The sugar scale of sparkling wine
EU Regulation 2019/33, Annex III
EU law sets seven terms for the sugar content of sparkling wine, from Brut nature (under 3 g/L) to Doux (over 50 g/L).1 The label may differ from the measured sugar by no more than 3 g/L.1
Sugar calculator
Terms follow EU Regulation 2019/33. Where two terms overlap, the producer chooses one.
The seven terms
| Term | Sugar, g/L | In a 125 mL glass, g |
|---|---|---|
| Brut nature | < 3 | <0.4 |
| Extra brut | 0-6 | 0-0.75 |
| Brut | < 12 | <1.5 |
| Extra dry | 12-17 | 1.5-2.1 |
| Sec | 17-32 | 2.1-4 |
| Demi-sec | 32-50 | 4-6.25 |
| Doux | > 50 | >6.25 |
The grams per glass are our arithmetic: grams per litre multiplied by 0.125.
Overlaps
The ranges overlap at the dry end: a wine with 2 g/L may qualify as Brut nature, Extra brut and Brut. When two terms fit, the producer chooses only one.1 Brut nature is reserved for wines with no sugar added after the second fermentation.1
Where the sugar comes from
After disgorgement the bottle is topped up with a small amount of liqueur; its sugar sets the final sweetness. See dosage and liqueur d'expédition and the styles Brut nature (zero dosage) and Sweet sparkling: demi-sec and doux.
See also
Sources
- EUR-Lex. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (consolidated text), Articles 47, 48, 49, 53, 54 and Annex III Part A (2023-12-08)
- legislation.gov.uk (copy of EU OJ text). Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33, Annex III Part A (sugar-content terms for sparkling wines), original version as adopted (2018-10-17)
Facts checked on 2026-10-19