The major difference between Champagne and Prosecco is as they say in real estate, “Location, location, location” Champagne is sparkling wine from the region of Champagne, France while Prosecco on the other hand is sparkling wine from the Veneto region in Italy. In other words, it’s not Champagne unless it’s from Champagne, France. Meaning all Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne.
In Addition to location, the other difference between the two is the way they are made. Champagne is fermented twice, with the second fermentation done in a bottle with addition of yeast and solids to provide the bubbles. Prosecco on the other end has a single fermentation process in a tank known as the Charmat method. With this method, bubbles are achieved altogether in a large stainless steel tank during fermentation.
Another difference between these two sparkling wines is in the way they taste. Since Champagne is fermented for a longer period of time, its flavors are citrus, white peach, cherry, almond and toast. Prosecco on the other hand has hints of green apple, honeydew, honeysuckle, pear and fresh cream. Prosecco also tends to be sweeter than Champagne.
