When it comes to comparing the dryness of Prosecco and Champagne, it's important to consider the sugar content in each. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that Champagne is generally a little drier than Prosecco.
Champagne is known for its dryness, with most bottles falling into the Extra Brut or Brut category. These terms refer to the sugar content in the wine. Extra Brut Champagne typically has less than 6 grams of sugar per litre, while Brut Champagne usually has less than 12 grams of sugar per litre. These low sugar levels contribute to the dryness and crispness that Champagne is known for.
On the other hand, Prosecco tends to be sweeter than Champagne. While there are dry versions of Prosecco available, it is more common to find Prosecco with a slightly higher sugar content. Prosecco is often categorized as Brut, Extra Dry, or Dry, with the sugar levels increasing in that order. Brut Prosecco can have up to 12 grams of sugar per litre, Extra Dry Prosecco can have up to 17 grams, and Dry Prosecco can have up to 32 grams. This means that Prosecco generally has a higher sugar content compared to Champagne.
Personal experience has also shown me that Prosecco tends to have a fruitier and sweeter flavor profile compared to Champagne. Prosecco often exhibits notes of ripe apples, pears, and peaches, which can contribute to its perceived sweetness. Champagne, on the other hand, offers a more complex and nuanced flavor profile with characteristics such as citrus, brioche, and mineral notes.
It's important to note that there are exceptions to these generalizations, as both Champagne and Prosecco come in a range of styles and sweetness levels. Some Champagne houses produce sweeter styles, such as Demi-Sec or Doux, which have higher sugar content. Similarly, there are drier styles of Prosecco available, such as Brut Nature or Extra Brut.
While there are variations within both Champagne and Prosecco, Champagne tends to be drier than Prosecco overall. Champagne is typically classified as Extra Brut or Brut, with lower sugar levels, while Prosecco often has a slightly higher sugar content and can be categorized as Brut, Extra Dry, or Dry. These differences in sugar content contribute to the perceived sweetness and flavor profiles of the two sparkling wines.