Not all champagne tastes the same. A key difference lies in the amount of sugar added after the second fermentation – this is called dosage . It determines how dry or sweet your glass of champagne is.
What is dosage?
After the aging process, the producer adds a small amount of wine with sugar, the liqueur d'expédition . The amount of sugar in this liqueur determines the sweetness of the champagne.
The sweetness levels
From dry to sweet:
-
Brut Nature / Zero Dosage
No added sugar
< 3 g sugar per liter -
Extra Brut
Very dry
3–6 g/l -
Gross
Dry and most popular
6–12 g/l -
Extra Dry
Slightly sweeter than brut (misleading name)
12–17 g/l -
Sec
Semi-sweet
17–32 g/l -
Demi-Sec
Sweet, perfect with desserts
32–50 g/l -
Doux
Very sweet, almost dessert wine
> 50 g/l
What suits you?
- Fresh and sleek? Choose Brut or Brut Nature
- Looking for something rounder or more accessible? Go for Extra Dry
- Festive with cake or dessert? Try a Demi-Sec
-
Ultimate sweetness? Find the rare Doux
