Understanding Sweet Sparkling Wines

For many the holidays are just not complete without a sparkling wine to toast the season along with family and friends. While most wine enthusiasts are aware that only sparkling wines from the famed region of Champagne can actually go by that name many are unsure of anything beyond that.

Many sparkling wines are enjoyed for two reasons, the most obvious being of course the bubbles. But these wines are also enjoyed by many because of their sweet taste that pairs wells with many desserts. But to find out just how sweet a particular sparkling wine is you need to understand some terminology.

Brut is the way wine makers reference the sugar content in a bottle of sparkling wine and Champagne. When it is used as Brut Natural or Zero there is less than three grams of sugar per liter. For wines marked as Extra Brut the sugar content is less than six grams per liter. And for those that are just Brut there is less than 12 grams of sugar.

Knowing how much sugar is in the wine you are pouring makes it easier to match up what is in your Champagne glasses with the food you will be enjoying.

via Rhino Wino