Sparkling Wine Vs Champagne: What’s The Difference?

Unlike Champagne, sparkling wine is made all over the world, with examples including Prosecco from Italy and Cava from Spain, per Food & Wine. Both Prosecco and Cava are produced using different grape varietals than Champagne, Glera, and Macabeu, respectively. Moreover, Cava is manufactured in tanks, as opposed to Champagne’s in-bottle fermentation process.

A number of sparkling wines are produced in the U.S. as well, in areas such as Napa and Sonoma. Southern Living notes that some American-made sparkling wines even use the same grapes and traditional method as Champagne, but because they are not produced in the Champagne region of France, designating these products as Champagne is technically a misnomer. Champagne and sparkling wines also possess unique flavor characteristics and distinct aromas deriving from their varying soils and climate. Each has its own sense of place that contributes to its nuances in taste and mouthfeel. 

Affordability is another difference. Sparkling wines like Prosecco and Cava are generally lighter on your wallet than Champagne, which is more expensive due to its labor-intensive production method. In an interview with Mashed, Eataly Las Vegas General Manager of Beverage Marshall Altier said one reason Prosecco is increasing in popularity is it is “a bit more approachable from a price standpoint,” compared to Champagne.

If you have a taste for Champagne but a Walmart budget, remember that you don’t have to break the bank to find a delicious sparkling wine.