How Many Sugars Are in a Glass of Champagne? The Definitive Guide

December 1, 2025 •

2 min read

A standard 5-ounce glass of Brut champagne, the most common type, contains less than 2 grams of sugar. However, the actual number of sugars in a glass of champagne can vary dramatically, depending entirely on its sweetness level, a factor determined by a winemaking process known as dosage.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in a glass of champagne varies based on its sweetness classification, from very dry Brut Nature to very sweet Doux. The final amount is determined during the dosage stage, impacting both flavor and caloric content.

Key Points

Dosage Varies: The amount of sugar in a glass of champagne is not fixed and depends on its sweetness level, determined by the dosage.
Brut is Most Common: Most popular styles, like Brut, contain less than 12g of sugar per liter, translating to less than 2 grams per typical glass.
Read the Label: Terms like Brut Nature, Extra Brut, and Doux indicate specific sugar ranges, so reading the label is key to knowing what you're drinking.
Dry Doesn't Always Mean Dry: Extra Dry champagne is actually sweeter than Brut, containing 12-17g/L, which can be confusing.
Pairings Matter: Sugar content influences food pairings, with dry champagnes excelling with savory foods and sweet ones with desserts.
Prosecco is Often Sweeter: Compared to champagne, Prosecco is often perceived as sweeter, even in comparable categories, due to different production methods.

The Champagne Sweetness Scale: Understanding Dosage

Champagne sweetness is determined by the dosage, a mixture of wine and sugar added before final corking. This process balances the wine's natural acidity. The amount of sugar added, measured in grams per liter (g/L), dictates the champagne's sweetness level, which is indicated on the label.

The Role of Dosage in Flavor

Dosage influences the flavor profile. Lower dosage champagnes (like Brut Nature) highlight the grape and terroir with a crisp, austere taste. Higher dosage increases fruit notes and creates a softer texture.

Decoding Champagne Labels: From Dry to Sweet

Champagne labels use specific terms to indicate sweetness based on sugar content per liter:

Brut Nature, Brut Zero, or Pas Dosé: 0–3 g/L. No added sugar; driest style.
Extra Brut: 0–6 g/L. Very dry with a slight softening from minimal sugar.
Brut: Less than 12 g/L. Most common, balanced dryness with a hint of sweetness.
Extra Dry: 12–17 g/L. Sweeter than Brut.
Sec (or Dry): 17–32 g/L. Noticeably sweet.
Demi-Sec: 32–50 g/L. Sweet, often paired with desserts.
Doux: More than 50 g/L. Sweetest style, now rare.

Comparison Table: Sugar Content by Champagne Type

Here is a comparison of sweetness levels for a standard 5-ounce (approx. 150ml) glass:


Sweetness Level	Sugar per Liter (g/L)	Approx. Sugar per Glass (g)	Teaspoons per Glass	Primary Tasting Note
Brut Nature	0–3	<0.45	<0.1	Austere, Crisp
Extra Brut	0–6	<0.9	<0.2	Very Dry, Mineral
Brut	<12	<1.8	<0.4	Balanced, Dry
Extra Dry	12–17	1.8–2.55	~0.5	Hint of Sweetness
Sec	17–32	2.55–4.8	~0.5–1	Noticeably Sweet
Demi-Sec	32–50	4.8–7.5	~1–1.5	Sweet, Lush
Doux	>50	>7.5	>1.5	Very Sweet, Dessert-like

How Sugar Levels Impact Flavor and Pairing

The sugar level in champagne affects its flavor and ideal food pairings. Dry champagnes like Brut Nature complement seafood or oysters, while Brut is more versatile. Sweeter Demi-Sec and Doux are best with desserts. Some 'Ice' champagnes are made sweeter to be served over ice. For lower sugar, choose Brut or Extra Brut.

The Difference Between Champagne and Other Sparkling Wines

Other sparkling wines like Prosecco have different sugar content characteristics and production methods. Prosecco can often taste sweeter than champagne in the same category, and its 'Extra Dry' can contain more sugar than 'Brut' Prosecco and even 'Extra Dry' Champagne.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Sweetness Level

The sugar in champagne varies based on the winemaker's chosen sweetness level, indicated by dosage and clearly labeled. Options range from the driest Brut Nature to the sweetest Doux. Understanding the dosage scale and label terms helps you choose a champagne that suits your taste and occasion. For official standards, you can refer to the Union des Maisons de Champagne. Ultimately, the ideal sugar level is a matter of personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

The driest type of champagne is Brut Nature (or Brut Zero), which has 0-3 grams of sugar per liter and no added sugar during the dosage process.

The sugar content is directly related to the caloric count. Dry champagnes like Brut Nature have fewer calories, while sweeter styles like Demi-Sec and Doux have higher caloric content due to more sugar.

Contrary to what the name suggests, Extra Dry champagne is actually sweeter than Brut. Extra Dry contains 12-17 grams of sugar per liter, whereas Brut has less than 12 grams.

No, champagne is not uniformly low in sugar. While popular styles like Brut are relatively low, sweeter varieties like Demi-Sec and Doux contain significantly more sugar.

Dosage is the final winemaking step where a small amount of wine and sugar is added to the bottle after fermentation. This determines the champagne's final sweetness level.

If you are looking for a low-sugar champagne, opt for a bottle labeled 'Brut Nature' or 'Extra Brut.' These have the lowest amount of residual sugar.

Prosecco is generally considered sweeter than champagne, even in the same classification. For instance, Brut Prosecco often tastes sweeter than Brut champagne.