I’m sure a lot of you indulged in a little bubbly this last weekend…but did you know exactly which kind of sparkling wine beverage this was that you were drinking? First off, let’s get this straight: it probably doesn’t really matter, unless you are a snob, because they all taste quite similar and they are all bound to give you a massive headache (in which case you may need some good hangover remedies). You are old enough by now to know not to get drunk off of the bubbly. But that being said, most people don’t know the difference between these three sparkling alcoholic beverages so I thought I would sort that out.

Although all three of these are similar, they are generally defined by what area they are produced in, along with the very different and specific ways they are produced. Other differences include aging and pricing.

Champagne

Location – Champagne is an effervescent wine made in the Champagne region of France. If it’s not made in Champagne, it’s not “Champagne”. All other effervescent wines are generally “sparkling wines”. Please keep in mind that this does not mean that they are inferior in any way.

Production and Storage – Champagne is made using the traditional method in which the wine made from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes undergo a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which allows it to generate it’s own carbonation. Because of this, it’s best when stored for a few years before drinking.

Taste – Generally fruity with hints of pear, citrus, apple, vanilla and nuttiness. Typically more acidic than Prosecco, and more bubbly.

Classifications – Champagnes and sparkling wines are classified by sweetness. That usually includes:

• Brut: dry, less than 1.5% sugar
• Extra Sec: extra dry, 1.2 to 2% sugar
• Sec: medium sweet, 1.7 to 3.5% sugar
• Demi-Sec: sweet, 3.3 to 5% sugar (dessert champagne)
• Doux: very sweet, over 5% sugar (dessert champagne)

Price – Champagne tends to be more expensive than other types of sparkling wine for a combination of factors:  1) It’s harder (and more expensive) to grow grapes in the cooler climate. 2) It undergoes the extremely laborious traditional method of production. 3) The exclusiveness of being produced in the expensive and small Champagne region.

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine can be made the exact same way as Champagne with the same grapes and the same production method and can be just as good, but again, if it’s not made in the Champagne region than it is not Champagne. Also, in terms of production, Champagne is produced using only the traditional method, and while sparkling wine can also be made using the traditional method, it may also be produced using the transfer and Charmat process methods. Because of the wide variety of sparkling wines, pricing tends to be all over the board, but in general, is much more cost effective than Champagne.

Prosecco

Location – Produced in the Veneto region of Italy. Again, if it’s not made in this region it’s not Prosecco.

Taste – Slightly dryer than champagne. It is also lower in alcohol compared to other sparkling wines, a little lighter in body and slightly less bubbly.

Storage – Best to drink early (within 6 months to a year of purchasing).

Price – In general, it tends to be 1/2 to 1/5 of the price of champagne.

That is kind of it in a nutshell. So…next time some snob gives you a hard time for not bringing “real Champagne” to the celebration you can school their ass with a little sparkling wine knowledge!