Champagne versus Sparkling Wine

Did you know that Champagne and sparkling wine is basically the same thing? What are the differences between the two?

The answer may come to a surprise. Most of us have taken for granted that all sparkling wines and champagnes aren’t the same thing, but the truth is, sparkling wine and champagne are very much a like. It is the region where the wine grapes are grown that makes the big difference.

In a nutshell, Champagne is a sparkling wine that comes from the Champagne region of France, while sparkling wine is just sparkling wine from everywhere else. Is there a real difference? To the French, yes, there is a big difference especially in the method of fermentation. Only an avid wine drinker can notice the difference. Just like any other wine, the dryness, the quality of the grapes, the nose, and the sweetness differentiate these wines.

Brands of sparkling wine are found anywhere ranging from $9 to $30 a bottle. This reason is due to availability and quantity. More and more people are going to these inexpensive wines, especially during a tight economy. Champagne however is limited and highly expensive ranging from $20 to $120 a bottle, like the 98 point 1996 Dom Perignon.

Why is Dom Perignon so expensive? It is expensive for the same reason Dolce & Gabbana is expensive, but seriously, Dom Perignon is expensive, because it is made with the finest Chardonnay grapes.

Someone pointed out that Champagne isn’t carbonated and sparkling wines are. I laughed when I heard that. In fact, all sparkling wines are prepared in a very similar fashion. The bubbles are formed during the fermentation process. During the second fermentation process, the winemaker adds sugar and yeast. These ingredients create the carbon dioxide that cause the trapped air bubbles to form inside the bottle. From this pressure is how the cork blasts from the bottle if opened in a certain way.

Does sparkling wine have more alcohol than none-sparking wines? No, in fact most sparkling wines have less alcohol, typically about 10 to 11 percent as compared to a red wine that typically has about 13 percent. Why do I get more drunk with sparkling wine than with other wines? The reason why people seem to get drunk with sparkling wines is the atmosphere. People who get drunk off of sparkling wine consume more, due to the occasion and the celebration. It may seem comical, but it’s so true.