Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine made from Glera grapes, produced mainly in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. It differs from champagne in grape, region and production method, which is why it tastes lighter and costs less.
For anyone buying sparkling wine for a bar, shop or event, the distinction is commercial as much as it is technical.
What is prosecco?
Prosecco is a protected-origin Italian sparkling wine made predominantly from the Glera grape. Its bubbles are produced in a pressurised tank rather than in the individual bottle.
That tank method — the Charmat or Martinotti method — is faster and cheaper than bottle fermentation, and it preserves the fresh, floral, pear-and-apple character that defines the style.
What is the difference between prosecco and champagne?
Champagne is made in the Champagne region of France from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with a second fermentation in the bottle. Prosecco is Italian, made from Glera, with a second fermentation in tank.
| Prosecco | Champagne | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Veneto & Friuli, Italy | Champagne, France |
| Main grape | Glera | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier |
| Second fermentation | In tank | In bottle |
| Typical character | Light, floral, pear and apple | Toasty, brioche, citrus |
| Typical trade price | Lower | Higher |
What about cava?
Cava is Spanish and, like champagne, undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle. It often delivers champagne-style character at a price closer to prosecco.
For venues wanting bottle-fermented complexity without champagne pricing, cava is usually the answer — and it is frequently the smarter listing on a by-the-glass menu.
What do prosecco labels mean?
DOC covers the broad production area; DOCG marks the stricter hillside zones of Conegliano Valdobbiadene and Asolo. Brut, Extra Dry and Dry describe sweetness, with Brut the driest despite the naming.
The Extra Dry naming confuses customers and staff alike. Extra Dry is sweeter than Brut — worth covering in staff training if you list both.
Which should you stock?
Stock prosecco for volume and by-the-glass service, champagne for celebration and premium listings. Most venues carry both plus a cava or sparkling rosé.
Prosecco turns faster and forgives a lower price point; champagne earns margin on occasion-led sales.
Buying sparkling wine wholesale
We supply wholesale sparkling wine and wholesale champagne in bulk to trade buyers, alongside our full wholesale wine range.
Request a trade quote with the labels and case quantities you need.