Sep 16, 2024

Prosecco vs Champagne vs Sparkling Wine: What's the Difference?

When it comes to celebrations, nothing quite says "cheers" like a glass of sparkling wine. Whether it's Champagne, Prosecco, or any other sparkling wine, these bubbly drinks are basically bottled joy and party vibes. But here’s the thing—while we often use the terms Champagne, Prosecco, and sparkling wine interchangeably, they are actually distinct products with unique characteristics, histories, and production methods.

Our premium drink hampers include a wide variety of wine & champagne hampers, perfect for every occasion. Unsure which drink hamper to choose from? Let’s explore the differences between Champagne, Prosecco and other sparkling wines. Get ready to discover why each one deserves its own moment in the spotlight! 🥂

What is Sparkling Wine?

Sparkling wine is any wine with bubbles, making it the life of the party. Those fun, fizzy bubbles come from natural fermentation, which can be done in a few different ways. Sparkling wine can be made anywhere in the world, and from almost any grape. So, is sparkling wine Champagne? Well, while Champagne and Prosecco are types of sparkling wine, not all sparkling wine is Champagne or Prosecco. The flavour can vary widely, from toasty and nutty in traditional method wines like Champagne to fresh and fruity in tank method wines like Prosecco.

Notable Types of Sparkling Wines From Around the World

While Champagne and Prosecco get most of the attention, there are plenty of other sparkling wines around the world. Spain’s Cava, made using the traditional method, brings flavours of citrus and almonds with a creamy texture. Italy’s Franciacorta, from Lombardy, is the country’s answer to Champagne—elegant and complex. Germany and Austria have Sekt, a lighter, fruitier option. Then there’s Crémant, a French sparkling wine made outside of Champagne but using the same traditional method, bringing bubbles from regions like Alsace and Burgundy. And don’t forget the New World’s offerings, like California, Tasmania, and New Zealand, which are making waves with their high-quality sparkling wines.

Does Sparkling Wine Go Off?

Yes, sparkling wine can go off, but how long it lasts depends on several factors. Unopened sparkling wine typically remains good for 1-3 years if stored properly in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it’s best enjoyed within a few days to a week.

Sparkling wine vs Champagne: What is Champagne?

Is Champagne wine? Absolutely! Champagne is indeed a type of sparkling wine, however, sparkling wine is not Champagne… Why is that? Because to be called “Champagne”, it needs to come from the Champagne region in Northern France. Champagne comes with a whole lot of history and prestige.

Where is Champagne from?

The Champagne region in France is renowned for its chalky soils, which play a significant role in the distinct minerality and elegance of the wine. The region's cool climate is another critical factor; it slows down the ripening of grapes, ensuring high acidity levels that are essential for sparkling wine production. The combination of chalky soils and a cooler climate gives Champagne its characteristic finesse and longevity. The sub-regions within Champagne, such as Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne, each contribute different characteristics to the wine, whether it's the fruity intensity of Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims or the crisp, citrusy notes of Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs. Thanks to the region’s unique climate, soils, and centuries of winemaking expertise, Champagne has earned its reputation as the gold standard of sparkling wines.

When was Champagne invented?

Champagne’s sparkling journey began in the 17th century. Though the region had been making wine for centuries, it was during this time that the distinct sparkling style we now call Champagne was developed.

What is Champagne Made From?

So, what grape is Champagne made from? Champagne is primarily made from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Each of these grapes contributes different characteristics to the blend.

Chardonnay: Known for its elegance and finesse, Chardonnay brings acidity, citrus, and floral notes to Champagne. It is the sole grape used in Blanc de Blancs Champagne, which tends to be lighter and more delicate.
Pinot Noir: This black grape adds body, structure, and red fruit flavours to Champagne. It is often the dominant grape in Blanc de Noirs Champagne, known for its richness and depth.
Pinot Meunier: Often considered the workhorse of Champagne, Pinot Meunier adds fruitiness and early drinkability to the blend. It thrives in the cooler areas of the Champagne region, where it ripens earlier than the other two varieties.

