What Is the Difference Between Champagne and Prosecco?
The simple answer to the question ‘what is the difference between Champagne and Prosecco?’ is that Champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France, while Prosecco hails from Northeast Italy— specifically the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. But the story goes beyond just regions. International standards play an important role in helping assure the safety and quality of these sparkling wines.
Champagne Production: AOP Rules & Méthode Champenoise
Champagne is a sparkling wine exclusively produced in the Champagne region of France, and its name is protected by a strict set of rules. Known as Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP), these regulations specify the exact geographical area where Champagne can be produced, the grape varieties used (mainly Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay), and the traditional production methods required.
This controlled method of production is called Méthode Champenoise (also known as Traditional Method), which involves a secondary fermentation inside the bottle to create its signature bubbles. The process includes careful maturation, hand riddling, and disgorging. The use of this specific method is one of the things that sets Champagne apart from Prosecco.
Prosecco Production: Charmat Method & DOC Regulations
On the other hand, Prosecco is a sparkling wine that hails from the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in Italy. While both Champagne and Prosecco are sparkling, the key difference lies in the production method. Prosecco is made using the Charmat method (also known as the tank method), which involves fermenting the wine in large pressurized tanks, as opposed to the individual bottles used in Champagne production. This results in a fresher, fruitier style of wine with less complexity compared to Champagne’s more structured taste.
Unlike Champagne, Prosecco is not bound to a specific set of grape varieties, though Glera is the primary grape used. The Italian wine is also governed by its own set of rules and regulations, such as Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), which protect its origin and quality.
The Role of ISO Standards in Sparkling Wine Production
Various international standards can influence the production and tasting of Champagne and Prosecco. These international standards cover various aspects of production, quality management, and safety of sparkling wines, helping assure the integrity and enjoyment of the product for consumers.
ISO 3591:1977 — Wine-Tasting Glass
ISO 3591:1977 outlines the shape and dimensions of the standardized universal wine-tasting glass, which is designed to concentrate the aromas of the wine. This is important when tasting Champagne or Prosecco, as both wines are known for their effervescence, and the right glass can help enhance the sensory experience.
ISO 4710:2000 — Sparkling Wine Corks
ISO 4710:2000 sets the physical and mechanical requirements for corks used in sparkling wines, assuring that they can withstand the high pressure from the carbonation inside the bottle. For both Champagne and Prosecco, the cork needs to be strong enough to contain the pressure but also allow for easy removal when opening.
You can learn more about ISO 4710:2000 in our blog post, ISO 4710:2000 — Cylindrical Cork Stoppers for Sparkling Wine.
ISO 22000:2018 — Food Safety Management
The production of sparkling wine involves numerous processes, from the vineyard to the final bottle. The ISO 22000:2018 standard for food safety management ensures that wineries follow strict hygiene and safety practices to prevent contamination during production. By adhering ISO 22000:2018, wineries can guarantee that their products are safe for consumption and meet international safety standards.
You can learn more about ISO 22000:2018 in our blog post, Changes to ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) Requirements.
ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management Systems
Producers of both Champagne and Prosecco can hold ISO 9001:2015 certification, which is a global standard for quality management systems. This certification assures that the winery follows consistent procedures for production, quality control, and continuous improvement. Holding the ISO 9001:2015 certification means that the producer has committed to maintaining high-quality standards and has processes in place to monitor and improve their product over time.
You can learn more about ISO 9001:2015 in our blog post, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Standard.
Champagne and Prosecco: International Standards Assure Quality
While the differences between Champagne and Prosecco are rooted in their geography, production methods, and specific regulations like AOP and DOCG, international standards help assure the safety, quality, and consistency of both sparkling wines.
