Champagne Dosage Levels Explained
TLDR: Dosage is sugar added at disgorgement, measured in grams per liter. It sets sweetness. Pick the level that matches how dry or rich you want the wine to taste.
Jump to: Brut Nature | Extra Brut | Brut | Extra Dry | Sec | Demi Sec | Doux
| Level | Dosage g/L | Taste profile | Also called | Examples in stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brut Nature | 0 to 3 | Very dry, razor crisp. No added sugar. | Zero Dosage, Non Dosé | Laherte Freres Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature , Ruinart Blanc Singulier Champagne Brut Nature |
| Extra Brut | 0 to 6 | Very dry but a touch rounder than Brut Nature. | n/a | Egly Ouriet VP Extra Brut, Billecart Salmon Extra Brut 2009 |
| Brut | 0 to 12 | Dry. Balanced. Default pick for most foods and gifts. | n/a | Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, More Brut options |
| Extra Dry | 12 to 17 | Off dry. Slight sweetness. Rare as a Champagne label today. | Extra Sec | Often seasonal. Check availability. |
| Dry | 17 to 32 | Noticeable sweetness. Good with salty or spicy food. | Sec | Occasional releases. Ask if you need a Sec style. |
| Demi Sec | 32 to 50 | Off dry to sweet. Dessert friendly. Great with blue cheese and fruit tarts. | n/a | Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec, Moet Nectar Imperial Rose |
| Doux | 50+ | Sweet. Niche today. Serve well chilled or over ice as intended by some cuvees. | Rich, sometimes Ice styles | Veuve Clicquot Rich, Veuve Clicquot Rich Rose |
How to choose
- For gifts: choose Brut. Safe and versatile.
- For oyster bars and high acid dishes: Brut Nature or Extra Brut.
- For spicy or sweet courses: Demi Sec. Doux if you want fully sweet.
FAQ
What is dosage?
It is the measured sugar in the final wine after disgorgement. The number on the table is grams per liter.
Does lower dosage always mean drier taste?
Usually, but not always. High acidity and long lees aging can make low dosage wines feel rounder than the number suggests.
Is Extra Dry drier than Brut?
No. Extra Dry sits sweeter than Brut. The terms are historical.
Last updated: August 20, 2025
