Champagne or sparkling wine? What is the difference?
Sparkling wines can be dated back to the 1600s. This particular wine contains excess carbon dioxide and usually less than 3 to 4 percent sugar. It is produced by preventing carbon dioxide from escaping during the fermentation process. Some say it was invented by winemakers in the Champagne region of France. Others have said English winemakers were already adding “fizz” to this delicious wine. It became the French aristocracy’s preferred libation in the 1700s.
When produced and bottled in the region of Champagne, France it can truly be called Champagne. In other regions of France or parts of the world it is known as a sparkling wine.
Champagne and sparkling wines (sometimes called blends) are made using multiple grapes.
Champagne is named after the region Champagne, France where the grapes are grown, fermented, and bottled before the 1700s. Per European Law only labels that are allowed to use the name “Champagne” are bottled within the Champagne, France region. Champagne is produced from a variety of grapes the main ones are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, although others may be used as well.
Rosé Champagne is produced by using a little red wine or the skin of red grapes to create a mélange of colors ranging from pale pink to a pinkish-orange hue.
Varies from Brut to Doux (Sweet).
Sparkling Wine
Prosecco is from a region in the Veneto (Conegliano Valdobbiadene), Northeast Italy. The grapes that were used to make Prosecco were called both Prosecco and Glera, for a long time grown in Slovenia.
Prosecco is known to be the top selling sparkline wine in the US. About 700 million bottles are produced every year. Bellinis or mimosas, anyone?
Types
Prosecco Spumante (Sparkling)
Strong bubbly. Due to its sugar content this sparkling wine ranges from Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extradry, Dry or Demi-sec.
Color: straw yellow
Prosecco Rosé Spumante
Strong bubbly. Produced the Spumante style. Ranges from Brut Nature (may have only residual sugar) to Extradry.
Color: varieties of soft pink
Prosecco Frizzante (Semi-sparkling or fizzy)
Soft bubbly.
Color: varieties of straw yellow
Prosecco Tranquillo (Still Prosecco)
No bubbly.
Color: straw yellow
Cava, made from Macabeu grapes, is a Spanish sparkling wine some say has a similar flavor to Champagne.
Try a mixed cocktail.
Whether you call it Champagne, sparkling wine, bubbly or even fizz enjoy a glass or two of this delicious, refreshing wine.
Updated August 2023
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Please drink responsibly.