When we mention Champagne, Prosecco often comes to mind too. Both are sparkling wines, but Champagne follows strict rules around where it's made, which grapes are used, and how it's produced. Prosecco is more relaxed—it’s more affordable, fruitier, lighter, and perfect for everyday sipping.
Is Prosecco Champagne?
No, Prosecco is not Champagne.
While both are sparkling wines, they come from different regions and are made using different methods—resulting in distinct flavor profiles and styles.
Champagne comes from the Champagne region of France and is made using the Traditional Method, with grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Only then can it legally be called Champagne.
Prosecco, on the other hand, is from Northeast Italy, primarily the Veneto region, and is made using the Charmat Method, using mostly the Glera grape.
What Is Prosecco
Prosecco is a sparkling wine from Northeast Italy, mainly produced in the Veneto region around Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, just north of Venice. Made primarily from the Glera grape—formerly called Prosecco, after a village near Trieste—the wine thrives in the area's sunny days, cool nights, and breezy hillsides, which bring out its fresh, fruity, and aromatic style.
Unlike Champagne, which must be made using the traditional method, Prosecco is produced using the Charmat Method (also called the Tank Method), making it more affordable, fruitier, and lighter in style.
Prosecco vs Champagne: Key Differences
|
Feature |
Prosecco |
Champagne |
|
Origin |
Veneto, Italy |
Champagne, France |
|
Main Grape |
Glera |
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier |
|
Method |
Charmat (Tank) |
Traditional (bottle fermentation) |
|
Bubbles |
Light, frothy |
Fine, persistent |
|
Flavor Profile |
Fruity, floral, creamy |
Dry, toasty, complex |
|
Price Range |
~$20 |
$40 and up |
|
Aging |
Short, minimal lees contact Minimal (weeks) |
Long, on lees Min. 15 months (NV) |
How Is Prosecco Made
Grape Variety
●Glera is the main grape, known for its fresh, floral, and fruity character.
●Other allowed varieties may be blended in small amounts.
Charmat Method (Tank Method)
●The base wine is placed in large pressurized stainless steel tanks.
●Sugar and yeast are added to trigger second fermentation.
●Bubbles are created in the tank, then the wine is filtered and bottled under pressure.
This process is faster and more cost-effective than the traditional bottle fermentation used in Champagne.
What Does Prosecco Taste Like?
●Lively fruit and floral aromas
●Light, frothy bubbles
●Common flavor notes
○Green apple, pear, honeydew melon
○Honeysuckle, fresh cream
○Finer bottles may show hints of banana cream, hazelnut, vanilla, or honeycomb
Because of the lower pressure and shorter aging, Prosecco’s bubbles are lighter and less persistent than those in Champagne.
Prosecco Sweetness Levels
Extra Dry (12–17 g/L sugar) – slightly sweeter than Brut
Brut (<12 g/L) – dry and refreshing
Dry (17–32 g/L) – moderately sweet
Prosecco tends to lean toward thesweeter side of sparkling wines compared to Champagne.
Prosecco Food Pairing
Because of its slightly sweet and fruity profile, Prosecco pairs beautifully with:
●Cured meats like prosciutto
●Fruit-based appetizers (e.g. melon, figs)
●Asian dishes like Pad Thai or sushi
●Soft cheeses, salads, and light pastas
It’s a great match for brunch, picnics, and casual gatherings.
Price & Accessibility
●A good entry-level Prosecco usually costs under $20, making it a value-friendly alternative to Champagne.
●High-quality Prosecco comes from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG area, often labeled Superiore.
How to Serve & Storage Presecco
Chill to the Right Temperature
Serve Prosecco at 38–45°F (3–7°C)
Chill in the wine fridge for 3 hours or use an ice bucket for 20–30 minutes
Choose the Right Glass
Use a tulip-shaped glass or a white wine glass
Open Gently
Remove the foil and loosen the cage.
Hold the cork and twist the bottle slowly.
Let it release with a soft "sigh," not a pop.
Pour Carefully
Tilt the glass at a 45° angle.
Fill just halfway to enjoy the aroma.
Storage skill
Prosecco is best enjoyed young and fresh.
Once opened, use a sparkling wine stopper and wine fridge, finish within 1–2 days.
