Is Prosecco the Same as Champagne? A Guide to Distinguishing These Sparkling Wines

Whether you're organizing a surprise birthday or a New Year's Eve celebration, you'll likely want to include some sparkling alcoholic drinks to toast the occasion. While Champagne is the go-to choice for many, it's not the only sparkling wine available. Prosecco is another popular option, but is it the same as Champagne? To help you decide whether to purchase Prosecco or Champagne, we've explored their unique characteristics, key differences, and tips for selecting a bottle that will impress.

What Is Prosecco?

In essence, Prosecco is a type of sparkling wine crafted exclusively in a particular region of Italy. Strict regulations, established by a governing consortium, specify the permitted grape varieties, the production methods, and other critical details.

Geographic Area

“Prosecco is a sparkling white wine produced in the DOC [designation of controlled origin] and DOCG [designation of controlled origin and guaranteed] regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia,” explains sommelier Lindsay Gabbard. “Many mistakenly believe that Prosecco refers to any sparkling wine from Italy, but it must originate from the designated areas of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, as defined by the consortium, to bear the name Prosecco.”

Grape Varieties

The grapes used in crafting this sparkling wine play a crucial role in distinguishing Prosecco from Champagne. “Prosecco is predominantly made (at least 85%) from the Glera grape variety,” says Katy Long, Director of International Sales for Vintage Wine Estates. Initially, this grape was called Prosecco, but its name was changed to prevent confusion among consumers.

“The remaining 15% of the blend can include local complementary varieties, such as certain grapes from the Pinot family and Chardonnay,” Long continues. “For Prosecco made in the rosé style, only Glera and Pinot Noir grapes are allowed.”

Production Process

“Prosecco is produced using the Charmat, or tank method, where the secondary fermentation (responsible for the bubbles) takes place in stainless steel tanks or vats, unlike Champagne, which undergoes this process in the bottle,” Long explains. “This technique preserves the wine’s fresh and fruity qualities and allows Prosecco’s effervescence to be achieved more efficiently and cost-effectively, contributing to the price difference between the two.”

Taste

“Prosecco is celebrated for its delightful, crisp, light, and fruity profile. This unique character is typically achieved not through extended bottle aging but through the efficiency and speed of the Charmat method,” Long elaborates.

Gabbard notes that Prosecco is generally “light, fruity, and subtly floral, with a medium to high acidity level and a hint of sweetness due to its sugar content.” She also highlights that the sparkling wine often features “notes of apple, pear, melon, citrus, and floral undertones.”

Cost

Prosecco is usually more affordable than Champagne. This price difference isn’t a reflection of quality but rather the shorter aging process. Because Prosecco is produced more quickly in tanks, it tends to be less costly than Champagne. Mid-range Prosecco bottles typically range from $12 to $15, while premium options can exceed $20.

What Is Champagne?

Similar to Prosecco, Champagne is a type of sparkling wine, but the parallels largely stop there. For instance, strict regulations govern the grape varieties used, the fermentation and production methods, and the required aging period before it can be sold. We’ll explore these rules in more detail below.

Geographic Area

Champagne is exclusively produced in the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wines made outside this northeastern French area might be labeled as “Champagne,” but they are not authentic. Only wines made from grapes grown in the Champagne region can truly be called Champagne; otherwise, they fall under a different category of sparkling wine.

Grape Varieties

According to Mollie Battenhouse, National Director of Wine Education for Jackson Family Wines, Champagne is typically a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. While a few other grape varieties are allowed in the blend, they are seldom used.

Production Process

Champagne is crafted using the méthode champenoise, also known as the “traditional method.” After the grapes are pressed and fermented to create the base wine, the still (non-sparkling) liquid is bottled. Yeast and sugar are then added to each bottle, initiating a secondary fermentation, and the bottles are sealed.

The secondary fermentation generates alcohol and carbon dioxide. Since the bottles are sealed, the carbon dioxide cannot escape and instead integrates into the wine, creating its signature bubbles. This process results in Champagne having finer bubbles compared to Prosecco. As Battenhouse explains, “The effervescence is produced directly in the bottle you purchase and enjoy.”

