Original French champagne is expensive, so high-quality and affordable sparkling wines have long been on the heels of an elite analogue. In recent years, Italian prosecco has been wildly popular not only in Europe, but also in Ukraine. the site understands how much and how exactly it differs from real champagne.
General information
Champagne
Champagne is a sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region (France), near the city of Reims, 130 km northeast of Paris. It is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. The method of production - "Méthode Champenoise", where the process of filling the product with carbon dioxide occurs naturally, by secondary fermentation in the bottle and then aging in a horizontal position for at least nine months - is very expensive, hence the price - from $40 per bottle. The calorie content of brut champagne is usually 128 kcal, the fortress is 12%.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a sparkling wine that is produced in the Veneto region (Italy), near the city of Treviso, 24 km north of Venice. It is made from the grape variety of the same name, but recently, by law, the name "Prosecco" can only refer to wine, and the grape variety has returned its historical name - Glera. Produced by the "Sharma" method, when the secondary fermentation is carried out in sealed tanks, after which the wine is bottled under pressure into individual bottles. This greatly reduces the cost of production, so a bottle of good prosecco costs between $12-14. Calorie content is usually 121 kcal, fortress - 11%.
Aroma
Champagne
In the production of champagne, yeast is used (it is due to this that the champagne process occurs), so notes of toasted bread or biscuit are often present in the aroma. In aged champagne, you can catch the aromas of almonds, orange peel and white cherries. Since the bottles are kept under high pressure, the champagne bubbles are "sharp" and long lasting.
Prosecco
The aroma of prosecco tends to have fruity and floral notes. The wine is aged in larger tanks under less pressure, so the bubbles of prosecco are not as "persistent" and the wine itself is more frothy. In the aroma of more refined proseccos, there are notes of tropical fruits, banana cream, hazelnuts, vanilla, honey and honeysuckle.
Gastronomic combinations
Champagne
Since most champagnes have an intense dry flavor and high acidity, they pair well with shellfish, fresh and pickled vegetables, and crunchy fried snacks.
Prosecco
Prosecco has a sweeter taste, so it goes well with Italian sausages and fruits, such as melon wrapped in prosciutto. Also perfect with Asian cuisine - Chinese noodles, spicy-sweet salads and sushi.
Very often, alcoholic beverages are named after the main of the ingredients that make up their composition. The same applies to Prosecco sparkling wine.
Initially, this was the name of the grape variety from which this alcoholic drink was made. Over time, the raw materials for its manufacture were renamed, and The grape variety Glera was born, and Prosecco became the name of the wine itself.
Prosecco is a delicious sparkling wine made in Italy.
More about what it is:
- It always has a white color and a complex, rich aroma.
- Such an alcoholic drink is made not only from the Glera grape variety.
- Raw materials of such varieties as Pererr, Verdisa, Bianchetta are also often used.
- Today, Prosecco is produced in two Italian regions - Venice and Freuli-Venezia Giulia.
- In total, 9 factories for the production of this dry wine are currently operating.
The color of this alcohol is almost always pale, one might even say white, with light, literally invisible golden notes.
Kinds
Prosecco is not just the name of a single type of sparkling wine, but rather the name of a whole group of such alcoholic beverages.
Reference! The classification of Prosecco is quite difficult to understand even today. The fact is that in 2009 a new classification of this alcohol was adopted, but some names remained the same.
Therefore, you need to carefully study the varieties of this dry sparkling wine in order to figure out how they differ from each other.
According to the degree of sparkling, this alcoholic drink is divided into three groups:
- Frizzante– alcohol with an average level of carbonation;
- Spumante- highly carbonated drink;
- Tranquillo- wine with virtually no gas bubbles.
Attention! Prosecco Tranquillo is produced in small quantities, the total volume of its production does not exceed five percent of the total production.
Such sparkling wine is not supplied to other countries, therefore it belongs to the category of little-known alcoholic beverages.
According to the degree of sweetness, Prosecco is also divided into three groups:
- Dry or ordinary dry wine differs from other types in its rich aroma of fresh tropical fruits. The sugar content in it ranges from seventeen to thirty grams per liter.
- Brut- the least sweet wine, the amount of sugar does not exceed twelve grams per liter. It is such an alcoholic drink in minimal quantities that people with diabetes can consume. It has a delicate citrus aroma with delicate notes of flowers.
