What is the Difference Between Prosecco and Champagne?

The quick answer would be that one is from France and the other from Italy, but… there are some other things to know about both wines.

Essential when celebrating any event, sparkling wines are directly linked to the spirit of celebration. However, although their characteristic bubbles make them easily recognizable, would you know how to distinguish the difference between Prosecco and Champagne?

At first, it is important to highlight the origin of the grapes with which they are made, since this is one of the most notable differences between them. While Prosecco comes from the Glera grape or “Prosecco grape,” harvested in the Italian regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venice-Giulia, Champagne has a different style, since its main raw material are grapes grown and harvested in the Champagne region, northeast of France. The usual typology of these is Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

On the other hand, the production method is another point of difference between Prosecco vs. Champagne. The “Charmat Method,” with which Prosecco is made, is one in which the drink is placed in a sealed stainless-steel tank and pressurized to undergo a second fermentation, thus releasing carbon dioxide in the form of natural bubbles. Different is the "Méthode Champenoise," in which the second natural fermentation takes place in the same bottle. By carrying out this second fermentation, the carbon dioxide produced by the yeasts is not lost to the environment and is integrated with the liquid, creating that creamy sensation that wines made by this method have.

Also, for many consumers, it is important to know about the calories in champagne vs. prosecco and how much sugar each of these beverages has. The standard measure of Prosecco generates 121 calories, while an equal measure of Champagne generates 128. This will depend on the label consumed: Brut, Extra Dry and Dry, in the case of Prosecco, and Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Sec, Sec, Demi Sec and Doux, in the case of champagne.

However, today there is the possibility of enjoying Prosecco without worrying about the latter. With Prosecco Zero, it is possible to taste the full flavor but without sugar. How? While an average bottle of Prosecco has between 25 and 30 grams of sugar, Prosecco Zero only has 2.8! Therefore, it is possible to continue enjoying its unbeatable flavor and maintain the body’s well-being. There are no more excuses for not having a good time with the company of a Prosecco.