There are eight sweetness levels for champagne. Brut is by far the most popular. There are three brut sub-levels. There are also four sweeter than brut levels available for certain occasions or for those who prefer a sweeter taste. Both the French and corresponding English terms are provided. This report applies to Champagne. Sparkling wine may vary.
Brut
Brut Nature Zero (no sugar added)
Brut Nature (less than 3 grams per liter)
Extra Brut (0 to 6 grams per liter)
Brut (less than 12 grams per liter)
Sweeter than brut
Extra Sec (Extra Dry) (12 to 17 grams per liter)
Sec (Dry) (17 to 32 grams per liter)
Demi-Sec (Medium Dry) (32 to 50 grams per liter)
Doux (Sweet) (more than 50 grams per liter)
Brut has no or very little detectable sweetness/sugar with less than 12 grams per liter of residual sugar. About 95% of champagne is brut. There are three sub-levels of brut (extra brut, brut nature, and brut nature zero). Their dosage is still within the brut sugar range. So, they are all still considered to be brut. Because the terminology overlaps the sub-levels of brut can be confusing. Pay attention to the dosage. It is the best indicator of how dry or sweet the Champagne is.
Brut nature zero is non-dosage with no residual sugar added. It is the dryest designation.
Brut nature is bone dry with less than 3 grams per liter of residual sugar.
Extra brut has no sweetness with 0 to 6 grams per liter of residual sugar.
Brut has less than 12 grams per liter of residual sugar.
There are four sweetness levels that are sweeter than brut. Demi-sec is the most popular while doux (the sweetest) is scarce. Extra sec and sec can be difficult to find.
A list of sweeter champagne brands can be found in our Sweet Champagne report.
Extra sec has some detectable sweetness/sugar with 12 to 17 grams per liter of residual sugar.
Sec has noticeable sweetness/sugar with 17 to 32 grams per liter of residual sugar.
Demi-sec is moderately sweet and not a true dessert wine. It has a dosage of 32 to 50 grams per liter of residual sugar.
Doux is very sweet (naturally soft in the mouth) with greater than 50 grams per liter of residual sugar. This style is difficult to find.