- Extra dry This is the most famous type of Prosecco sparkling wine. The sugar content is from twelve to seventeen grams. It has an apple-pear aroma, a delicate aftertaste. Its sweetness is almost imperceptible in it.
The 2009 classification further subdivides Prosecco into three large groups depending on their quality level:
- IGT- These are sparkling wines that are made from vineyards that do not grow in the territory of two Italian provinces. Experienced sommeliers say that such alcohol has lower taste and aromatic qualities.
- DOC are sparkling wines that are made in one of these places: Treviso, Belluno, Padova, Vicenza, Gorizia, Venice, Trieste, Udine or Pordenone. At the same time, the grapes for the manufacture of such drinks must be grown in the same provinces.
- DOCG. This label has those wines that are made in Montello Colli Asolani and Conegliano Valdobbiadene.
If we build a pyramid of quality for all these varieties of Prosecco, then the first place will go to DOCG wines, the second step will go to DOC, and the third will be products with the IGT label.
Differences from champagne
Despite the strong similarity between sparkling wines of this brand and champagne, there are still significant differences between them:
- Champagne is made in France, in the province of Champagne. Prosecco is a product of the work of Italian winemakers.
- For the production of sparkling wines, Prosecco uses Glera grapes, while French wine can be made from berries such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier.
- The difference is in the secondary fermentation: in champagne it is carried out directly in the bottles, but Prosecco is fermented in steel tanks.
- The price of these two alcoholic drinks is also different, champagne is always more expensive.
- The production of modern champagne began in 1693, and Prosecco began to be produced in the original packaging only in 1868.
- There is a difference between these two alcoholic beverages in both caloric content and strength. So in champagne, on average, 12 degrees of strength and 128 calories per 100 g, and in sparkling wine, the alcohol content is about 11 revolutions, and the calorie content does not exceed 126 units per 100 ml.
- Do not forget about the pressure inside the bottles, for champagne it can reach 7 atmospheres, while for Prosecco it does not exceed 4 units.
As can be seen from this comparative analysis, the difference between these two alcoholic beverages is significant. That is why it is impossible to call sparkling dry wine Prosecco champagne.
Watch a video that explains how Prosecco differs from Champagne:
How to use correctly?
You can appreciate the true taste of Prosecco only if you use it in a very chilled state.
Important! The optimum temperature is up to seven degrees above zero. It is believed that it is in such a cold form that this alcohol fully reveals its aroma and delicate aftertaste.
Prosecco is a young sparkling wine. It is considered that the optimal age of this wine is two or three years. Although some bottles can be stored for up to seven years. Then, the true taste of this alcohol changes and becomes completely different.
- Drinking such alcohol is worth slowly, savoring every sip. With a short stay in the mouth, its taste only intensifies.
- It should be served in glasses with a thin stem., with a capacity of about 200 ml. At the same time, they should be filled either by 2/3, or without topping up to the top edge of two centimeters. Champagne glasses are best, but only those with thinner walls.
- Such alcohol should be served on the table either as an aperitif., or in general separately from food intake. Drinking Prosecco is not worth it, after a hearty meal, its true taste is drowned out by a preliminary plentiful meal.
In Italy, on the contrary, they try to use this sparkling wine separately from food, it is perfect for evening gatherings with friends.
If we talk about a snack, then it is best to serve with this drink:
- salty snacks;
- cheeses;
- light desserts;
- fish and seafood dishes;
- paste;
- fruit.
Still Prosecco wines go well not only with egg dishes, but also with various soups, especially prepared according to original Italian recipes.
Reference! You can drink such alcohol not only in its pure form, but also use it as the main ingredient for preparing a variety of refreshing cocktails. The taste of such en peaks is gentle, refreshing with a little sweetness.
How to distinguish from a fake?
Because of the unusual aroma and rich refreshing taste, as well as an affordable price. Now there are too many fakes of this drink on the market. Therefore, to be sure of its original origin.
You should choose products in accordance with certain rules:
- Original Prosecco wines are sold only in thick-walled dark green glass bottles, the capacity of one bottle is exactly 750 ml.
- The place of production is the main distinguishing feature, the real sparkling wine of this brand is produced only in Italy and in no other country in the world. It is important to consider the region in which it was made. A real manufacturer must indicate the specific place of manufacture and bottling of his alcohol.
