Prosecco vs Champagne: Which one is right for you?

Celebrating something exciting? (Such as the New Year!) Does the occasion call for some bubbly? (Yes!) If it does, you may find yourself in the wine aisle at the store debating between which sparkling wine to choose. Most people assume that big celebrations only call for champagne, but there is another alternative from the vineyard that you might like just as well, Prosecco.

For as long as people can remember, champagne has been the celebratory drink of choice. This white, sparkly wine is known for bringing your taste buds to life and your spirits high. But, another sparkly white wine that can help you celebrate equally as well is prosecco. Known as one of Italy’s choice wines, prosecco has been assisting people to ring in celebrations while keeping their wallets happy.

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What is Prosecco?
Prosecco is a white sparkling wine that is exclusively made in the northeastern part of Italy. It’s almost exclusively made in the Treviso province. There are other types of prosecco made in places such as Friuli Venezia Giulia.

This white sparkling wine is not always bubbly, however. Two versions of prosecco, DOC, and DOCG, can be made in semi-sparkling or even still versions. These varieties can keep your pairings and occasions perfectly meeting your needs.

Prosecco is also made from a very specific type of wine – the prosecco (also known as Glera). This is one of the characteristics that sets it apart from many other white sparkling wines, especially champagne. The refermenting process typically takes place in steel tanks, commonly known as Charmat Method (or the Italian method).

What is Champagne?
Champagne is a white sparkling wine, much like prosecco. Many people regard champagne as the symbol of luxury or celebration. The price tag typically reflects these two thoughts, as well.

For champagne to get its most notable feature, the bubbles, it must go through a refermenting process inside the bottle. This method is known as the ”Methode Champenoise” (metodo classico according to Italians).

In order to properly make champagne, the following grapes are most commonly used:

• Pinot Noir
• Pinot Meunier
• Chardonnay

There are other types of grapes that some vineyards use to produce champagne, but they are less likely.

What are the biggest differences between champagne and prosecco?

• Champagne is made in France.
• Prosecco is made in Italy.
• Champagne is made through a refermenting process inside the bottle.
• Prosecco is made through a refermenting process in a steel tank.
• Champagne has a higher price tag.
• Prosecco is great for everyday budgets.
• Both are from different types of grapes
  (Prosecco is made with only prosecco grapes, and champagne is made with a mixture of different grapes).
• Champagne is usually served at a wine party, while Prosecco might be better for more intimate events.

Profiles of Champagne and Prosecco
Let’s take a look at the most popular flavors of each of the white sparkling wines.

What food is best paired with Prosecco?
The best part of choosing prosecco for your wine of the night is the wide range from sweet to dry it comes in. There different levels of sweetness and dryness. If you are looking for something very dry, Prosecco DOC and Superiore (two different types of prosecco) have a Brut that will meet those needs. Demi-Sec is typically the sweetest you will find.

Dry proseccos typically pair well with such foods as sushi, seafood, small sandwiches, or mild cheeses. This is a great appetizer or cocktail hour beverage choice.

Sweet prosecco is great with foods like macarons, ice cream, popcorn, or even sponge cakes. You will find this the perfect choice as an after-dinner beverage choice.

What food is best paired with champagne?
Champagne is a great choice to help enhance the flavor of your foods, ranging from cheese to pasta.

Some of the best pairings you will find are mushroom dishes, seafood and fish, nuts, and also popcorn. If you are looking to really take your taste buds to the next level, pair champagne with lobster. This is an unbelievable combination that will leave you wanting more.

How do you choose champagne vs prosecco for your next occasion?

Whether you are celebrating something exciting or looking for an everyday type of white sparkling wine, choosing champagne vs. prosecco can be a difficult decision.

Think about the following questions before purchasing your next bottle of bubbly:

• Are you looking for a budget-friendly white sparkling wine?
• Do you want something that is great for everyday occasions or good for special occasions only?
• Do you want your wine to boost your taste buds and food experience?
• What kind of tasting experience are you looking to have – full body, dry, sweet, etc.?
• Budget-friendly? Prosecco
• Everyday occasions? Prosecco
• Special occasions only (money is no issue)? Champagne
• Enhance your food experience? Champagne or Prosecco
• Dry or Sweet? Champagne or Prosecco

Conclusion
Ready to try out your next white sparkling wine? Now you are ready to make the best-informed decision about whether or not prosecco or champagne is right for you. Of course, attending a tasting to get a true feeling for which sparkling wine you prefer is probably the best option. There is nothing like tasting the wine on your tongue while pairing it with some delectable food choices. Once you are able to see the difference between the two wines in person, you will know which one is the best fit for you.