Hot Sunny Days – #Champagne or #Prosecco?

I’m sure that many who are given the choice between Prosecco or Champagne would opt for the latter. Let’s be honest, it has that all round superior profile, higher desirability and on most occasions more weighty on the price side of things. I know a fair few wine experts who simply will not engage at all with Prosecco, believing it to be unworthy of their attention and many consumers will see it has just the cheaper fizzy wine alternative to Champagne. So for hot sunny days, given the choice, there is only one winner, right… ?

Not so fast I say and yes I am a big fan of Prosecco, as I am Champagne, I see both styles of wines holding much appeal and suiting many occasions individually. Maybe Champagne has a greater aspirational pull and dare I say a far superior tasting experience, but Prosecco can box at the same weight level too and here’s why:

• Less alcohol than Champagne: Usually Champagne will be 12.5/13% alcohol per bottle whereas Prosecco will be 11/11.5%.
• Fruitier style: Made primarily with the Glera Grape, Prosecco takes on a much more freshly picked fruits and floral character over Champagne mostly down to it’s faster production method (Charmat). Prosecco tastes sweeter than Champagne due to its overall lighter body style.
• Price point / promotions: Prosecco is by far a cheaper sparkling wine solution over Champagne with prices starting from £5.99 at UK supermarkets and there is usually always a promotion running.
• Cocktails: Prosecco tends to suit easy to drink cocktail solutions better than Champagne.
• Styles: Prosecco has a variation of ‘bubbly’ styles for you to enjoy that is Spumante, Frizzante, and Tranquillo, with the latter being the still wine version.
• Food pairings: Prosecco is fantastic with a host of food types and especially lighter dishes such as salads, fish and white meats, though it can also pair well against BBQ and Asian foods too.

Where to find great Prosecco online? Try out Prosecco World.

Champagne nonetheless holds the more defined position of the two, the classic and elegant edge. An ice bucket with a bottle of Champagne in the summer sun will be bliss for many… It holds the refreshing acidic taste sensation yet still able to boast complex flavours to include yellow stone fruits, citrus, floral and, thanks to lees ageing, toasty / pastry too. Champagne is available at supermarkets these days from around £12.99 a bottle onwards so not too out of people’s weekly shopping spend budgets, there are famous cocktails made with it including the classic French 75. Lastly, Champagne pairs well with an array of fine gastronomic delights including oysters, caviar and even fish & chips!