Which category of wine is characterized by bubbles?

The category of wine characterized by bubbles is sparkling wine. Sparkling wines are unique because they contain dissolved carbon dioxide, which creates the characteristic effervescence or bubbles. This carbonation can occur naturally during fermentation, as seen with traditional methods like Méthode Champenoise, or can be added artificially.

Sparkling wines can range from dry to sweet and include well-known varieties such as Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava. This category of wine is commonly associated with celebratory occasions and is often enjoyed for its refreshing quality and unique mouthfeel provided by the bubbles.

Other categories like red, white, and dessert wines are defined by different characteristics such as their grape variety, production methods, and sweetness levels. Red wines are typically non-sparkling, made primarily from dark-skinned grapes, and showcase different flavor profiles depending on their varietal. White wines, made from green or yellow-skinned grapes, also do not inherently have bubbles, although some can be sparkling. Dessert wines are sweet, often made from late-harvest grapes or noble rot-affected grapes, and they generally do not have bubbles unless specified otherwise. Therefore, sparkling wines stand out specifically due to their effervescence, making them the distinct choice.