What does "brut" indicate in sparkling wine?

"Brut" is a term that indicates a specific style of sparkling wine characterized by having low sugar content, making it typically dry. The term comes from French wine terminology and is commonly used to describe the sweetness level in sparkling wines, especially Champagne. Specifically, a sparkling wine labeled as "brut" typically contains less than 12 grams of residual sugar per liter, which results in a crisp and refreshing profile.

This distinction is important for wine enthusiasts and consumers as it helps to set expectations regarding the sweetness and overall flavor profile of the wine. Sparkling wines can come in various sweetness levels—from "brut nature," which has no added sugar, to "doux," which is quite sweet. Understanding these terms allows consumers to make informed choices based on their personal taste preferences or the food they plan to pair with the wine.