About Brut

About Brut
Brut is a term that defines dryness levels in sparkling wines; it is most famously used for Champagne, but it is a common term used around the world for most sparkers.

While Brut means "dry" for all intents and purposes, it can actually be off-dry or even lightly sweet. The definition of Brut for Champagne is between 0-12 grams of residual sugar, so Brut actually describes a range of sensations.

No matter how dry a Brut sparkling wine actually is in technical terms, it is generally dry enough to serve at the dinner table with most foods.

Top Picks for Brut

King Estate 2018 Estate Grown Méthod Champenoise Brut Cuvée Willamette Valley
92 points
$40
Ploughman's lunch in a bottle with orchard fruit, berries, and brioche flavors playing off a hint of earthy cheese flavors.
Hansen-Lauer 2020 Sekt Riesling Brut Mosel
92 points
$27
Zippy acidity with lively aromatics make this a natural pairing with spicy and complex south east Asian cuisine or rich pork dishes.
Bricoleur Vineyards NV Flying By The Seat Of Our Pants Brut Sparkling Wine North Coast
92 points
$45
Dry, mature-seeming California sparkler moonlighting in the style of Blanc de Noir Champagne.
Awards: 2022 Best Brut
Stubbs Vineyard 2018 Method Champenoise Brut North Coast
91 points
$80
A complex sipper with layers of fruit and autolytic character building to a long and luxurious finish.
Lawer Estates NV Brut Reserve Sparkling Wine California
91 points
$22
A bright creamy, bubbly sparkling full of rich, traditional method flavors.
Domaine Carneros 2019 Méthode Traditionnelle Brut Sparkling Wine Carneros
90 points
$36
A very well crafted New World sparkler with loads of fruit, vibrant acidity, and a pleasant lingering minerality on the finish.
Robert Hall 2021 Cavern Select Traditional Method Grenache Blanc
90 points
$40
A lovely aperitif with nice citrus zest and floral aromatics.
Mumm Napa 2015 DVX Methode Traditionnelle Napa Valley
90 points
$75
Smells and tastes like an older vintage Champagne that is still very very good but best to consume now.
JFJ NV Brut Champagne California
89 points
$10
Best Buy
A bright and bubbly sipper with an abundance of orchard fruits and a zesty citrus finish.
89 points $10 Best Buy
Barefoot Bubbly NV Brut Cuvee California
88 points
$9.99
Best Buy
A tasty, snappy, bubbly that refreshes the palate with lively fruit flavors.
88 points $9.99 Best Buy