What's the difference? By definition, all sparkling wine called "champagne" must come from the Champagne region of France (including the towns of Reims, Troyes, Charleville-Mezier and Chalons). No other sparkling wine can call themselves champagne. Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine as well as a specific grape grown in the Veneto region in northern Italy used to make it. It is Italy's answer to refreshing, well-made sparkling wine at a reasonable price. Most other sparkling wines are referred to as spumante or frizzante.
Ventians consider prosecco an ideal apperitivo or pick-me-up. I consider it the perfect celebratory bubbly! It is also delicious when combined with peach nectar to make Venice's most famous cocktail, the Bellini.
With that, I raise my glass of prosecco and toast: Happy New Year to you and yours!
