Champagne, Prosecco, Cava…all Fizz but what’s the difference?

There are many different producers of Champagne, Cava and Prosecco, but what is the difference? 

Difference No. 1

Prosecco is from Italy, Champagne is from France and Cava is from Spain.

Difference No. 2

Prosecco is a Grape, Champagne is a Region and Cava is a ‘Denominacion de Origen’ (see my blog entry about the meaning of  AOC as that is the French equivalent).

Difference No. 3

Champagne is really expensive.

Difference No. 4

Both Champagne and Cava are made using ‘Champenoise traditional method’ and the bubbles are generated as a result of a second fermentation which occurs in the bottle once it is corked.  Prosecco, on the other hand, undergoes its second fermentation in the tank and is bottled afterwards.

So, do I keep it safe or can I drink it?

Champagne and Cava alike can be laid down for some time, but only if they are ‘Vintage’, ‘Non-Vintage’ (NV) should be drunk young.  The good news about Prosecco is it’s made to be drunk young, so get stuck in!  In fact in Italy they sell it in cans just like coke or lemonade.

I hope you fell a little more enlightened about the differences and enjoy your bubbles all the more with your new found knowledge!