Are you a Champagne or Prosecco Person?

Or do you like all sparkling wines but you're not sure what's the difference?

There are a lot of choices when shopping for bubbly.

If you're not sure what's the difference between Champagne, Prosecco and sparkling wines or why there can be such a difference in price from one to the other, then this quick tutorial will come in handy! 
 
CHAMPAGNE

• Grapes must be grown and production must happen in the Champagne region of France in order to be called Champagne. Many sparkling wines are produced around the world using the same methods but are not officially Champagne since they’re produced outside of this region.
• Typically Champagne is made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Meunier grapes.
• Second fermentation happens in the bottle, using the Traditional Method.
• Champagne will have notes of brioche, biscotti, and toasty bread and at times stronger floral and citrus flavors than Prosecco.
• Production using the Traditional Method is costly and Champagne is an important brand, making this wine generally more expensive.
• Champagne should be consumed within three to four years of bottling while a vintage Champagne can be stored for five to 10 years.

PROSECCO

• Italy's Prosecco region is in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions, in the Northwest of Italy. Like Champagne, the grapes must be grown and production must happen in this designated region in order to be called Prosecco.
• Prosecco is made primarily with Glera grapes.
• Second fermentation happens in large stainless-steel tanks using the Charmat Method.
• Generally, Prosecco has a fruitier and brighter character than Champagne. This is a light bubbly that often has notes of apple, melon, and pear.
• Production methods keep Proseccos more affordable, with some commanding higher prices.
• Drink Proseccos within two years of bottling.

SPARKLING

• Fabulous sparkling wines are produced around the world using the same methods as for Champagne and Proseccos but they are not officially Champagnes or Proseccos since they’re produced outside of these regions.
• Since sparkling wines do not follow strict rules of production, quality can vary. We recommend buying your sparkling wines from a reputable wine shop or importer.

The best way to find out which one you prefer is to try them! Find our selection of bubbly here!