How to choose a sparkling wine brut: 11 tips from the sommelier

Sparkling wine, like champagne, comes in different varieties. But of all the existing varieties, true connoisseurs prefer brut.

In other words, brut is a sparkling wine with a minimum sugar content, thanks to which the entire wine bouquet is fully revealed in the drink without interrupting the taste and aroma of grapes.

The history of the drink in brief

We owe the appearance of brut to the Frenchman Victor Lambert. He developed a new and unique fermentation technique in 1874. Thanks to which malic acid is transformed into lactic acid, which is the key basis for the production of brut.

This type of drink first appeared in 1876. There was no separate name for it yet, the sparkling drink appeared simply as a kind of classic with the lowest possible sugar content. The unusual novelty was to the taste of both the French and gourmets of other nationalities: the British, Italians, and Russians.

Today, "brut" is a globally recognized name that comes in several varieties:

1. Brut Nature / Zéro Dosage with a sugar content of 0 to 3 g/l

2. Extra Brut with a sugar content of 0 to 6 g/l

3. Brut with a sugar content of 0 to 12 g/l

Sparkling wine brut is especially popular among the ladies who take care of their figure. Because it is quite low in calories - only 64 kcal per 100 g of product.

What to look for when choosing a brut

Sparkling wine brut is practically impossible to counterfeit, as its low sugar content makes it difficult to hide unnatural ingredients added by unscrupulous producers or underground enterprises.

But sommeliers recommend paying attention to such details:

1. The first thing that should catch your eye is the inscription on the label - "brut".

2. It is important to choose sparkling wine, because on store shelves you can find cheap analogues - sparkling wine (carbonated wine), which is artificially saturated with carbon dioxide.

3. Pay attention to the cork, take a bottle only with a cork made of natural materials. This allows the sparkling drink to "breathe".

4. All labels should be glued on evenly, without any glue stains.

5. Carefully study the composition of the drink, it should contain only natural ingredients and a minimum sugar content.

6. Of course, the higher the price, the more guarantees that you are getting a quality product. If your budget is limited, choose a drink in the middle price category.

7. Buy sparkling wine in large supermarkets and specialized wine shops.

8. An excise stamp is required. The exception is drinks bought in the Duty Free zone.

9. Prefer beverages in dark glass bottles. Even if stored in improper conditions, the likelihood of loss of flavor is lower than in clear glass bottles.

10. When shaken, the empty space in the bottle should be filled with a uniform foam.

11. Use the Vivino app. It is enough to take a photo of the bottle, and you will immediately receive comments and an overall rating based on the rating from people who have already tried this drink. Download from Google Play и iTunes.

What Brut brands are worth paying attention to

If you want to enjoy a real brut but have a limited budget, we recommend taking a closer look at such brands as:

1. Maestro Brut (Badagoni, Georgia)

2. Bazaleti Brut (Bazaleti, Georgia)

3. Jaume Serra Cava Brut (Garcia Carrion, Spain)

4. Santero Brut (Santero, Italy)

5. Jaume Serra Brut Rosado (Garcia Carrion, Spain)

6. Cava Lacrima Baccus Brut (Lavernoya, Spain)

7. P.Chenet Brut (J.P.Chenet (France)

8. Cava Heretat de Lacrima Baccus Brut (Lavernoya, Spain)

9. Grandial Rose Brut (Les Grands Chais de France, France)

10. Martini Brut (Bacardi Martini, Italy).

Brut is best served as an aperitif, and can be complemented with meat snacks, not too sweet fruits or fruit juices.

And desserts can interrupt the true taste of sparkling brut and it is better to refrain from them.

Update: 31.12.2017

Category: Wine and Vermouth