Difference Between Brut & Champagne

There are numerous types of alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, whiskey, rum, and tequila, among others. Within each of these categories, there are many subtypes that can be confusing for those who do not regularly consume them but partake in social drinking at parties and gatherings. Brut and Champagne are two subtypes of wine that often create confusion, as they appear identical, with any differences lying in their taste.

Champagne

Champagne is a highly esteemed sparkling wine made from specific grape varieties like Pinot and Chardonnay, which are grown in designated plots in the Champagne region of France. Although similar clear wines are made in other European and American countries using different grape varieties, they cannot be called Champagne. Champagne enthusiasts can recognize the wine’s unique and distinct flavor by its aroma alone. The sparkling effect of Champagne when the cork is removed and the drink is poured into a dry glass results from the addition of carbon dioxide gas during the secondary stage of fermentation.

Brut

Champagne has been produced in France since the 17th century. In the 19th century, sugar was added for the first time to make the drink sweet, which not only appealed to people’s tastes but also allowed manufacturers to hide flaws in the production process or the quality of the grapes used. While Russians preferred the sweetest Champagne with lots of sugar, Americans and the English favored it as dry with minimal sugar content. This less sugary Champagne was initially called demi-sec, meaning half-dry. The popularity of this less sugary Champagne led more manufacturers to produce sparkling wines with even less sugar, called more or extra dry. In 1846, the first sparkling wine without any added sugar was introduced, initially called brute due to its severe taste. Later, this style was renamed Brut, and this extra dry sparkling wine is now one of the most popular forms of Champagne.

Key Takeaways

• Champagne is made from specific grape varieties grown in the Champagne region of France, while Brut is an extra dry sparkling wine without added sugar.
• The dryness of Champagne reflects the amount of sugar in it, with extra dry Champagne being called Brut.
• The initial name for dry Champagne was brute, reflecting the severe taste of the wine.