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

Arnout Tamboer Jansz 2015 Methode Cap Classique Stellenbosch
94 points
$49
A delicious and serious sparkling wine showing the white and red fruits in balance with the lees aging while exhibiting racy citrus zest acidity.
Graham Beck NV Brut Western Cape
93 points
$25
Fine mousse with excellent acid and structure hold together the combination of citrus, orchard, and crisp red berry fruits that elevate this 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.
Sidewood 2016 Chloe Cuvée Brut Adelaide Hills
91 points
$30
A fresh introduction to New World sparkling wines with crisp acidity and ripe orchard fruit from beginning to end.
Angels & Cowboys NV Methode Traditionnelle Brut Sonoma County
91 points
$20
A very tasty New World sparkling wine with traditional sensibilities balancing citrus, floral, and citrus fruit against autolytic aromas and flavors.
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.
Lenz 2010 Recently Disgorged North Fork Of Long Island
90 points
$150
Youthful green apple and jasmine with an underlying brioche and marzipan base note that shows off the extended lees aging on a Brut that is still quite vibrant; a dry and toasty bright sparkler with subtle nuttiness.
King Estate 2019 Brut Cuvée Willamette Valley
90 points
$40
Red fruit forward on the nose with a lovely citrus brightness on the palate.
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.