- True Prosecco never contains any artificial ingredients, such as sulfur dioxide. Therefore, before buying it is very important to study what exactly the selected wine is made of. The grape varieties used must also be specified.
- Do not forget about the classification of these sparkling alcoholic drinks, each bottle must be labeled in the form of DOC, IGT or DOCG.
- Labeling also affects the price of real Prosecco. The most expensive will be DOCG wine, and the most affordable - IGT.
- The cork on the bottle will definitely be made only from natural materials. No plastic.
- If you slightly shake the corked bottle, then air bubbles should actively form in it.
- Original Prosecco is sold only in bottles with an excise stamp.
And don't forget that quality sparkling wine of this brand will not be sold in dubious stores. To purchase it, you should choose specialized outlets.
Real Prosecco is the perfect blend of taste, color and aroma of true Italian wine.
With the right use and choice of this alcoholic drink, it will surely surprise you with its unique and refreshing aftertaste, and will remain in your memory for a long time.
We continue our "sparkling" series of articles for beginner wine lovers. Next in line is the world's most popular prosecco (Prosecco) from Italy. It is no coincidence that this aperitif has become a frequenter of social parties and fashionable events: freshness, cheerful carelessness and fruity-floral aroma instantly captivate, and the play of bubbles and a slight bitterness in the aftertaste fascinate even more with each new sip.
First there were grapes
Italian sparkling Prosecco is made from the aromatic white Glera variety. Once the grape was called the same as wine - prosecco, but in 2009 it was renamed to glera, and the former name of the variety was given to the production zone, which occupies a vast territory in two northern Italian regions - Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. From that moment on, the word Prosecco is allowed to be called only sparkling wines produced in the wine-growing area of the same name, and not everywhere in Italy, as it was before.
Glera tends to produce sparkling wines with a fairly simple yet very pleasant fruity bouquet with hints of apple, apricot, white peach and rose. Unlike champagne, there are no notes of bread crust or pastries here, since the production technology of prosecco is fundamentally different.
Not champagne, but with bubbles
Sparkling Prosecco is produced using the Charmat method, which is more economical and faster than champagne technology. Its essence lies in the fact that the secondary fermentation, during which bubbles appear, does not occur in bottles, but in huge tanks. Just a few days later, the fermentation process is interrupted by a sharp cooling, and voila - sparkling wine is ready!
It is believed that the Italian Federico Martinotti invented the high-speed technology, and the Frenchman Eugene Sharma finalized and successfully patented it. Today, the simplified method is usually called Sharma, less commonly Martinotti-Sharma. By the way, about 90% of all sparkling wines in Italy are made in this way today.
Main varieties
The degree of sparkling prosecco can be different:
- spumante (sparkling);
- frizzante (effervescent, with a less pronounced play of bubbles);
- tranquillo (quiet).
Most of the variants are of the first and second type, but occasionally silent versions of the same name can also be found in Italy.
As for the degree of sweetness, it can also vary, but the most common sparkling proseccos are most often dry (Brut, Extra Dry, Dry), and fizzy specimens are sweet (Dolce, Amabile). Rare for the Prosecco zone, still wines are found both in dry and sweet versions (Secco and Amabile).
Special categories
The relatively young appellation (wine zone) Prosecco DOC covers a vast area of 20,000 hectares, which includes more prestigious parts: Prosecco di Treviso, Conegliano-Valdobbiadene (6,000 hectares) and Cartizze (107 hectares). The last two belong to the highest quality category according to the Italian classification - DOCG.
Sometimes you can also find the inscription Rive on the bottles, denoting prosecco from one vineyard, which corresponds to the French concept of cru. For this category, manual harvesting of grapes is mandatory, as well as an indication on the label of the year of harvest and the name of the hill on which the vineyard grows.
The delicate play of bubbles in the cru prosecco glasses is extremely reminiscent of the perlage of French champagne and other sparkling wines created according to the classical technology. And this is not surprising: samples of Rive can be aged on the lees for a long time.
Aperol syringe for everyone!
Perhaps Prosecco is the most common aperitif in Italy, and sparkling wine owes much of its popularity to the aperol-syringe cocktail, which began to be made in Venice and Verona, and then the fashion for it spread to all Italian bars. The basis of the cocktail is made up of three ingredients: Prosecco, Aperol orange liqueur and tonic. A glass with bright orange content in itself already creates a sunny mood in any weather. And it is decorated with an invariable slice of orange or red grapefruit.
