Guide to Champagne and Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wine and Champagne are two names for the same thing–kind of. Both are wines that contain carbon dioxide bubbles, which is what gives them their sparkly nature. However, sparkling wine can be made from many different types of grapes from all over the world and there are several different styles. Champagne is a very specific type of sparkling wine—if you ask the French.

This guide will tell you everything there is to know about these popular libations, including what differentiates them, where the different varieties come from, how they’re made, how to pick some good ones, some fun drink recipes, the right way to pair a bottle with food, and even the correct way to open a bottle to get the most out of it. Cheers!

Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine

What's the difference between these two seemingly similar beverages? Well, for starters, Champagne is a specific region in France. Sparkling wine is a general term used to describe any wine with bubbles.

So, while Champagne is made from grapes grown only in Champagne, France, sparkling wines come from all over the world and multiple types of grapes. 

Chances are you've probably heard of both types of wines before—who hasn't heard of prosecco? If you're feeling confused about what type of bubbly drink to try next time you are out on the town or want to celebrate a special moment, here's a guide to help you choose!

What is Champagne?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. In the United States, people often use "Champagne" to refer to all sparkling wines made in a method similar enough to the Champagne that comes exclusively from France. France has gotten 115 other countries to respect its name-claim that "Champagne" must be a product that comes exclusively from the region of Champagne-Ardenne. 

Even in France, to qualify as "Champagne," a wine must be made from grapes grown within this region and undergo secondary fermentation in bottles under pressure before being aged for at least three years in cellars where the temperature stays between 50°F (10°C) and 60°F (15°C).

The most common grape varieties used are Pinot Noir (for its light color), Pinot Meunier (for its body), and Chardonnay (for aroma).

What is Sparkling Wine?

A sparkling wine is a wine that has been bottled with a secondary fermentation that creates carbon dioxide bubbles. These wines are made in many countries worldwide. France is by far the leading exporter of sparkling wines, followed by Italy, Spain, Germany, Australia, and then the US. Sparkling wines are made from red, white, and black grapes.

Flavor Profiles

Champagne comes in a variety of styles, and the differences are determined by how much residual sugar it contains. For example, Brut Champagne has a higher level of acidity and less residual sugar than Doux (also known as Dolce) Champagne.

The driest style of Champagne is Brut, which means it has the least residual sugar (less than six g/L). These wines are very dry—so much so that some people prefer to describe them as "bone-dry" or "extra dry."

This term can also be used for other wines from around the world that have similar qualities:

• Extra Dry Sherry
  This type of wine is drier than most sherry styles because it's aged for less time in oak barrels before being bottled and sold as an extra dry sherry product; this gives it more oxidative characteristics with fewer fruity notes compared to regular fino and manzanilla sherries.
• Bruto (Italian)
  A young Tuscan red wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes with lower alcohol content than typical Tuscan reds.
• Vin Brut Nature (French)
  This term refers to sparkling wines made without any dosage after fermentation ends.
• Extra Brut Natural Champagnes
  These are produced either by Charmat method or in the bottle but not subjected to dosage during their first year after disgorgement; these wines must be labeled "Brut NV" instead of just NV.

Champagne Recipes

Mimosas can turn a little brunch into a wonderful afternoon and there are plenty of other ways to dress up champagne and other sparkling wines too. Here are some recipes to try with your bubbly friends.

Sparkling Wines by Appellation of Origin

Many parts of the world have sparkling wines worth bragging about. Here’s a rundown of some you should consider trying for yourself.

Sparkling wines are a treat for all the senses if enjoyed correctly. Of course you understand the smell and taste component, and the bubbles tickle our tongues and throats in just the right way, but it’s the audible signal that can really start the experience off with a pop! 

That requires opening a bottle correctly. This video from Haskell’s Chairman and CEO Jack Farrell explains the process. Remember to always make sure your bottle is well-chilled to begin with.

Sparkling wines are light but flavorful and pair well with many different types of foods. The bubbles help make finding a good match easier and the acidity of the wine helps add richness to buttery dishes. 

A good place to start is by serving sparkling wine with seafood or poultry. Try a sparkling rosé with salmon tartare, or a prosecco with some grilled chicken skewers. They also go well alongside cheese plates.

Serve bubbly at brunch! Sparkling wines are perfect for a brunch or lunch party because they're light enough that they won't weigh you down after a big meal, but they still have enough flavor to make them interesting.

Cut the alcohol content and heighten the flavor by going with mimosas at brunches. If you do this, remember that adding lemon juice will make the drink sweeter overall—so be careful about adding too much!

Try pairing bubbly with desserts! People don't think of pairing champagne with desserts often—but why not try? It might turn out to be your new go-to dessert wine!

And if you don't want everything sweet all the time (and who does?), then definitely consider pairing sparkling white wines such as rieslings or chenins blancs from France instead; these can work particularly well if served alongside cheese plates or other savory hors d'oeuvres because their acidity helps cleanse one's palate between bites.

Best Champagne Brands

So now that you know what to look for, it's time to discuss the best champagne brands. To start off, we recommend Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne, Dom Pérignon Vintage Brut Champagne, and Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne. 

Krug Grand Cuvee is worth every penny if you're looking for something a little more expensive and rare. The same is true for Bollinger Special Cuvée. These are both treats that are worth indulging on if your budget allows. Another great one from the top tier is  Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Methode Traditionelle Sparkling Wine.

A less expensive but still very high quality option is the Lanson Black Label Brut. An even more economical alternative is Korbel Extra Dry Sparkling Wine.

Best Sparkling Wine Brands