Taste

Given the differences in grape varieties and production methods, it’s no surprise that Prosecco and Champagne have distinct flavors. Long describes Champagne as a “complex, age-worthy, and structured wine that benefits from extended aging on lees, developing notes of brioche, toast, and nuts, which complement its high acidity and delicate bubbles.”

Cost

On average, Champagne is more expensive than Prosecco, largely due to the time involved in its production. While Prosecco becomes sparkling and ready for sale within a few months using the Charmat method, Champagne requires a much longer aging process.

Because of its production method, Champagne must mature for at least 15 months before it can be sold. A quality bottle of Champagne typically starts at around $40, but prices can soar to $200 or more, depending on the brand.

How to Choose a Good Bottle of Prosecco 

Selecting a good bottle of Prosecco involves paying attention to a few key details on the label. “As a wine professional, I often choose bottles from importers whose selections I trust. If that information isn’t available, I recommend opting for Prosecco DOC or Prosecco Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG to ensure quality,” advises Battenhouse.

“Another key factor in determining quality is the region where the Prosecco is produced, such as Veneto and parts of Friuli. Wines from Friuli are often of exceptional quality, offering a richer and creamier texture. A prime example is Benvolio Prosecco DOC.” Long emphasizes the importance of considering how you plan to enjoy the Prosecco before making a purchase. “When choosing a bottle, think about the occasion. If you’re mixing it with white peach puree (for a Bellini), orange juice (for a mimosa), or cassis liqueur (for a Kir royale), you don’t need to splurge on the most expensive or prestigious bottle, as the added ingredients will influence the flavor,” she explains.

She adds, “Always take your sweetness preference into account when selecting the perfect Prosecco for your event.”

Tips for Drinking Champagne and Prosecco

While Champagne and Prosecco have many differences, the way you enjoy them—and tips for enhancing that experience—are quite similar. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your Prosecco or Champagne-drinking moments.

When Mixing, Opt for Less Expensive Varieties

For mixed drinks like mimosas, bellinis, or other cocktails, a less expensive variety of Prosecco or Champagne works perfectly, as the subtle notes of the wine will be overshadowed by other ingredients. Reserve pricier bottles for sipping on their own to fully appreciate their complexity.

Choose Your Glass Wisely

Flutes are an excellent choice as they maintain the wine’s effervescence and direct its aromas toward your nose. Tulip glasses serve a similar purpose in preserving carbonation, but their curved design prevents bubbles from irritating your nose. Coupes, with their wide, bowl-like shape, are ideal for special occasions like New Year’s toasts, as they allow the bubbles to disperse quickly while still delivering the wine’s aromatic profile.

Don't Swirl It

While swirling wine in a glass is a common practice to release its aromas (and a reason for decanting), this isn’t recommended for sparkling wines. Swirling causes the bubbles to dissipate, making the wine lose its fizz. Additionally, the warmth from your hands can raise the temperature of the wine, and both Champagne and Prosecco are best enjoyed chilled.

Chill It

Prosecco and Champagne are most enjoyable when served chilled. Cooling the wine not only maintains its effervescence and enhances its flavor but also reduces the risk of the bottle overflowing or exploding when opened.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does sparkling wine go bad?

  An unopened bottle of sparkling wine, if stored correctly, can last for approximately two to three years. Once opened, it should be consumed within one to three days to retain its fizz and avoid developing an off-putting taste.

• Does sparkling wine have alcohol?

  Yes, sparkling wine generally contains an alcohol content ranging from 10.5% to 12.5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume). Non-alcoholic sparkling wine is also available. While sparkling grape juice is marketed as a Champagne or Prosecco alternative, it doesn’t replicate the flavor; non-alcoholic sparkling wine is required for a closer match.

• Does sparkling wine have sugar?

  Yes, sparkling wine contains sugar, but the quantity varies by type. Extra Brut is the driest, Brut is slightly sweeter, Extra Dry is sweeter still, and Dry is the sweetest. Extra Brut has the least sugar, while Dry sparkling wines have the most.