The art of blending these grapes is what makes Champagne so unique. Winemakers carefully balance the characteristics of each grape to create a consistent house style, year after year.

Chardonnay vs Champagne

Is Chardonnay Champagne? Chardonnay is a grape, and, while it is often a key ingredient in Champagne, Chardonnay itself can be made into various types of wine, not just Champagne.

How Is Champagne Made?

Champagne is produced using the traditional method, also known as méthode champenoise. This process involves a secondary fermentation that takes place in the bottle, which is crucial for creating Champagne’s characteristic fine bubbles and complex flavours. The traditional method is labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring careful handling and aging.

First Fermentation: The process begins with the first fermentation, where the base wine is made. This wine is usually very dry and high in acidity.
Blending: After the first fermentation, different base wines are blended together to create a consistent style. This is a critical step, as Champagne is often a blend of different grape varieties (mainly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier) and vintages.
Second Fermentation: The blended wine is bottled with a mixture of yeast and sugar, which initiates the second fermentation in the bottle. This process produces carbon dioxide, which gets trapped in the wine, creating the bubbles.
Aging on Lees: After the second fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees (dead yeast cells) for a minimum of 15 months for non-vintage Champagne and three years for vintage Champagne. This aging process contributes to the wine's complexity, giving it flavours of brioche, toast, and nuts.
Riddling and Disgorging: To remove the lees, the bottles are gradually tilted and rotated (a process known as riddling) until the sediment collects in the neck of the bottle. The neck is then frozen, and the sediment is ejected in a process called disgorging.
Dosage and Corking: Finally, a small amount of sugar syrup (dosage) is added to balance the acidity, and the bottle is corked and aged further before being released.

Is Champagne Alcoholic?

Yes, Champagne is alcoholic. It is a type of sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France, and like most wines, it contains alcohol. Typically, Champagne has an alcohol content ranging from about 12% to 13%. If you’re looking for an alternative option, low- and no-alcohol sparkling wines are having a moment. Perfect for those who want to enjoy the bubbly wine experience without the buzz, these drinks keep the festive fizz and bright flavours of traditional sparkling wines but dial down the alcohol content to almost zero.

Is Champagne Gluten-Free?

Yes, Champagne is generally gluten-free! Since Champagne is made from grapes and the production process doesn't involve any gluten-containing ingredients, it's safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, if you have severe gluten allergies or sensitivities, it’s always a good idea to check the label or consult with the producer to ensure there’s no risk of cross-contamination.

What Does Champagne Taste Like?

Champagne is known for its elegance and complexity. It often has a fine, persistent mousse (the foam formed by bubbles) and a creamy texture. The flavour profile can range from citrus and green apple to richer notes of brioche, almond, and toast, depending on the aging and blend. The acidity is typically high, which gives champagne its refreshing quality.

Different Types of Champagne

Champagne comes in a variety of styles, each with unique characteristics based on its production methods and ingredients. Here are some of the main types:

Brut Champagne: This is the most common style and is characterized by its dry taste with minimal sugar. "Brut" means "dry" in French, and it typically contains less than 12 grams of sugar per liter.
Extra Brut Champagne: Even drier than Brut, Extra Brut Champagne has very little to no added sugar, resulting in a more austere flavor profile.
Demi-Sec Champagne: This style is slightly sweeter than Brut, with a sugar content of 32-50 grams per liter. It's often enjoyed with dessert or as an aperitif.
Sec Champagne: A bit sweeter than Demi-Sec, Sec Champagne has a sugar content of 17-32 grams per liter. It pairs well with a range of foods, including spicy dishes.
Extra Dry Champagne: Despite the name, Extra Dry Champagne is actually slightly sweeter than Brut, with a sugar content of 12-17 grams per liter. It's a good middle ground between dry and sweet.
Blanc de Blancs: Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, Blanc de Blancs Champagne tends to be light, crisp, and elegant, with a fresh citrus and mineral character.
Blanc de Noirs: This Champagne is made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier grapes, offering richer, fuller flavors with notes of red fruit and a deeper color.
Rosé Champagne: Produced either by blending red and white wines or by allowing the grape skins to stay in contact with the juice for a short period, Rosé Champagne features a pink hue and flavors of red berries.
Vintage Champagne: Made from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year, Vintage Champagne is aged longer and offers complex flavors. It's a rare and often more expensive style.
Non-Vintage Champagne: This style is a blend of wines from different years and is designed to provide a consistent flavor profile year after year. It's usually more affordable than Vintage Champagne.

