Prosecco vs Champagne: Get To Know Your Sparkling Wines

Uncover the key differences between Champagne and Prosecco with our comprehensive guide. Delve into the unique production methods, regions, and flavor profiles that distinguish these two popular sparkling wines. Learn about Champagne’s traditional roots in France’s Champagne region and Prosecco’s Italian origins in Veneto. This guide provides insights into the characteristics, ideal food pairings, and occasions suited for each type of bubbly, helping you make informed choices for your next celebration.

Prosecco vs Champagne: What’s The Difference

Champagne is a popular sparkling wine that hails from France. It comes in a variety of flavours such as brut, demi-sec and rosé. Prosecco comes from Italy and it’s a much sweeter option when compared to Champagne.

Each of the sparkling wines utilises a set variety of regionally specific grapes, and each has a distinct distillation method that is predominantly used. Likewise, the prices of the two are quite different, and this is down to the distillation methods that are used.

Prosecco vs Champagne: What’s The Difference In Grape Used?

Champagne is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir grapes, though single varietal options do exist as well. Prosecco is known for traditionally using a predominantly high quantity of Glera grapes – usually around 85% for the Charmat–Martinotti method.

Then, it is mixed with quantities of other grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes to achieve a variety of different flavours when compared to Proseccos which use 100% Glera grapes.

Prosecco vs Champagne: What’s The Difference In Origin?

Champagne is a trademarked name, and sparkling wine can only carry the label of Champagne if it came from the region of Champagne in France. It is a wine of place which cannot be created elsewhere in the world. Prosecco, on the other hand, is a carbonated wine which is made almost in the Veneto region of Italy.

Prosecco vs Champagne: What’s The Difference In Methods Of Production?

When it comes to wondering how Champagne and Prosecco are created, the methods are quite different.

Champagne is known to ferment twice in different ways using the Method Champenoise. The first time has champagne fermenting within a tank, while the second time takes place within a bottle, after placing solids and yeasts within.

These additions to the Champagne bottle are what allows the carbonation process to occur. This highly pressurised environment is what yields the bubbles, and it takes around six to eight weeks to complete. The bottles are then put within a wine cellar and left to ferment.

In Italy, the Charmat–Martinotti method is the traditional way to do the secondary fermentation process. This secondary fermentation takes place within large stainless-steel tanks. By using a tank to ferment the wine a second time as opposed to placing it in individual bottles means it’s far less expensive to make overall.

This, along with the 30-day minimum period for less expensive Prosecco ensures a steady supply can be done and sold at a reasonable price. More expensive Proseccos are left to age for up to nine months. However, there are exceptions and some Proseccos do have a secondary fermentation process within bottles – a method known as Método Classico. Col Fondo and any Método Classico Prosecco are done this way and as such, carry a higher price too.

Prosecco vs Champagne: What’s The Difference In Flavour And Taste?

When it comes down to taste expectations, there are very different flavours to expect. Prosecco has a much fruitier and more floral taste and aroma because of the grapes used. As well as having a shorter ageing period.

Flavours Prosecco known for range from honeydew, pear and green apple through to honeysuckle and even fresh cream. The bubbles that Prosecco are far lighter and effervescent in nature in comparison to Champagne. Champagne offers a wider range of flavours thanks to the range of Champagnes available, and the variety of grapes used and blended for the final product. The tastes usually include toast, cream, peach, cherry, almond and citrus notes.

Prosecco vs Champagne: What’s The Difference In Price?

The varying price of Champagne and Prosecco comes down to the labour intensiveness of Champagne as well as the production methods. The more hands-on requirements of producing Champagne reflect the higher price point.

You’ll find that most Champagnes which start on the lowest ranging price point will cost around twenty to thirty five euros each. A single bottle of Prosecco will cost around fifteen euros as an entry level price point for 750ml.

Which Is Healthier: Prosecco Or Champagne?

When wondering which is the best option to drink for your health, brut champagnes are the best overall choice as they have the lowest level of sugars. Sparkling wines do offer health benefits, including decreased stress, improved cognitive function and even can improve vascular health.

Taking averages into account, a glass of Prosecco will have the same amount of calories in it as the average glass of Champagne would, and as such both carry around the same calories as a single chocolate digestive biscuit.

Which Is Better: Prosecco Or Champagne?

While Champagne has decades of prestige, exclusivity, and worldwide fans, it remains at a higher price point when compared to Prosecco. This alone makes Prosecco a better choice for those with budget constraints.

However, should money not be a consideration in this, then Champagne, with its double fermentation and larger quantity are a good choice for those seeking a bubbly wine to enjoy with friends.

Can You Pop Prosecco Like Champagne?

The popping sound that accompanies a glass of sparkling wine is something that heralds the start of a good time with loved ones and friends, which is why many wonder if Prosecco can be popped like Champagne can. The good news is yes! Prosecco absolutely can pop just like Champagne does. The trick is to not shake the bottle during the opening process.

Instead, carefully twist the cork out while holding the bottle at a 45° angle away from others. It may stick a bit if you compare it to Champagne, which is due to there being less pressure within the bottle, but once the cork is off there will definitely be a pop, and you can then pour out the bubbly and let the good times roll.