Sparkling Wine Vs Champagne: What’s The Difference?

Curious about the difference between sparkling wine vs champagne? You’re in the right place! Champagne has become a quintessential drink of celebratory events, from new couples sharing a glass at their wedding to race car drivers spraying a bottle of champagne on their cars after winning a race. However, many people wonder if there are any differences between sparkling wine vs champagne. Aren’t they the same thing? Not quite.

In fact, all champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is champagne. Do you know why this is? There are a few key features that separate champagne from other sparkling wines, including (but not limited to): the types of grapes used, the region in which it was made, and the differences in flavor profile.

What is Sparkling Wine?

Sparkling wine is pretty self-explanatory: it is carbonated or bubbly wine. It can be made from any type of grape and in various winemaking methods, and the flavor profile and characteristics of the wine can vary based on these factors.

Types of Sparkling Wine

There are a few main types of sparkling wine, including:

  • Prosecco. Aromatic and crisp, typically with hints of apple and peach.
  • Cava. Light and dry, with a citrus flavor profile.
  • Crémant. Light and acidic, with more of a floral flavor profile.

How Sparkling Wine is Made

There are many methods used to make sparkling wine, including the carbonation method, the tank method, and the traditional method. Each method varies in how bubbles get into the wine, from fermentation to manually adding the carbonation into a wine that is already made.

Some sparkling winemakers will manually add the carbonation into the drink using a machine, thus negating a 15-month process of fermentation.

two glasses of white sparkling wine

What Is Champagne?

The important factor that determines whether your drink is labeled as a champagne or sparkling wine is the region in which it was produced. According to European Law, the only wine labels that are legally allowed to call their beverage “champagne” are ones that are made within the region of Champagne, France, which is located on the northeast corner of France near Paris. There are also only a handful of specific grapes that are allowed to be used in the making of champagne, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and several others. Any other sparkling wine made in France is referred to as a Crémant.

How Champagne is Made

For champagne to have its iconic bubbles, it goes through a specific process of fermentation often referred to as the “traditional method.” The grapes are fermented into wine, and then they add yeast and sugar to the wine and ferment it for a second cycle in the bottle. Over the course of around 15 months, the yeast eats away at the sugar to produce CO2 in the wine. The longer the wine sits, the more complex its flavors become.

Regional Differences

As previously mentioned, champagne gets its name from the region of France in which it was made. However, there are distinct differences between the Champagne region and other regions in which sparkling wine is made that can affect the flavor of the wine as well as the texture of the carbonation.

Champagne Region

This northeastern region of France has a very specific climate that affects the grapes produced and therefore the champagne made. Champagne has a cooler climate than many other regions, as well as a chalky and mineral-rich soil that impacts the flavor of the grapes. These specific temperatures and soil conditions are part of the requirements for a drink to be legally classified as a champagne, and add to the depth of flavor within the final product.

Map showing Champagne region of France

Other Sparkling Wine Regions

While sparkling wines do not necessarily have the same regional restrictions that champagnes must follow, there are a few regions within Europe that are renowned for their particular sparkling wines. For example, Italy is most widely known for its Prosecco and is one of the most popular regions people purchase Prosecco from. Alongside this, Cava is the renowned sparkling wine of Spain. Each country has its own unique climate, soil content, and winemaking process that in turn creates its own unique style of sparkling wine.

Taste Profiles and Characteristics

Champagne and sparkling wine each have their own distinct flavor profiles and characteristics that can appeal to different palettes. Here is a brief comparison of the two and what general flavors you can expect from each.

Champagne

Due to the long fermentation process that comes with making champagne, it tends to be quite dry and less sweet than other sparkling wines. This is because, during the second phase of fermentation, the yeast breaks down and consumes the sugar within the wine, resulting in a less sugary drink and more dryness. In addition, the fermentation creates a more full-bodied flavor than other sparkling wines that use a faster method of creating carbonation. But, some winemakers will choose to add extra sugar to the wine to make it a sweeter style.

Sparkling Wines

The flavor of sparkling wine can depend on which wine you choose. For example, Prosecco is a light and crisp wine, typically with a fruity flavor. Common flavors include apple and peach. In comparison, Cava is a light and dry wine, usually made with more of a citrus flavor profile such as orange or lemon. Lastly, Crémant is similar in style to some champagnes and could have more floral notes such as lavender and rose. The sparkling wine you enjoy depends on your personal tastes and preferences, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Comparative Tasting

In comparing these two drinks, it is not to say that one is inherently better than the other. Rather, which one you choose depends on your personal preferences and what flavor profile you prefer. Champagne tends to be more complex with a deeper flavor profile. However, if you tend to lean more towards lighter wines with fruity or floral notes, then you may prefer a sparkling wine.

tasting champagne vs sparkling wine

Price and Prestige

Due to the longer production methods and exclusivity of the region, champagne tends to be more expensive than many sparkling wines. There is also a level of prestige and high market perception of champagne that increases the price; because it is exclusive to one region and there are very strict rules in how it is made, it can be viewed as fancier than sparkling wine and therefore be more expensive. In comparison, sparkling wines have a larger range of prices and values due to the fewer constraints there are in making the product. Sparkling wines also do not have the level of prestige that champagne has, which is attributed to the perceived lower market value.

Pairing and Serving Tips

When pairing your wine with food, it is important to pair the champagne or sparkling wine with the primary flavor of the meal. For example, a heavy or creamy dish would pair well with a drier white wine, while an earthier dish would pair well with a red wine. Both of these drinks are also excellent choices for any special occasion, including weddings, holidays, or just a weekend brunch with friends. Match the drink with the theme or tone of the event, and everyone will be talking about it. We recommend oysters, caviar, or Brie as classic pairing options. For a unique option, try potato chips!

When it comes to serving bubbly, it helps to know a bit about the different types of wine glasses. There are glasses specifically designed for red wines, white wines, and even champagnes and sparkling wines. If you have a champagne flute, these are perfect for enjoying your champagne and sparkling wine in. If you are unsure which to use, a balloon wine glass is a versatile option that can be used for any occasion.

Be mindful of wine serving temperature as well. Make sure to chill the bottle beforehand. Serve your champagnes around 40 degrees Fahrenheit and your sparkling wines around the 60 degrees Fahrenheit mark.

chilled champagne bottle in ice bucket with two flutes of champagne and oysters

FAQs

Is Champagne wine?

Champagne is technically a sparkling wine. But not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Only sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France can legally be called Champagne.

Why is Champagne more expensive than other sparkling wines?

Factors include the labor-intensive production process, strict regulations, and the prestige of the Champagne region.

Are all Champagnes dry?

No, Champagnes can range from very dry (Brut Nature) to sweet (Doux), depending on the dosage added.

How long can you store sparkling wine and Champagne?

Both can be stored for several years, but non-vintage Champagne is best consumed within 3-4 years, and vintage Champagne can age much longer.

What’s the best way to open a bottle of sparkling wine or Champagne?

Chill the bottle, hold it at a 45-degree angle, gently twist the bottle while holding the cork, and let the pressure release the cork slowly.

What is the difference between Prosecco and Champagne?

Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made primarily from the Glera grape using the Charmat method, while Champagne is French, made from specific grapes using the traditional method.

Can I use sparkling wine for mimosas?

Yes, you can use either sparkling wine or Champagne for mimosas. Prosecco and Cava are popular options. Look for brut or dry sparkling wines (rather than sweet) for mimosas.

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