Champagne dosage explained: from brut nature to doux
The essentials
- Dosage shows the sugar content of the champagne.
- Brut nature: under 3 g/L, no added sugar.
- Brut: under 12 g/L, the most common term.
- Demi-sec and doux are the sweetest.
The official terms
| Term | Sugar (g/L) |
|---|---|
| Brut nature | Under 3, no added sugar |
| Extra brut | 0 to 6 |
| Brut | Under 12 |
| Extra dry | 12 to 17 |
| Sec | 17 to 32 |
| Demi-sec | 32 to 50 |
| Doux | Over 50 |
Other terms to know
- Blanc de blancs: made only from white grapes, most often chardonnay.
- Blanc de noirs: made from black grapes, pinot noir and meunier.
- Vintage (millésimé): grapes from a single year, aged at least three years before release.
- Non-vintage: a blend of several years, aged at least fifteen months.
Reading a label
The label shows the dosage with the producer’s name and a professional code. Our guide to houses and growers explains the code, and the concierge can explain any term you do not know.
Frequently asked questions
Brut and extra brut, what is the difference?
Extra brut contains at most 6 g/L of sugar, brut under 12 g/L. Extra brut therefore tastes drier.
Sources
Plan your trip
The concierge builds an itinerary from your starting point, transport and wishes.
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