What do weddings, celebrations, and the bell chime of the New Year all have in common? A bottle of bubbly. No matter what the festivity is, we instantly want to pop open a bottle of sparkling wine – or is it champagne? These terms are often used interchangeably, but the true question is this: is there really a difference between champagne and sparkling wine? They’re the same, aren’t they? Not quite. There are actually 3 big factors that set champagne and sparkling wines apart. Learn all about them below!

True Champagne Comes from France

In order for sparkling wine to be classified as champagne, it must be made and bottled in the Champagne region of France, which lies east of Paris. What makes this particular region nestled in the country’s northeastern corner so special? In short, everything. The region holds a natural advantage over the entire world; its climate is wet and cool, and the soil is rich in minerals, making it the perfect birthplace for acidic grapes that are needed for champagne.

Only Certain Grapes Will Do

In addition to the location, champagne is also made with only a few types of grapes, all of which are grown in the rich soil of the Champagne region. Although 7 distinct grapes can be used, the most widely used grapes include pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay. These grapes are often blended together to create a unique complexity, body, and aroma, giving champagne a distinct, delicious taste and a refreshing effervescence.

The Fermentation Process Differs as Well

Unlike other wines, champagne is run through an entire gauntlet of rigid rules and regulations to become the delectable bubbly you now sip from your flute. To make champagne, it must go through a laborious process called Méthode Champenoise or “the Traditional Method.” To start, grapes must all be hand-picked and immediately pressed – only twice – in a covered environment. The juice is blended together and placed in cellars.

After that comes the most important step in the entire process: the second fermentation, which takes place in the bottle itself! Here, carbon dioxide is created and captured within the bottle, which carbonates the wine. This time-consuming process gives champagne that yeasty character and crisp acidity that we all know and love.

So Then, What is Sparkling Wine?

Essentially, it is a carbonated wine. Think prosecco, cava, and sekt. And yes, champagne is also a sparkling wine; however, as you now know, not all sparkling wine is champagne. If a wine is made but is missing one of the three crucial stipulations – even if it’s created a few miles outside of the Champagne region – you have a sparkling wine on your hands, not champagne.

The Takeaway

If your bottle of wine adhered to the Traditional Method in Champagne and was made with grapes from the Champagne region, then you know you’re drinking champagne. But remember this: whether you’re sipping sparkling wine or savoring a glass of champagne, you’re enjoying one of the most versatile wines in the world. From breakfast to dinner, from spicy cuisines to a decadent dessert and everything in between, sparkling wines play well with just about any type of dish.

As the French say, “La vie est trop courte pour boire du mauvais vin,” meaning: “Life is too short to drink bad wine.” We at Chaumette Vineyards & Winery take this to heart and supply a fresh and diverse portfolio of Missouri wines. Order a bottle to see for yourself or join our wine club today!