Term
Dosage
doh-ZAHZH
The last sweetness in bubbles
The sugar (usually in wine) added after disgorgement in traditional-method sparkling. It sets Brut Nature through Doux and balances screaming acid.
Brut Nature / zéro is no added sugar. Extra Brut is a lick. Brut, the default, can still hold up to 12 g/L. Extra Dry is sweeter than Brut — a naming trap. Sec and Demi-Sec are dessert-adjacent.
A bone-dry Champagne with high acid can taste harsher than a Brut with 7 g/L. Dosage is seasoning, not a moral failing.
If a sparkling wine makes your eyes water, it may want a higher dosage — or food.
