ProWein 2025 in Düsseldorf did not disappoint! As the largest and most influential wine trade fair in the world, it provided an unparalleled opportunity to taste exceptional wines, reconnect with producers, and discover new gems from around the globe. This year, we had the pleasure of immersing ourselves in an effervescent journey through diverse sparkling wine regions—and we couldn’t wait to share some of our highlights.
Showcasing Canadian Excellence: A Toast to the Great White North
Our first stop was, of course, the Wines of Canada booth in Hall 12, where we had the chance to showcase the incredible diversity of Canada’s wine regions. Canadian sparkling wines continue to impress with their elegance, finesse, and expression of terroir. From traditional method Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blends to more innovative Icewine-dosage styles, Ontario’s Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin and Lakeview Wine Co. (which recently released their first traditional method sparkling wine), flew the flag for Niagara and Ontario.
Champagne Aspasie: A Hidden Gem in the Vallée de la Marne
One of the standout highlights was revisiting Champagne Aspasie, a family-owned house in the Vallée de la Marne that consistently delivers remarkable wines. Their commitment to preserving old-vine plots and using Pinot Meunier to craft expressive, terroir-driven champagnes was on full display. The Brut Réserve offered vibrant fruit and toasted brioche notes, while the vintage cuvées demonstrated impressive complexity and aging potential.
Aspasie’s wines reminded us why smaller, family-run Champagne houses are often the true custodians of tradition and innovation. And on that note, we really appreciated their C’epages d’Antan, a blend of the rare Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris varieties also grown (though sparingly) in the region. Acidity, richness, and freshness expressed so beautifully in the glass of this wine, it is made with a forward look to the future where climate change (which will see bud burst arrive earlier, among other things) make these varieties more important than ever.
Exton Park Vineyards: Defining English Elegance
Our exploration of England’s burgeoning sparkling wine scene led us to Exton Park Vineyards in Hampshire, where their single-vineyard approach and meticulous attention to detail were evident in every glass. Their signature Blanc de Blancs showcased a bright citrus core with underlying minerality, while the Rosé presented a delicate balance of red fruit and floral notes. Exton Park’s commitment to showcasing the potential of English terroir continues to raise the bar for sparkling wine in the UK, and we can’t wait to see where they go next, though we are sure it will be innovative.
A quick shoutout to the Meunier grape, the less celebrated of the classic champagne trio, which does quite a bit of heavy lifting at Exton Park. We are seriously impressed with English Meunier!
MCC from South Africa: Tradition Meets Innovation
South Africa’s Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) producers continue to push boundaries, and the range we sampled at ProWein 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. While traditional blends of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir stood out for their complexity and balance, it was the innovative offerings that stole the show. Krone’s Amphora Blanc de Blancs 2022 was a revelation—fermented and aged in clay amphorae, this wine had a remarkable texture and minerality that set it apart from conventional MCCs. The diversity of styles and the willingness of South African producers to experiment while maintaining a high standard of quality makes MCC an exciting category to watch. We even tasted a Chenin based MCC, though we must say we prefer its wines still!
Falling in Love with Franciacorta All Over Again
Italy’s Franciacorta DOCG continues to seduce us with its elegance and complexity. We found ourselves falling in love all over again with the region’s traditionally crafted sparkling wines, produced using the metodo classico. The finesse of the Satèn style, with its softer bubbles and creamy texture, was a standout, while the vintage Riserva cuvées demonstrated impressive depth and longevity. The dedication of Franciacorta producers to preserving tradition while refining their techniques ensures that the region remains one of Italy’s crown jewels for sparkling wine enthusiasts. A classic among those we tasted was the Centinari Brut, a Blanc de Blancs that did not rely on just acid to shine and invited us with each creamy, toasty and welcoming sip.
Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart: Precision and Purity
Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart continues to dazzle with its refined and precise expressions of Champagne. Led by pioneering third generation female winemaker Laurence Ployez, and known for her aging sur point and meticulous blending, the wines reveal a remarkable purity of fruit and structure. The Extra Quality Brut offered a seamless interplay of citrus, stone fruit, and brioche (aka the perfect aperatif), while the Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Vintage 2018, showcased a depth and richness that lingered on the palate, with notes of apple cranberry tart and the faintest hints of honey. Laurence’s approach to terroir-focused champagnes reaffirmed their reputation as one of Champagne’s most elegant and understated producers. And what a treat it was to taste the complex yet still fresh and powerful 2005 Liesse d’Harbonville, a wine that reminds us that 20 years in the champagne can still be young!
Krack Sekthaus: Germany’s Rising Star
Germany’s sparkling wine scene is rapidly gaining momentum, and Krack Sekthaus exemplifies the innovation and dedication driving this renaissance. Located in the Pfalz region, Krack’s focus on traditional method sparkling wines—crafted from Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay—delivered wines of incredible precision and complexity. The Blanc de Noirs, with its vibrant acidity and textured finish, was a standout, while their zero-dosage Sekt showcased purity and a beautiful expression of terroir. Krack is undoubtedly a producer to watch as Germany continues to redefine its place in the global sparkling wine landscape.
A Sparkling Future Ahead
ProWein 2025 was a dazzling reminder of the diversity and excellence found in sparkling wines worldwide. From the time-honoured traditions of Champagne and Franciacorta to the exciting innovations coming out of South Africa, the UK, and Germany, the future of sparkling wine has never been brighter. As for Canada, the world is increasingly taking notice of our homegrown brilliance—and we can’t wait to see where that journey leads. Until next time, we’ll be raising a glass (or two) to the global community of winemakers who continue to redefine what’s possible with bubbles.
Cheers!