When it comes to sparkling wine, two names normally come to mind: Prosecco and Champagne.
They may look the same, but the similarities end there. They are both sparkling wines, but Prosecco and Champagne are entirely two different drinks that require specific glasses.
Here Is Why Prosecco and Champagne Need their Glasses:
Champagne and Prosecco are made from different grapes and undergo different fermentation processes. Champagne needs a flute to minimize its surface area and show off its sparkly characteristics. Prosecco needs wider glasses to open up its flavors and aroma made of highly-aromatic grapes.
What is the Difference Between Prosecco and Champagne Glasses?
Champagne originated in France and is made from Pinot Meunier, pinot noir, and chardonnay, fermented in a sealed bottle that creates the drink’s carbonation. Prosecco originated in Italy and is made from “glera” of Prosecco grapes, fermented in a steel tank.
Champagne glasses are normally called flutes. They have a tall and slim bowl, almost cylindrical. The shape and design of Champagne glasses let drinks stay at a colder temperature than the temperature within the room. Furthermore, the shape also helps create more bubbles for visual impact.
Prosecco glasses have a rounded base and body compared to Champagne flutes, and then it tapers at the top. It is shaped like a tulip. These glasses are slim at the base with a wide bowl that becomes narrow at the opening.
The shape of Prosecco glasses is made to limit carbonation from escaping. It also guides the aromas to the tongue rather than the nose, making for a better drinking experience. It has a wider base than Champagne flutes, but it is not as wide as regular wine glasses.
What Are Prosecco Glasses Primarily Used For?
Prosecco glasses are primarily used for serving Prosecco wine. They have a distinct shape and design that enhances the flavors and aromas of this sparkling wine.
Prosecco is best served in these glasses because the wider shape allows more air in the glass, thus fully opening up the aromas and flavors of Prosecco.
This enhances the drinking experience for Prosecco since the grapes that it is made of are very aromatic. It allows you to get a whiff of Prosecco before drinking it, thus engaging your other senses.
Do People Use Glasses Interchangeably?
Many people have used Champagne glasses for Prosecco, thinking they are the same kind of drink. This is a common misconception as they are both sparkling wines.
People have also used Prosecco glasses for Champagne, which is a part of this same misconception.
For casual gatherings and parties, most people would not tell. These are just wines, and their focus is mainly on the reason for the celebration or gathering. They would most likely not nitpick over the fact that Prosecco was used in a Champagne flute and vice-versa.
Only a wine connoisseur can notice the difference when these glasses are used interchangeably.
Can Prosecco be Served in Champagne Glasses?
Technically, Prosecco can be served in Champagne glasses, and most people would not mind.
However, it is not recommended as the shape of Champagne glasses is very limiting for Prosecco. One would not truly appreciate Prosecco if it is served in a flute.
Prosecco is very aromatic and needs to be in the appropriate glass to open its flavors and aromas fully. It makes for a better drinking experience.
Can You Use Prosecco Glasses for Champagne?
While Champagne glasses are not recommended for Prosecco, that is not true the other way around.
You can use a Prosecco glass for Champagne.
Since Champagne is a type of wine, its drinkers would benefit from being served in Prosecco glasses. A wider glass would enhance the flavor of Champagne, just like it would for any other wine.
Some people even say that Champagne is better served in a wine glass or Prosecco glass to improve the drinking experience. After all, the purpose of Champagne flutes is just for visual impact – to let more bubbles out.
What is the History Behind the Prosecco Glass?
Prosecco originated in Italy, with the first Prosecco vineyard dating to 1860. They were producing only red wine back then. In the early 1900s, they started the method for making Prosecco wine.
Outside of Italy, Prosecco is mostly served in Champagne glasses as most people think it is acceptable because these two sparkling wines look similar. The Italians believed that Prosecco was best served in wider glasses.
This is so you will smell its aromas, which allows you to taste it fully.
Between the two, it is best to get Prosecco glasses. If you are looking for a glass to buy for your home, hosting parties and entertaining, or even just for daily use, Prosecco glasses would be better.
Prosecco glasses are more versatile as they are great for serving both Prosecco and Champagne. Plus, they still have that classy and elegant look that you would want for formal gatherings.
Sources:
What Is the Difference Between Champagne and Prosecco?
This Is Why You Should Never Serve Prosecco in a Champagne Flute