Champagne or Prosecco: the difference and which to choose

Champagne and Prosecco get mixed up all the time: both sparkle and both sound great in a toast. They are different wines, though, and the right one depends on the occasion.

Where they come from

Champagne comes only from the Champagne region of France. Anything else, even made the same way, can't be called Champagne.

Prosecco comes from north-east Italy, mostly from the Glera grape.

How they're made

The key difference is the second fermentation, the one that creates the bubbles:

• Champagne: the second fermentation happens in the bottle, and the wine ages for a long time on its lees. That gives fine, small bubbles and notes of brioche, toast and nuts.
• Prosecco: the fermentation happens in large tanks. The wine is fruitier and lighter: green apple, pear, flowers.

Taste and price

Champagne is more complex, drier and more "serious". Prosecco is simpler, fresher and usually 2 to 3 times cheaper.

Which to choose

• Brunch, parties, cocktails: Prosecco. You can pour it generously, and it's perfect for mimosas and spritzes.
• A toast, an anniversary, a gift: Champagne. This is when the label matters too.
• Both: the classic for big celebrations. Champagne for the first toast, Prosecco after that.

How to serve

Chill to 6-8 °C. Open the bottle quietly, holding the cork and tilting the neck, with no shot at the ceiling. Pour into a narrow flute or a tulip glass so the bubbles last longer.

Hosting at home? See the Dubai brunch guide. All our bubbles are in Champagne & sparkling.