Q: Is there really a difference between Champagne and Prosecco? I had Prosecco for the first time (to my knowledge) a few weeks ago and I didn't notice an obvious distinction from Champagne. I'd like to hear your take?-Jaide S., Hoboken
A: Jaide, you're not alone in not being able to discern the difference off hand. The most obvious distinction is it's origin. Champagne is grown and fermented exclusively in the Champagne region of France using the "La Méthode Champenoise" whereas Prosecco is an Italian sparking wine produced primarily in their Veneto region using the Prosecco grape and utilizing a less stringent set of standards. I can't pretend to have a favorite because I love them equally for their own unique qualities. Champagne snobs have been known to classify Prosecco as the "poor man's Champagne", I tend to disagree. Although the average price of Prosecco is considerably lower than Champagne, I personally find it equally as fab!
A few additional points of comparison
Fermentation:
Both have two fermentation periods, the first is similar, the second, however, is the differentiator.
Champagne ferments in the bottle, where grape juice being converted into still wine, placed in a bottle, yeast and sugar are added, leading to a secondary fermentation in the closed bottle producing CO2 bubbles. Prosecco uses the Charmat method, where still wine is produced as the first method, however following this process it's transitioned to a separate sealed, pressurized tank allowing the grape juice to ferment also producing CO2 bubbles.
Longevity:
Quality, unopened Champagne has a longer shelf life when stored properly (cool dark place) , typically five or more years for vintage and up to a year and a half for non-vintage. Prosecco, similar to non-vintage Champagnes, usually lasts a little over a year, however for the best taste, it should be consumed as soon as possible.
Aroma:
Prosecco is known for it's simpler primary aromas whereas Champagne is more complex and rich with distinct secondary aromas
Alcohol Content:
Both Champagne and Prosecco have similar percentages of alcohol per volume, on average 12%
In honor of Valentine's Day, here's a great cocktail recipe using Prosecco or Champagne...
Madly in Love Savvy Spritzer
In a fluted glass:
- 1 oz. Strawberry Puree or 2 Muddled Strawberries
- 4 oz. Prosecco or Brut Champagne
- 5 Pomegranate Arils "Jewels"
Cheers!
A: Jaide, you're not alone in not being able to discern the difference off hand. The most obvious distinction is it's origin. Champagne is grown and fermented exclusively in the Champagne region of France using the "La Méthode Champenoise" whereas Prosecco is an Italian sparking wine produced primarily in their Veneto region using the Prosecco grape and utilizing a less stringent set of standards. I can't pretend to have a favorite because I love them equally for their own unique qualities. Champagne snobs have been known to classify Prosecco as the "poor man's Champagne", I tend to disagree. Although the average price of Prosecco is considerably lower than Champagne, I personally find it equally as fab!
A few additional points of comparison
Fermentation:
Both have two fermentation periods, the first is similar, the second, however, is the differentiator.
Champagne ferments in the bottle, where grape juice being converted into still wine, placed in a bottle, yeast and sugar are added, leading to a secondary fermentation in the closed bottle producing CO2 bubbles. Prosecco uses the Charmat method, where still wine is produced as the first method, however following this process it's transitioned to a separate sealed, pressurized tank allowing the grape juice to ferment also producing CO2 bubbles.
Longevity:
Quality, unopened Champagne has a longer shelf life when stored properly (cool dark place) , typically five or more years for vintage and up to a year and a half for non-vintage. Prosecco, similar to non-vintage Champagnes, usually lasts a little over a year, however for the best taste, it should be consumed as soon as possible.
Aroma:
Prosecco is known for it's simpler primary aromas whereas Champagne is more complex and rich with distinct secondary aromas
Alcohol Content:
Both Champagne and Prosecco have similar percentages of alcohol per volume, on average 12%
In honor of Valentine's Day, here's a great cocktail recipe using Prosecco or Champagne...
Madly in Love Savvy Spritzer
In a fluted glass:
- 1 oz. Strawberry Puree or 2 Muddled Strawberries
- 4 oz. Prosecco or Brut Champagne
- 5 Pomegranate Arils "Jewels"
Cheers!
