Moxie Vino

Brut vs Extra Dry: what's the difference?

Despite the name, Extra Dry sparkling wine is sweeter than Brut: Brut has up to 12 grams of sugar per liter and tastes crisp, while Extra Dry has about 12–17 and tastes softer and fruitier, so pick Brut for food and mimosas and Extra Dry for sipping on its own.

Brut
Extra Dry

This is the most confusing label in wine, and it's not your fault. The sweetness words on sparkling wine were set ages ago when everything was sweeter, so "Extra Dry" really means "a little sweet" today. The difference is small, but you can taste it.

Side by side

BrutExtra Dry
SweetnessDrierA touch sweeter
Sugar per liter0–12 gramsAbout 12–17 grams
Tastes likeCrisp, tart, cleanRounder, softer, more fruit
Where you see itMost Champagne, Cava and many ProseccosLots of Prosecco and American sparklers
Best withOysters, fried food, mimosasSipping solo, fruit, spicy food
Sweeter than bothDry (Sec) and Demi-SecDry (Sec) and Demi-Sec

When to pick Brut

Pick Brut when you are pairing with food, mixing mimosas, or you like your bubbles crisp rather than fruity.

  • Mionetto Prosecco Brut

    about $13

    GleraGood buy

    A crisp Prosecco that leaves room for the orange juice. Easy mimosa bottle.

  • Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut

    about $11

    Macabeo, Xarel-lo and ParelladaGood buy

    The black bottle. Bone-dry-ish Spanish Cava for about ten dollars.

  • Korbel Brut

    about $13

    Sparkling blendIt's fine

    A reliable California sparkler that is easy to find in any grocery store.

When to pick Extra Dry

Pick Extra Dry when you will drink the bubbles on their own and like a softer, fruitier glass.

  • La Marca Prosecco

    about $16

    GleraGood buy

    Labeled Extra Dry, and that hint of sweetness is a big part of why it is so popular.

  • Korbel Extra Dry

    about $13

    Sparkling blend

    Korbel's sweeter sibling. Try it side by side with the Brut and you will taste the difference instantly.

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Last checked 2026-10-04.