Champagne or Sparkling Wine – Which Is Right For Your Wedding?

Choosing the menu and the wine or Champagne choices for your wedding can be a bit confusing if you aren’t schooled in catering or an experienced sommelier. Most couples are concerned equally about their wedding budget and quality when it comes to choosing Champagne or sparkling wine for their event.

The simple answer to whether you should serve sparkling wine or Champagne comes down to a question of budget and the style that you are going for. Most couples opt to have a combination of both during their wedding. Champagne adds some class and pomp to your celebration and sparkling wine can ease your budgetary spending.

Champagne is a particular version of sparkling wine. Only those sparkling wines made from grapes grown in the Champagne region in France are called by this name. However, there is more to Champagne than just the name of the region where it is made. It’s helpful to discuss your choice with your caterer like the party planning experts at Landmark Event to choose what and when you will serve your guests. 

Is Sparkling Wine Just A Cheaper Version of Champagne?

True wine connoisseurs would laugh at the assumption that any sparkling wine could be considered Champagne. Although they are similar, there are some differences in how they are made. The process to create an excellent Champagne is much longer and more labor-intensive than regular sparkling wine.

Both go through a fermentation process, however, Champagne undergoes a second fermentation process that traps more of the bubbles in the bottle. This process known as asméthode Champenoise can take more than 40 months to complete. This extensive creation process is one of the reasons that true Champagnes are often more expensive than sparkling wine. 

Is Champagne From Other Countries Still Champagne?

Sparkling wines from anywhere outside of the specific region in France called Champagne are not, by law, permitted to be labeled as such. That doesn’t mean that you can’t get sparkling wine that uses the same methods from another region or country. In fact, sparkling wines or Champagnes from other countries may be a less expensive option for bridal couples.

Sparkling wines that are made in the same way as Champagne but are produced outside of the region of Champagne in France are often referred to as Mousseux or Cremant. In Italy, you can find a sparkling wine that is twice fermented in the style of Champagne that is called Prosecco.

What Kind Of Grapes Are Used In Champagne?

The traditional Champagnes of the specific region in France are made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Sparkling wines are made from a variety of grapes, allowing for a wider range of dryness and sweetness. For example, Prosecco sparkling wine is made from the native Italian Glera Grapes.

Is Champagne Only For Wedding Toasts?

If you are looking to save a bit of money on your budget, you may want to limit the amount of Champagne that you serve at your reception. Traditionally, Champagne or sparkling wine is served at the table in preparation for the wedding toasts. Talk to your caterer to arrange a timely pouring to guests so that they can participate in your toasts in style. For the rest of your wedding, it is okay to serve a more modest sparkling wine to guests. 

 

There are hundreds of details that go into planning the perfect wedding and reception. If you want to serve champagne and sparkling wine to your guests, talk with your planner about timing and costs. A properly timed serving of both beverages can treat your guests to a posh experience as they help you celebrate your wedding.