The Difference Between Champagne and Brut

As many of you will find, trying to separate sparkling wine and champagne is quite a challenge to say the least. This is due to the fact that there is not much difference between the two. Both are fizzy, both have a similar taste and generally both can be mistaken for the same drink. So what is the main difference between these two drinks besides the label?

Well the answer comes from where the drinks have been made. Champagne can only be called Champagne if it has been made in a certain region in France called Champagne. Surprisingly enough, this is mainly what separates the labels from sparkling wine to champagne. France has the only right to produce wine under this label, hence other producers must label the drink as sparkling wine.

Another difference with sparkling wine and Champagne is the process of how it is made. Champagne goes through a secondary fermentation process which is done inside the champagne bottle causing natural carbon dioxide gas to be trapped within the bottle, resulting in the bubbly effect. This differs from sparkling wines which do not go through this process. Instead ,the sparkling wine gets injected with CO2, resulting in a slight difference in the texture of both drinks.

But the main question still remains, can the taste be separated and identified or are they the same drink with a different label?

The answer is, yes they can, but there is only a slight difference in taste and texture. Champagne tends to be more bubbly and easier to drink due to the way the drink has been made. Sparkling wines will always vary in taste due to them being made all over the world, generally most people prefer Champagne.