Brut vs Champagne?

Champagne and Brut are terms that refer to different aspects of sparkling wine. Champagne is a prestigious type of sparkling wine. Brut, on the other hand, describes the dryness level of sparkling wines, including Champagne. A Brut sparkling wine is very dry with little to no residual sugar, resulting in a crisp, clean taste.

What does cuvée mean?

In Champagne terminology, "cuvée" refers to a specific blend or batch of wine. It's often used to denote the first and best juice extracted from the grapes during pressing, which is typically used for high-quality Champagne.

Does Champagne Get Better with Age?

Champagne can indeed get better with age, but it depends on the type of Champagne and how it's stored. Non-vintage Champagne is generally best enjoyed within a few years of its release for its fresh, vibrant flavors. Vintage Champagne, however, is made from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year and can develop more complex flavors and a richer texture over time. Proper storage in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity is key for aging Champagne.

Champagne or Champaign?

The correct spelling is "Champagne," not "champaign." Champagne is a specific type of sparkling wine that comes from the Champagne region in France. It’s renowned for its bubbles, history, and association with celebrations. "Champaign" refers to a type of military campaign or a city in Illinois, but it’s not related to bubbly Champagne So, when you’re talking about that fancy, fizzy wine, remember to go with Champagne!

What is Prosecco & where is it from?

Prosecco is a sparkling white wine from Italy, primarily produced in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions of northeastern Italy. Unlike Champagne, Prosecco is named after the grape variety used to make it rather than the region.

The terroir of the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions is quite different from Champagne, with more clay and marl soils that contribute to the fruit-forward nature of the wine. The climate in this region is also milder, with warmer temperatures that allow the Glera grape to fully ripen, resulting in the fresh, fruity flavours that Prosecco is known for. The best Proseccos often come from the steep hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, where the vineyards are situated at higher altitudes. This elevation ensures cooler nights, which help maintain the grape’s acidity, balancing the natural sweetness of the fruit.

When was Prosecco invented?

Prosecco, as we know it today, has its roots in the northeastern Italian region of Veneto. While the grape variety used for Prosecco has been grown in this area for centuries, the modern version of Prosecco as a sparkling wine began to take shape in the 20th century. Prosecco has seen a surge in global popularity over the last two decades, becoming a favourite for its affordability, lightness, and fresh flavours.

What is Prosecco Made From?

Prosecco is made predominantly from the Glera grape, which is native to the Veneto region. Glera is a white grape variety known for its aromatic qualities and high acidity, which make it ideal for sparkling wine production.

While Glera is the primary grape, small amounts of other grape varieties such as Verdiso, Perera, and Bianchetta Trevigiana are sometimes blended in to enhance complexity and balance.

How is Prosecco Made?

Prosecco is produced using the Charmat method, also known as the tank method. This process is less labor-intensive and quicker than the traditional method used for Champagne, which contributes to Prosecco’s lower cost.

First Fermentation: Similar to Champagne, Prosecco starts with a base wine made from the Glera grape.
Second Fermentation: Instead of undergoing secondary fermentation in the bottle, Prosecco's second fermentation occurs in large stainless steel tanks. Yeast and sugar are added to the base wine in the tank, where the fermentation creates carbon dioxide.
Filtration and Bottling: Once the desired level of carbonation is achieved, the wine is filtered to remove the yeast and then bottled under pressure to retain the bubbles.

