The Difference Between Champagne, Cava, Prosecco & Sparkling Wine
As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to raising a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate with family and friends. But with so many different types of bubbly to choose from, it can be challenging to know which one to pick. Is prosecco the same as sparkling wine? Is cava the same as Champagne? In this guide, we break down the differences between your favorite bubbles to help you make the perfect choice for your celebrations.
Champagne
While Champagne is a sparkling wine, not all sparkling wines can be called Champagne. Champagne must come from the Champagne region in France. Anything made outside of this area must legally be called “sparkling wine.” Champagne can be made from chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes. The process of making Champagne is complex and time-consuming, which is why you’ll normally see Champagne prices being the highest of all sparkling wines.
Champagne is produced using the traditional method, also known as méthode champenoise, where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle. This process contributes to the fine bubbles and rich flavors characteristic of Champagne, often described as having notes of brioche, toast and nuts, alongside a delicate minerality and citrus fruitiness.
Cava
Similar to Champagne, cava is a beautiful sparkling wine that is region specific. Most cava comes from the Penedès area of Catalonia, Spain, and is made from mostly native Spanish grapes, including macabeo, xarel·lo and parellada.
Cava is known for its flavors of toast and brioche, but it also boasts a lot of fruity pear and melon notes . While it shares the same production method as Champagne, cava tends to be more affordable, making it an excellent option for those who want quality bubbles without the higher price tag.
Prosecco
One of Italy’s most popular sparkling wines, prosecco is only made in the Veneto region of Italy. This wine is made from the glera grape and uses the “charmat” or tank method, meaning it goes through its secondary fermentation in a stainless steel tank, unlike cava and Champagne.
The charmat method results in a crisp, fresh, fruit-driven style of bubbly at a very affordable price. Prosecco is often enjoyed for its light, easy-drinking nature, with flavors of green apple, honeydew and pear, making it a popular choice for casual gatherings and celebratory toasts alike.
Sparkling Wine
This is a broad category used for all bubbly wines, including Champagne, cava and prosecco. A lot of wines that don’t come from the Catalan, Veneto or Champagne regions fall into the sparkling wine category, and the wine labels will denote that.
Sparkling wines can use a variety of production methods and grape varieties, leading to a wide range of flavors and styles. They offer an accessible entry point for those looking to explore sparkling wines without the regional restrictions of Champagne, cava and prosecco. One of our most popular California sparkling wines is produced by Chandon.
Various regions around the world contribute to the sparkling wine scene. Examples include Argyle Brut from Oregon, Jansz Brut Rosé from Australia, Chandon from California, and Domaine Nico from Argentina, each bringing a unique touch to the effervescent world of sparkling wine.
Understanding the differences between these sparkling wines can enhance your appreciation and selection for holiday celebrations. Whether you’re toasting with the elegance of Champagne, the affordability and quality of cava, or the fresh and fruity profile of prosecco, there’s a perfect bubbly for every occasion and every budget. Cheers to a sparkling New Year!
