One of the remarkable aspects of Champagne is its diverse range of styles, spanning from bone dry to subtly sweet. At Champagne Lallier, we have honed our expertise in crafting Champagnes that allow the terroir to express itself while showcasing the Lallier signature style, and predominantly cater to those who appreciate the drier side of the spectrum.
The key to achieving varying degrees of dryness lies mostly in the dosage, a carefully calculated addition of sugar and wine (liqueur d’expédition or dosage liqueur) at the end of the winemaking process that determines the final level of sweetness of the Champagne. This crucial step allows us to craft Champagnes that range from the bracing dryness of our Brut Nature, with no addition of sugar, to the perfectly balanced sweetness of our Brut.
Levels of Champagne’s Sweetness
The diversity of Champagne’s sweetness levels offers a delightful range of choices for any occasion and palate.
While Champagnes used to offer higher levels of sweetness in the past, in recent decades these levels have decreased. At Champagne Lallier, our range is concentrated on the drier side of the dosage scale—such as our Brut Nature, Extra Brut and Brut cuvées—to highlight the expression of the terroir as much as possible.
Dosage, the precise addition of sugar and wine back into the bottle after disgorgement, is a critical step in shaping the final character of our Champagnes. While some other producers prefer sweeter styles, our expertise lies in crafting Champagnes on the drier side of the dosage scale: Brut Nature, Extra Brut and Brut.
Brut Nature
The pinnacle of dryness, Brut Nature (also known as zero dosage or no dosage) contains zero to three grams of sugar per liter, offering the purest expression of Champagne. Lallier Brut Nature has a balanced and forthright profile, offering an intense initial impression with subtle acidity. A pleasant salinity further enhances its aromatic persistence. Enjoy the purity of Brut Nature as an aperitif, on its own, or paired with oysters and seafood such as langoustine and scallops.
Extra Brut
An Extra Brut Champagne contains zero to six grams of added sugar per liter. Similar to Brut Nature, the sweetness is barely perceptible, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a dry and crisp Champagne. Thanks to the light addition of dosage, an Extra Brut Champagne usually offers a delicate softness, pairing with a broader range of beautiful dishes. Our Ouvrage, with its mere four grams of sugar per liter, exemplifies this style’s elegance and balance.
Brut
The most common and versatile style, Brut contains up to 12 grams of sugar per liter. This subtle sweetness harmonizes with the wine’s acidity, creating a balanced experience. A Brut Champagne pairs effortlessly with a wide range of dishes, from seafood to poultry and even richer fare. Examples from our range include Lallier Blanc de Blancs, Réflexion R.019, Lallier Blanc de Noirs, Millésimé 2014 and Lallier Rosé.
Extra Sec
Sometimes called extra dry, this style is slightly sweeter than Brut, containing 12 to 17 grams of sugar per liter.
Sec
Sec, or dry Champagne, with 17 to 32 grams of sugar per liter, ventures further into the sweeter realm. While still considered dry by Champagne standards, it exhibits a noticeable sweetness that complements desserts and richer dishes.
Demi-Sec
Demi-Sec, meaning “half dry,” is the most popular of the sweeter Champagnes. With 32 to 50 grams of sugar per liter, it offers a pronounced sweetness.
Doux
Doux, the sweetest Champagne classification, is a rarity in today’s market. With over 50 grams of sugar per liter, it’s a decadent treat best enjoyed on its own or paired with rich desserts.
At Champagne Lallier, we invite you to explore our range of beautifully balanced Champagnes and discover the perfect expression to suit your palate.