Dosage in Champagne
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▲ How much sugar is in Champagne?
Dosage
Dosage literally means dosage and describes the sugar content of Champagne. When the bottle is finally corked (dégorgement), some Champagne is lost during the corking process. This is supplemented with a so-called dosage liqueur (liqueur d'expédition) , which consists of reserve wine with a small amount of sugar. The exact amount of sugar added depends on the Champagne producer and their taste.
The dosage of liqueur can influence the development of Champagne's flavors and aromas . If the producer wants to create a Champagne that remains as close to the original as possible, they add the most natural liqueur possible. This is done, for example, when the grapes are of exceptional quality, or when they want to represent a specific grape variety, vineyard, or vintage in their Champagne. Other producers use liqueur to express a particular style. For example, some maintain a fine collection of liqueurs, produced with special reserve wines, each containing a distinct set of aromas.
Several months before the disgorgement takes place, the liqueurs are thoroughly tasted several times, and ultimately, a decision is made as to which liqueur best suits the desired style. There are different categories that indicate the sugar content of a Champagne bottle. This must always be stated on the label. The dosage is expressed in grams of sugar per liter (not per bottle!).
Categories
Doux
≥ 50 grams per liter
To the average Champagne drinker, this type of Champagne will taste cloyingly sweet. But did you know that long ago, a minimum of 50 grams of added sugar per liter was quite normal? This enormous amount of sugar wasn't so much added because people liked it, but rather to mask unpleasant flavors and aromas. Of course, Champagne production techniques have improved enormously over time, and our tastes have changed as well. Nowadays, Champagnes with this dosage are virtually non-existent. Those that are available are often enjoyed with various garnishes and ice, and are more like cocktails than glasses of Champagne.
Example: Champagne Veuve Clicquot Rich
Demi-sec
32-50 grams per liter
Demi-sec Champagne is back; consumption is rising. These Champagnes generally taste sweeter than dry and are enjoyed with dessert, for example. These varieties can also be enjoyed with ice and garnishes.
Example: Champagne Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial
Sec
17-32 grams per liter
"Dry" is the literal translation of the word "dry." These Champagnes are generally somewhere between dry and sweet.
Example: Champagne Taittinger Nocturne Sec
Extra sec or extra dry
12-17 grams per liter
Extra sec or extra dry does not mean that these Champagnes are extra dry, but rather extra dry compared to regular sec.
Example: Champagne Pommery Falltime Extra Dry
Gross
< 12 grams per liter
About 80% of Champagnes fall into the Brut category and are the most widely consumed type of Champagne. The liqueur is generally used to create a beautifully balanced blend. Non-vintage Brut Champagnes often have a higher dosage than, for example, a vintage Brut. Why? A non-vintage Champagne is generally younger than a vintage Champagne and "needs" more sugar to round out its fresh and slightly tart aromas. A Champagne that has been cellared longer has more time to develop these fresh and mineral aromas into more rounded ones. Therefore, these varieties often have a lower dosage.
Example: Champagne Boutrop Brut Tradition
Extra brut
< 6 grams per liter
A Champagne that has been produced and consumed more frequently in recent years. This development coincides with a change in lifestyle and taste. While you might expect these Champagnes to taste more acidic and fresh, this is certainly not always the case!
Example: Champagne La Villesenière Les Cuteries
Brut Nature, Brut Zero, Zero Dosage
< 3 grams per liter
These Champagnes often have a distinct minerality. They are the closest to "natural" Champagne and best represent the specific grape varieties, the vintage, or the vineyard. Note: the dosage can be zero, but Champagne usually contains some residual sugar.
Example: Champagne William Saintot Meunier de mes Grands-Pères
Are you a fan of dry wines, sweeter ones, or perhaps you're completely undecided? There's a Champagne for every taste. Try it! That's the only way to discover your own personal taste. At Selected by Dronk, you can create your own package. This way, you can try one (or more) of each variety! Perfect for a tasting session.