What does Prosecco taste like?

One of the main differences between Champagne and Prosecco, is that Prosecco is generally lighter and more fruit-forward than Champagne. It typically has flavours of green apple, pear, and white flowers, with a more prominent sweetness and lower acidity. The bubbles in Prosecco tend to be larger and less persistent than those in Champagne, resulting in a frothy rather than creamy texture. Prosecco is often enjoyed as an aperitif or in cocktails like the Bellini or Aperol Spritz.

Different Types of Prosecco

Prosecco DOC: The most common type, produced in a broad area across the Veneto and Friuli regions.
Prosecco Superiore DOCG: Higher quality Prosecco from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo regions.
Cartizze: A prestigious, small area within Valdobbiadene known for producing the highest quality Prosecco.
Prosecco Rosé: A newer style, made by adding a small amount of Pinot Noir to the blend.

How to Pick Your Perfect Sparkling Sip

When you're deciding between Champagne, Prosecco, and other bubbly wine, here's what to keep in mind:

1. Occasion

Champagne: Ideal for special occasions, celebrations, and toasting.
Prosecco: Perfect for casual gatherings, brunches, and as a refreshing aperitif.
Other Sparkling Wines: Great for a variety of occasions, depending on the style and price point.

2. The Price Tag

Champagne: The priciest of the bunch, thanks to its luxe reputation and how it’s made.

Prosecco: Easier on the wallet, making it a go-to for everyday sips.

Other Sparkling Wines: Prices range from bargain to splurge, so you can find something that fits your budget and taste.

3. Food Pairing

Champagne: Pairs well with a wide range of foods, from oysters and caviar to fried chicken and potato chips.
Prosecco: Complements lighter dishes like salads, seafood, and fruit-based desserts.
Other Sparkling Wines: Pairing options depend on the style, but many work well with appetizers, sushi, and even barbecue.

4. Personal Preference

At the end of the day, it's all about what you love. Champagne is perfect if you’re into rich, complex flavors. If you prefer something light and fruity, Prosecco’s your bestie. And for the adventurous, other sparkling wines offer a whole world of flavors to explore.

So, pop that cork, pour a glass, and find your perfect fizz!

Want to treat someone special to some sparkling wine? Check out these fun and fizzy gift hampers:

Bubbles & Light Gift Hamper

Enjoy a romantic evening or make a special moment unforgettable with our Bubbles & Light Hamper. This enchanting set includes an exquisite bottle of Moët & Chandon Dom Pérignon (often considered to be one of the best french Champagnes in Australia), a fragrant candle, and a sweet, indulgent rocky road treat.

A Bubbly Hug Gift Hamper

Pamper your special someone with the Bubbly Hug Gift Hamper—a perfect blend of love and appreciation! This hamper is packed with delightful surprises, designed to lift spirits and bring a smile from ear to ear. With a charming assortment of goodies, it’s the ultimate pick-me-up!

Sparkling and Stawberries Gift Hamper

Brighten someone’s day with our Sparkling and Strawberries Gift Hamper! This hamper is a treat for the senses, featuring a bottle of exquisite sparkling wine paired with luscious dried strawberries and a delightful assortment of snacks. Perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to any occasion! 🍓

Sparkling Wine Gift Hamper

Elevate any occasion with our Sparkling Wine Gift Hamper! This elegant selection features a premium bottle of sparkling wine, ready to add a touch of sophistication and celebration to any moment. Accompanied by a curated assortment of gourmet snacks, it’s the perfect gift to make any day feel extra special and sparkling!

Champagne, Prosecco, and other sparkling wines each bring something unique to the table. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, enjoying a casual brunch, or simply indulging in a glass of bubbly after a long day, understanding the differences between these sparkling wines can enhance your appreciation and enjoyment. So, the next time you raise a glass, you’ll know exactly what makes your drink special, and you can savor each sip with a deeper knowledge of its origins, production, and character. Cheers! 🥂