Champagne vs Prosecco vs Australian Sparkling: What's the Difference?

Pop. Pour. Celebrate. But which bottle?

All three are sparkling wine. The differences are where the grapes grow, which grapes are used and how the bubbles are made.

Champagne

Only sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France can be called Champagne. It's made mainly from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier using the traditional method: a second fermentation happens inside each bottle, and the wine rests on its yeast for at least 15 months. That gives Champagne its fine bubbles and toasty, brioche-like notes.

Try: Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Ruinart and Bollinger.

Prosecco

Prosecco comes from north-east Italy and is made mostly from the Glera grape. The second fermentation usually happens in large pressurised tanks (the tank or Charmat method), which keeps the wine fresh, fruity and light — think green apple, pear and white flowers. It's the go-to for spritzes.

Try: Yarra Burn YB Prosecco, Alpha Box & Dice Tarot Prosecco, Bone Dry Prosecco or Italian Ruggeri Argeo Prosecco, or browse the sparkling range.

Australian sparkling

Australia makes excellent traditional-method sparkling, especially in cool regions like Tasmania and the Adelaide Hills, using the same grapes as Champagne. The best can rival Champagne at a friendlier price. Australia is also home to a uniquely local style: sparkling Shiraz.

Try: House of Arras Brut Elite, Jansz NV, Chandon Brut Rosé and Croser.

At a glance

• Champagne — France, bottle-fermented, toasty and complex. For big moments.
• Prosecco — Italy, tank-fermented, fresh and fruity. For spritzes and easy drinking.
• Australian sparkling — often bottle-fermented, cool-climate elegance. Great value.

FAQ

What does "Brut" mean?
Dry. From driest to sweetest: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Dry, Demi-Sec.

How cold should sparkling be?
Around 6–8°C. A couple of hours in the fridge or 20 minutes in an ice bucket.

What does NV mean?
Non-vintage: a blend of wines from several years for a consistent house style.

Delivered Australia-wide. Please enjoy responsibly — over 18s only.