When choosing an Italian sparkling wine, you've undoubtedly come across these intriguing words: Spumante and Frizzante. Both promise a festive mood and a light tingle on the tongue, but what truly lies behind these terms? Let's break it down!
The key difference between Spumante and Frizzante lies in the level of carbon dioxide pressure inside the bottle, which directly affects the intensity and persistence of the perlage (bubbles).

Spumante (from Italian "spuma" – foam) refers to a fully sparkling wine with a high level of carbonation.
•  Pressure: ≥ 3 atmospheres (or bars).
•  Bubbles: Abundant, persistent, forming a beautiful "cap" of foam when poured. They dance in the glass for a long time, rising in elegant streams.
•  Mouthfeel: An intense, invigorating, refreshing tingle.
•  Examples: Prosecco Spumante, Asti Spumante, Franciacorta, Trento DOC, Lambrusco Spumante.
•  Ideal for: Celebratory occasions, aperitifs, parties, or as an accompaniment to a wide range of dishes.

Frizzante, on the other hand, comes from the Italian "frizzante" – meaning fizzy or sparkling. This is a semi-sparkling or lightly sparkling wine with a softer carbonation level.
•  Pressure: From 1 to 2.5 atmospheres (or bars). Noticeably lower than Spumante.
•  Bubbles: Less intense and persistent than Spumante. They delicately tickle the tongue and dissipate quickly. The mousse (foamy head) is almost non-existent or vanishes very fast.
•  Mouthfeel: Delicate, light, and refreshing.
•  Examples: Moscato d'Asti, Lambrusco Frizzante, some Prosecco Frizzante.
•  Perfect for: Everyday enjoyment, light lunches, picnics, as a refreshing drink on a hot day, or for those who prefer less aggressive bubbles.
Now you know that these terms are not just Italian words, but important indicators of a sparkling wine's character. Experiment and find your favorite variations!