PROSECCO VS. CHAMPAGNE
What's the difference between Prosecco and Champagne? Both are beloved sparkling wines, but they come from different regions, are made with different grapes and production methods, and offer their own signature taste profiles—Prosecco is crisp, fruit-forward, and refreshing, while Champagne is creamy, nutty, and complex.
Sparkling wine is unmistakably special, and when comparing these two favorites, you'll discover many delightful differences. A quick peek at the when, where, and how behind each of these wines is all you'll need to select your next bottle of bubbly with confidence!
WHERE ARE PROSECCO AND CHAMPAGNE MADE?
Prosecco is a sparkling wine produced only in the Prosecco region of Italy, just a stone's throw away from Venice. This idyllic setting is made up of beautiful, green hillsides and gets lavish amounts of both rainfall and sunshine. La Marca Prosecco is crafted in the heart of Italy's Prosecco capital, Treviso.
Champagne is produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France, about 120 miles east of Paris. The Champagne region has a cool, moody climate and features a unique blend of rolling hills and lush forests.
HOW ARE PROSECCO AND CHAMPAGNE MADE?
Did you know that all sparkling wines start as a still (non-bubbly) wine? Prosecco is made from Glera grapes while Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. The signature bubbles in both wines are then achieved through a second round of fermentation. That's right—sparkling wine is so nice it's fermented twice!
It's here, in the second fermentation, where Prosecco and Champagne really begin to take different paths. Prosecco undergoes the Charmat Method (where bubbles are created in large tanks to preserve fresh, fruity aromas). While each of these methods allows the grapes and wine to taste their best, the Prosecco method also happens to be more efficient, allowing it to offer incredible taste with a more approachable price. Champagne is fermented inside the bottle using the traditional Méthode Champenoise (where bubbles develop slowly in each bottle, creating complex, toasty flavors).
HOW DOES PROSECCO TASTE COMPARED TO CHAMPAGNE?
While both Prosecco and Champagne are delicious in their own ways, they taste very different:
Prosecco:
• Crisp and refreshing
• Fruit-forward with notes of green apple, peach, and ripe lemon
• Delicate floral hints of honeysuckle
• Vivacious, abundant bubbles
Champagne:
• Creamy and nutty
• Yeasty aromas of baked brioche
• Fine, delicate bubbles
IS PROSECCO SWEETER THAN CHAMPAGNE?
Not necessarily—both Prosecco and Champagne come in a range of sweetness levels, from bone-dry to sweet. What often makes Prosecco taste sweeter is its fruit-forward character—those bright notes of green apple, juicy peach, and honeysuckle create a naturally inviting impression on the palate. La Marca Prosecco is crafted in the Extra Dry style, which offers a beautifully balanced touch of fruit and a crisp, refreshing finish.
WHEN SHOULD PROSECCO BE ENJOYED?
La Marca Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé are perfect for life's more spontaneous moments—brunch with friends, happy hour, or celebrating life's joyful moments big and small. From the sunny hills of Italy to your glass, La Marca Prosecco was made to bring joy to everyday moments. Bright and bubbly, it pairs beautifully with seafood, mild cheeses, rich pasta dishes, and decadent desserts. From a garden party to a casual night in, La Marca Prosecco is the easy and delightful choice for any gathering.
Champagne is an excellent choice for decidedly formal events but what you may not know is that La Marca offers a special Prosecco for those noteworthy moments as well! Icon by La Marca has the delicate bubbles and dry taste that one can find in Champagne while still carrying the crisp and refreshing notes we love about Prosecco.
Serving tip: For the most refreshing sipping experience, serve Prosecco well-chilled at 38-45°F.
QUICK TAKEAWAYS
• Origin: Prosecco hails from Treviso in Italy's Veneto region; Champagne comes from France.
• Grapes: Prosecco is made from Glera grapes; Champagne blends Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
• Production: Prosecco uses the Charmat Method for fresh, fruity flavors; Champagne uses bottle fermentation for complex, toasty notes.
• Taste: Prosecco is crisp, fruit-forward, and refreshing; Champagne is creamy, nutty, and yeasty.
• Occasions: Prosecco sparkles at everyday celebrations; Champagne shines at formal milestones
