Champagne is a white sparkling wine which is often associated with festive and joyous occasions. Sparkling wine can be called “Champagne” if it comes from the Champagne region of France. There are several types of Champagne but the most popular ones are the Brut and Extra Dry. These two kinds of Champagne are both characterized by their sour taste. Some might even say that they’re both a little bitter. However, they also differ in certain aspects. Continue reading this article to find out their differences between Brut and Extra Dry Champagne.
Summary Table
| Brut Champagne | Extra Dry Champagne |
| Fruity | Sweet |
| Ideal as aperitifs or appetizer drinks | Best for happy-hour buffets |
| Contains less than ½ teaspoon sugar per 5 oz/150 ml serving or 1.5% sugar | Has an equivalent of ½–¾ teaspoon sugar per 5 oz/150 ml serving or 2% sugar |
Definitions
Brut Champagne is the most common type of Champagne. The word Brut means “raw” or “dry” in French. It has a fruity and fresh characteristic, with a lively level of acidity. This alcoholic beverage has a 1.5% sugar content which is equivalent to less than ½ teaspoon per 5 oz/150 ml serving. It is a good aperitif or an appetizer drink and is best served with raw or fried fish and shellfish.
Extra Dry Champagne is an alcoholic beverage that has a fresh and moderately sweet taste. This champagne has 2% sugar content which is equivalent to ½–¾ teaspoon per 5 oz/150 ml serving. It is the perfect drink for happy-hour buffets.
Brut Champagne vs Extra Dry Champagne
The main difference between Brut Champagne and Extra Dry Champagne is in the sugar content or level of sweetness. Brut Champagne has 1.5% sugar content, equivalent to less than ½ teaspoon per 5 oz/150 ml serving, while Extra Dry Champagne has 2% sugar content, equivalent to ½–¾ teaspoon per 5 oz/150 ml serving. Even though Extra Dry Champagne is named as such, it is still moderately sweeter than Brut.
Moreover, Extra Dry Champagne tastes less sour than Brut. It is best served during happy-hour buffets due to the freshness and moderate sweetness of the drink. The fruity taste of Brut, on the other hand, makes it a good drink to take before meals in order to stimulate one’s appetite.
