Brut, Demi sec, Cuvee - Sorry Sir I’m Confused..

The lesson to today my champage toff followers continues on from my earlier posting on champage  lingo. I do hope you have embraced those expressions.  Now get those spectacles on when you next buy a bottle and listen up  so you avoid  buying a champagne that does not suite your pallete or champagne reception.

On the label of each champagne bottle, you’ll likely see one of the following words, phrases or combinations -  here is what they translate to in simple terms.

Brut Zero or Brut Savage - hmm horror - this is the sugar free versions of champage and are extremely dry, we’d avoid unless you are diabetic or allergic.

Brut - Toff’s this is your standard ‘dry’ champagne.

Extra Dry - misleading this one chaps, its actually a bit sweeter than Brut!

Demi sec - Unless you failed your 11+ my friends this translates to ‘half dry’ an easy drinking champage and a good choice for ‘medium wine’ style lovers.

Vintage Champagne - vintage, made from only best available grapes, harvested in a good ripening season and aged on its lees for at least 36 months - that’s double the non vintage minimum of 18 months. This guarantees a very special Champagne taste, which is richer, nuttier and more complex than non-vintage.

Cuvee - This one ladies and gents is a mix / blend of wines from different vats, often used to create a steady and drinkable house style.

Tags: champagne lingo, champagne taste