champagne

The next time you pop the cork on a bottle of Champagne, will you be sipping a sweet wine or an extra dry one? Knowing the difference between Brut Champagne and Extra-Dry Champagne will allow you to choose the wine that’s perfect for any meal or occasion.

What Is Brut Champagne?

The word Brut is French for “dry” which means that Brut Champagne is a dry, sparkling wine. There are actually several different levels of Brut Champagne, each distinguished by the sweetness and acidity embodied in the wine. Brut Nature or Brut Zero Champagne is the driest and most acidic of the Bruts, followed by Extra Brut and Brut Champagne. 

Because of it

If you’re preparing for a dinner party or elegant event, a bright and festive wine is probably on your list.

But what’s the difference between sparkling wine and champagne? Or are they the same thing?

While sparkling wine and champagne are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two drinks, and you don't want to use the wrong term around a wine specialist.

Here’s everything you need to know about the two drinks and how they differ.

Sparkling Wine vs. Champagne—What’s the Difference?

Sparkling wine is an umbrella term, and champagne is included under that umbrella. In other words, all champagnes are sparkling wines, though it is only one of many types of sparkling wines. For example, prosecco, cremant, and cava are also types of sparkling wines.

Champagne