Dosage (wine)

Dosage meaning in sparkling wine

Dosage refers to the critical final step in traditional method sparkling wine production where a measured amount of sugar, typically dissolved in wine called liqueur d’expédition, is added after disgorgement to determine the wine’s final sweetness level. This process allows winemakers to precisely control the residual sugar content, creating distinct style categories: Brut Nature (0-3 g/L sugar), Extra Brut (0-6 g/L), Brut (0-12 g/L), Extra Dry (12-17 g/L), Sec (17-32 g/L), Demi-Sec (32-50 g/L), and Doux (50+ g/L). The dosage also serves to top up the bottle after sediment removal and can include additional wine, brandy, or other approved ingredients to achieve desired flavor balance. Master winemakers carefully calibrate dosage recipes, often kept as closely guarded secrets, to complement the wine’s natural acidity and enhance its overall harmony. The timing and composition of dosage significantly influence the sparkling wine’s final character, mouthfeel, and aging potential, making it one of the most crucial decisions in sparkling wine production.