best-kept secrets in European wine.
What Is Espumante?
Espumante is the Portuguese word for sparkling wine.
It can be white, rosé or even red, and it ranges from bone dry to sweet.
Many of the best Portuguese sparkling wines are made using the traditional method, the same method used in Champagne, with a second fermentation in the bottle.
The Traditional Method
A still base wine is made first.
Yeast and a little sugar are added, and the wine is sealed in bottle for its second fermentation.
The carbon dioxide created has nowhere to escape, so it dissolves into the wine as bubbles.
The wine then rests on its lees, picking up notes of toast, brioche and nuts, before the sediment is removed.
The longer it rests, the finer and more complex the bubbles and flavours can become.
Bairrada: The Home of Portuguese Bubbles
Bairrada lies in central Portugal, between Aveiro and Coimbra, close to the Atlantic.
Its cool, damp climate and clay-limestone soils help grapes keep fresh acidity, which is exactly what good sparkling wine needs.
Bairrada has a long sparkling wine tradition, and many producers there make elegant traditional method espumante.
Távora-Varosa: Mountain Sparkling Wine
Távora-Varosa is a small, high-altitude region in northern Portugal, near Lamego and close to the Douro.
Its cool mountain climate gives crisp, lively wines.
The region is strongly associated with sparkling wine, and its producers have a long history of making traditional method espumante.
Portuguese Grapes, Portuguese Character
One of the joys of espumante is the grapes.
Baga, Bairrada's famous red grape, makes vibrant rosé and Blanc de Noirs sparkling wines with firm acidity and red fruit.
Bical and Arinto bring freshness, citrus and minerality.
Maria Gomes, also known as Fernão Pires, adds aromatic, floral notes.
International grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also used, often blended with native varieties.
The result is sparkling wine that tastes distinctly Portuguese.
From Brut Nature to Doce
Like Champagne, espumante is labelled by sweetness.
Bruto Natural or Brut Nature is the driest, with little or no added sugar.
Extra Bruto and Bruto, or Extra Brut and Brut, are dry and versatile.
Meio Seco, or Demi-Sec, is noticeably sweeter, great with dessert.
Reserva, Super Reserva and similar terms on Portuguese labels often indicate longer ageing, so check the bottle's description for details.
Espumante and Food
In Bairrada, espumante has a famous partner: leitão, or roast suckling pig.
The crisp skin and rich meat are beautifully balanced by the wine's fresh acidity and bubbles.
Espumante also loves seafood, from oysters and prawns to fried fish and petiscos.
Rosé styles work with salmon and charcuterie, and Demi-Sec with fruit desserts and pastries.
How to Serve Espumante
Serve well chilled, around 6 to 8°C for lighter styles and 8 to 10°C for older, more complex wines.
Open the bottle gently, holding the cork firmly and turning the bottle.
A tulip-shaped glass or white wine glass lets the aromas shine.
Why Choose Portuguese Sparkling Wine?
Portuguese espumante offers quality, character and excellent value.
Traditional method wines with years of ageing can cost far less than equivalent wines from more famous regions.
And sharing a Portuguese sparkling wine is a lovely way to surprise guests at a celebration.
Choosing Your Espumante
For an all-round celebration wine, choose a Brut.
For elegance, try a Blanc de Blancs.
For something bold and Portuguese, try a Baga rosé or Blanc de Noirs.
For dessert, choose a Demi-Sec.
Celebrate the Portuguese Way
Espumante proves that great bubbles do not have to come from one famous region.
Open a bottle, serve it cold and raise a glass to Portugal's sparkling secret.
Explore Portuguese Sparkling Wine at EU Cellar
From Bairrada and Távora-Varosa Brut to Baga rosé and Blanc de Noirs, discover our celebration bubbles and dry sparkling white wines.
Find the bottle that makes your next celebration a little more Portuguese.
Shop the Bottles
- Murganheira Reserva Brut Sparkling White Wine Távora-Varosa 2023 750ml
- Raposeira Velha Reserva Brut Sparkling White Wine Távora-Varosa 2016 750ml
- Quinta das Bágeiras Brut Sparkling White Wine Bairrada 2024 750ml
- Marquês de Marialva Baga Blanc de Noirs Brut Sparkling White Wine Bairrada 2022 750ml
- Luís Pato Baga Brut Sparkling Rosé Wine Bairrada 2025 750ml
- Colinas Lady Sara Grande Cuvée Blanc de Blancs Brut Sparkling White Wine Bairrada 2015 750ml
Shop celebration bubbles | Champagne and celebrations
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