What is Champagne? Champagne versus Sparkling Wine Technically speaking, champagne is sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France according to the traditional champagne method. The term champagne in California is often used generically to describe all sparkling wines and does not relate to any specific region of origin, as it does in France. Most producers in California call their bubbly sparkling wine even when it is made in the traditional method out of respect as well as to avoid confusion. Spumante is the Italian term for sparkling wine. Sekt is the German term for sparkling wine. Cava is the Spanish term for sparkling wine.