Two sparkling wine glasses with visible bubbles, close-up
Guide · Champagne · 6 min read

Crémant, Prosecco or Champagne: What's the Difference

All three are served chilled and sparkle in the same type of glass, but their production method and aromatic profile have little in common.

Contents
In short: champagne and crémant share the same production method (the traditional method), which gives them a similar structure; prosecco uses a different method (tank method) that produces a fruitier, rounder profile, often at a more accessible price.
Comparison guide

A difference of method above all

Champagne and crémant are made using the traditional method (the same used in Champagne): the second fermentation, which creates the bubbles, happens directly in the bottle, over a fairly long period. Prosecco, meanwhile, uses the Charmat (tank) method: the second fermentation happens in a tank over a shorter period, producing lighter bubbles and a different aromatic profile.

Crémant: the closest to champagne

Made in France across several regions (Alsace, Loire, Burgundy, Jura...) using the same method as champagne, crémant often offers a structure and bubble finesse very close to it, at a generally more accessible price. It's the most serious alternative to champagne for anyone seeking a similar experience without the price tag.

Prosecco: fruitier and more affordable

Made in Italy, mainly in the Veneto region, prosecco leans on fresh fruit aromas (pear, green apple) and a rounder, more immediate character than champagne or crémant. Its bubbles, lighter due to the production method, pair well with a casual aperitif or a prosecco-based cocktail.

Good to know: none of these three can be called "champagne" outside the Champagne region of France — a legal protection that guarantees origin but says nothing about the relative quality of the three families.

When to choose one over the other

Champagne remains the reference choice for a milestone occasion or a gift. Crémant works perfectly for serving in quantity or more regular drinking, with quality close to champagne. Prosecco, finally, shines for a light aperitif, a brunch, or a sparkling cocktail, thanks to its fruity, accessible profile.

Browse our full collection of champagne glasses to serve crémant, prosecco and champagne the right way.

Our recommendations

Crown champagne glass
For all three
Crown Champagne Flute

An elegant 165 ml flute, suited to champagne as well as crémant or prosecco.

€15.90
Sillage champagne glass
The most generous
Sillage Champagne Flute

250 ml capacity, ideal for regularly serving crémant or prosecco.

€16.90
Royal champagne glass
The most compact
Royal Champagne Flute

A compact 148 ml format, perfect for a side-by-side tasting of all three sparkling wines.

€16.90
Three sparkling wine flutes lined up side by side
Champagne, crémant and prosecco are served in the same type of glass, despite their very different profiles.
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Frequently asked questions

Is crémant as good as champagne?
It uses the same production method and often offers very similar quality, at a generally more accessible price.
Why does prosecco taste different from champagne?
It uses a different, shorter production method (tank method), producing lighter bubbles and a fruitier profile.
Can crémant, prosecco and champagne be served in the same glass?
Yes, a classic champagne flute suits all three perfectly, even though their aromatic profiles differ.