Sparkling Wine Guide: Sparkling wines by sweetness scale
There’s something about sparkling wine that instantly feels celebratory. Whether it’s a casual brunch, a special occasion, or just a weekday evening, a glass of bubbly makes everything better. But not all sparkling wines are the same - there are different types, production methods, and regions that define each style.
Still wines are most commonly divided into two camps: dry and sweet. Sure, there’s some confusion regarding sugar-to-acid ratios and what constitutes “sweet” rather than “aromatic,” but overall, descriptors for still wine are fairly straightforward.
Bubbles, on the other hand, have a far more complex classification system. There are seven standard sweetness categories for sparkling wines and each class denotes subtle differences in aromas and flavor.
These varying sweetness levels come from the dosage or liqueur d’expedition, a mix of sugar and wine. This liquid is used to top off Champagne and other traditional method sparklers after riddling, when winemakers disgorge the lees (dead yeast cells) from the neck of the bottle.
The dosage mix can contain anywhere between 500 and 700 grams of sugar per liter, although just a teaspoon or so ends up in the bottle. The precise ratio of sweetener-to-wine varies according to the producer, region and desired outcome, among other factors.
- Brut Nature 0-3 g/L residual sugar (RS)
- Extra Brut 0-6 g/L RS
- Brut 0-12 g/L RS
- Extra Dry 12-17 g/L RS
- Dry 17-32 g/L RS
- Demi-sec 32-50 grams of sugar per litre
- Doux more than 50 grams of sugar per litre
Brut Nature / Pas Dose / Dosage Zero
Brut Nature wines are the driest of the bunch with less than three grams of sugar per liter. This category, which also includes the terms “Sauvage” and “Zero Dosage,” indicates that the wines contain only natural residual sugar with no dosage added to the bottle. In German Sekt, it is known as NaturHerb.
These wines are crisp, dry and refreshing with a very low sugar content. They pair well with oysters and raw seafood and can also cut through fattier dishes.
Extra Brut
Extra Brut (or Extra Herb in German Sekt) is the second driest level of sweetness, containing under six grams of residual sugar.
These wines pair well with tangy goat cheese, oysters or anything briny. However, they also work well “to cut through richer foods like mushroom bisque, ricotta gnudi or a fully loaded baked potato with bacon.
Brut
Brut is the most common style, but one of the most confusing. To be labeled a Brut wine, a sparkler must contain less than 12 grams per liter of sugar. That’s a broad range (and technically includes both Brut Nature and Extra Brut), so this popular category tends to vary widely in sweetness levels. For some producers, Brut wine can barely contain sugar, while others prefer to push the maximum amount of dosage. In German Sekt’s, the style is referred to as Herb.
This broad category has ability to pair through occasions. Because of the small hint of sugar, Brut wines can be drunk throughout the entire night without overpowering any dish - even fattier and richer dishes.
Extra Dry
Contrary to what its name suggests, Extra Dry is actually slightly sweeter than Brut. Also known as Extra Sec, wines at this level contain between 12 and 17 grams per liter. It has a touch more sweetness on the palate while still maintaining a refreshing acidity.
Extra Sec can still have the general perception of being mainly dry, while having a higher level of sugar presenting it as flesher and riper in style. In Spain, the category is called Extra Seco.
Sec
Sparkling wines labeled Sec contain between 17 and 31 grams per liter of residual sugar. This style is noticeably sweeter than Extra Dry, with a perceptible sweetness that balances the acidity. It is paired well with fruit-based desserts, light pastries or spicy dishes.
Sec translates to Seco in Spain. In Germany and Australia, sec is labeled as Trocken.
Demi-Sec
With wines labeled Demi-sec or Spanish Semi Seco, you can start to detect the texture of sugar on your tongue. Containing between 32 and 50 grams of sugar, one glass of demi-sec boasts as much sugar as a gin and tonic.
Doux / Sweet
This is the sweetest style of sparkling wine with the highest sugar content, usually over 50 grams per liter. It’s very sweet and is often used for special occasions and dessert pairings.
Doux sparkling wines are quite rare. So, make sure to pick up a bottle to try, if you’re lucky enough to spot one on a shelf.
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