What is the difference between champagne and prosecco? We read the material!
It is not good for us to confuse champagne and prosecco, especially if a good half of the bottle or the whole bottle has already been drunk. Although in reality, no one will be disappointed in your choice, as long as you hold a vessel full of bubbles in your hands.
Also be warned that it can be a little painful to tell the difference between champagne and prosecco, as there is actually a huge difference in production method, flavor profile and price. This is a basic and quite complete, but not exhaustive excursion into the world of the two most famous sparkling wines.
grape varieties
Champagne is made from strictly defined grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier (red grape varieties) and Chardonnay (white). Usually the three varieties are blended in equal proportions, and almost all base champagne wines include 2/3 red grapes and 1/3 chardonnay in their blend. If you have “blanc de blancs” or “blanc de noirs” in front of you, it means that you have the good fortune to enjoy one hundred percent chardonnay or a blend of two pinots in a glass.
In fact, Prosecco, like Champagne, can be made from different grape varieties such as Perera, Bianchetta, Verdiso, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. But the main variety is called Glera, very aromatic, it was bred during the reign of the Romans in Italy.
Production
We wrote in detail about the methods of production of champagne in, but here we will touch on the differences between the methods of champenois and charm.
Champagne is produced by the champenois method, which includes the process of primary fermentation in oak barrels and secondary fermentation in the bottle, adding dose (sugar) and prolonged contact of wine with yeast.
Prosecco, on the other hand, is produced according to the charm method, in which the secondary fermentation takes place in large stainless steel tanks, which leads to less contact of the wine with the yeast. And in this case, everything depends on the wine producer, who can add additional yeast and change the flavor profile. What is good about the charm method, you ask? Stainless steel containers keep fresh floral and peach aromas of the Glera variety. It is also a more rational and cheaper way of production, which in turn has a positive effect on the cost of wine.
blend
Despite the recent surge in popularity for small champagne houses and small producers who use only their own grapes and have full control over the entire production process, most of the champagne we drink is not the product of one vineyard or even several vineyards. Champagne is the result of a careful selection and blending of wines from any of the thousands (about 19,000) vineyards in the region. Major champagne houses select the wines they need, buy and blend them - and this is a key element in determining the final taste and character associated with any brand of champagne.
Perillage
Perillage in champagne is a must, and you will hardly run out of bubbles in your glass. This is what distinguishes it from other sparkling wines. Remember the story about how he suggested that he was feasting on the stars in a glass? And it was said for sure after the first sip, but we can say the same thing at the end of the bottle. Unlike champagne, which has always been associated with perillage and bubbles, prosecco was not always sparkling. Yes, now all the prosecco you find in liquor stores is sparkling: "spumante" or "frizzante". But until the 19th century, all prosecco was still wine, or "tranquillo".
Dose (sweetness)
Prosecco can be different depending on the sugar content, and the gradation here starts from Brut, Extra Dry to Dry (the last category, unsurprisingly, is the sweetest). Champagne is also divided into Brut, Extra Sec, Sec, Demi-Sec, Doux (which, thanks to French, simply translates as "sweet").
Taste and aroma
What does champagne taste like compared to prosecco? This question cannot be answered objectively. Not only because there is a huge variety of flavor profiles in both categories, but also because it is difficult and almost impossible to compare them in general. But there are a few things that stand out: in champagne, you will feel notes of fermentation, yeast, bread and brioche, butter and nuts, and sometimes even hay. Whereas Prosecco usually has slight yeasty tones, seducing us with its light floral and fruity profile.
Price
And this is the second important question. If price doesn't matter to you, you can skip this part. But for most of us, it would be good to know that the minimum cost of a basic champagne will be three times the cost of the most budget prosecco. After all, the cost of champagne is made up of an expensive method for the production of champenois, taste and the wild popularity of this drink.
cocktails
A large number of recipes involve sparkling wines of all kinds, and my friend, we are happy to drink such drinks! But champagne and prosecco are often confused in the recipes of some classic cocktails. At least two drinks are worth remembering: Bellini based on peach puree and prosecco, and French 75 based on gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar.
