Champagne Categories
The Comite’ Champagne Is the French governing body for Champagne producers. They determine the categories of Champagne. Brut is the most popular category, making up over 90% of the market, according to the Bureau Du Champagne, USA. There are three sub-categories of brut and four categories sweeter than brut.
BRUT CHAMPAGNE
Brut Champagne has less than 12 grams per liter of residual sugar. There are three sub-categories of brut (extra brut, brut nature, and brut zero). Their dosage terminology is within the allowable brut residual sugar range.
Brut Zero - no sugar added
Brut Nature - less than 3 grams per liter of residual sugar
Extra Brut - 0 to 6 grams per liter of residual sugar
SWEET CHAMPAGNE
There are four categories that are sweeter than brut. Demi-sec is the most popular while doux (the sweetest) is scarce. Extra sec and sec can also be difficult to find. A list of sweet champagne brands can be found in our Sweet Champagne report.
Extra Sec - 12 to 17 grams per liter of residual sugar
Sec - 17 to 32 grams per liter of residual sugar
Demi-Sec - 32 to 50 grams per liter of residual sugar
Doux - more than 50 grams per liter of residual sugar
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