Is sparkling same as Champagne?

Have you ever wondered how sparkling wine differs from champagne? Now, it can be a bit confusing understanding these fun drinks and what makes them so unique, which is where Anveena comes in to explain all the cool things about them.

Sparkling wine is an exhilarating beverage, fermented from grapes. These grapes are able to thrive in many parts of the world including Spain and Italy where weather and soil conditions are favourable. However, all champagne is a very special type of bottle of sparkling wine. It can only be produced in the Champagne region of France, where they make this fancy beverage. Three types of grapes are used to make champagne: Chardonnay (light and fruity), Pinot Noir (rich and flavorful) and Pinot Meunier (which adds a unique flavor to the blend).

The Magic of Bubbles

A lot of people believe that champagne and sparkling wines are one in the same, but that is incorrect. The difference between the two is huge. The main difference is that, with champagne, there is a special process — a second fermentation in the bottle. So, back to how being a sparkling wine means that once you have made the wine, you bottle it and then ferment some more. This special step is what forms the bubbles that we all love so much. Bubbles are what make champagne and sparkling wine so much fun to drink.

Styles of Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine and champagne can taste very different from each other, and one big reason for this is how much sugar they contain. Sparkling wines fall into various styles depending on the level of sugar added. Brut: The driest style of sparkling wine as it contains very little sugar. The sweetest bottle of sparkling wine is Doux. Extra Brut, Brut Nature, Sec and Demi-Sec are other types based on sweetness level. These provide you with a loom to choose from.

The carbonation we see in sparkling wine and champagne is the result of a process called carbonation. This occurs at the time of fermentation when carbon dioxide gas gets trapped in the bottle. These drinks are bubbly because gas builds up from fermentation, and bubbles are formed.

Do All Sparkling Wines Count as Champagne?

Now you may be thinking, aren’t all bubbly wines Champagne? The answer is no. Not all sparkling wines are permitted to bear the name champagne. The two types also differ a lot on price. Champagne is traditionally considered to be a luxury beverage, and ranges high on the price list compared with many other sparkling wines. This is due to the fact that producing champagne is a unique process that requires considerable time and effort.

If you are looking to try a sparkling wine bottles and you don't want to break the bank, Prosecco is a great place to start. It is slightly sweeter than champagne and it is made in Italy. Most everyone loves a fun, fruity bottle of bubbly Prosecco, and one with affordable style makes a great one.

How to Serve Champagne and Sparkling Wine

Now you know that not all bubble wines are champagne. It’s also crucial to learn how to properly serve champagne and sparkling wines. Fun fact: There are special glasses made just for these drinks. Champagne flutes are tall, narrow glasses that allow the bubbles not to escape too quickly. They are created to emphasize the bubbles and show off the distinctive flavor of the wine. And they look super fancy, making every occasion feel more special. 

Coupes, which are wide-bowled glasses, on the other hand, aren't great for sparkling wines. They might look nice and are fashionable in classic flicks, but their wide shape lets the bubbles to disperse very quickly. That also means your bubbly beverage can go flat before you’ve finished enjoying it.

So young readers, you now know that sparkling wine and champagne are different because of where it is from, what it is made from and how much it will cost. When you have the opportunity to drink champagne, make sure to drink it from the appropriate vessel. This knowledge will enhance your enjoyment of the bubbles and flavors. Here’s to getting to know these bubbly beverages.