Champagne vs Sparkling Wine: What’s the Difference?

Champagne is synonymous with celebrating, everybody wants to“Pop Champagne!”But can you pop Sparkling Wine instead? What exactly is the difference between champagne and sparkling wine?

Champagne is made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier (which are both black grapes) and Chardonnay (white grapes); all are cultivated in the Champagne region of France. Since 1927, only these three grape varieties have been allowed in the production of Champagne.  Only wines that meet the strict regulations and standards that have been maintained for centuries, can be called Champagne. 

Sparkling Wine, although it’s made using the same process as Champagne (which we’ll explain later), is not Champagne.  The only real difference between the two is where the grapes come from.  Champagne grapes come from Champagne France and Sparkling Wine grapes come from everywhere else, it’s really that simple. Although, America did not honor the Champagne labeling rules until 2006 (because America did not ratify the Treaty of Versailles after World War I). Any Sparkling Wine produced in America after 2006 cannot be called Champagne...sorry America. 

So the next time someone asks you if you want Champagne or Sparkling Wine, know the difference. Both will fill you up, make you burp, and give you a hangover. It’s been said that the smaller the bubbles, the better the flavor. If your unsure, check out the price tag, if it’s cheap...it will probably taste like it.  Ultimately, it’s really just a matter of taste, preference, and your wallet. 


Bottoms up!