Brut, Extra Dry & Co – what the terms really mean

You've probably seen terms like "Brut," "Extra Dry," or even "Demi-Sec" on a sparkling wine label. It all sounds pretty dry—but what exactly does it mean? We'll shed some light on the matter and tell you why "Brut" and "Extra Dry" often cause confusion, and how much sugar actually ends up in the glass.

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The most important categories at a glance

Here are the most common terms you'll find for sparkling wine – from the driest to the sweetest style, including the sugar content per liter:

Dosage Zero / Brut Nature

0–3 g/l residual sugar | Pure and clear – nothing but pure fruit goes into the glass here. For fans of the absolutely dry.

Extra Brut

0–6 g/l residual sugar | Still very dry, but with a tiny bit more roundness. This is our "sparkling shrimp" with the silver label.

Brut

6–12 g/l residual sugar | The most popular category. Beautifully dry, lively, and balanced – always a winner! This is our "sparkling shrimp," a 6-time medal winner in both Brut and Brut Rosé.

Extra Dry

12–17 g/l residual sugar | Sounds dry, but tastes significantly fruitier and sweeter than "Brut." Especially popular with Prosecco, for example.

Dry

17–32 g/l residual sugar | Smooth and mellow on the palate. If you like it a little sweeter, this is the right choice.

Demi Sec

32–50 g/l residual sugar | For a sweet treat! Perfect for dessert or for sparkling, sweet moments.

Sweet / Sec

Over 50 g/l residual sugar | The ultimate sweetness – ideal for those who like it truly full-bodied.

The truth about Brut and Extra Dry

Here's the biggest surprise: "Extra Dry" sounds like the sparkling wine is particularly dry – but in fact, this category contains more sugar than a classic "Brut." It sounds paradoxical, but it's true! The reason: In the past, sparkling wines were generally significantly sweeter, which is why "Extra Dry" was considered particularly dry. Today, the opposite is true.

What does this mean for your enjoyment?

The choice of sparkling wine depends entirely on how dry or sweet you prefer it—and, of course, what you want to enjoy it with. "Brut" and "Extra Brut" are always a safe bet for those seeking freshness and elegance in their glass.

Our tip: Try, discover, enjoy!