What is Brut or Prosecco?

Answered by Dustin Gorski

Brut is a term used to describe the dryness level of , including Prosecco. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that the term “brut” refers to a sparkling wine that has very little residual sugar, making it a dry style of wine. When you taste a brut, you may notice that it leaves your mouth feeling puckering or dry, as it lacks the sweetness commonly found in other sparkling wines.

Prosecco, a popular Italian sparkling wine, is often made in a brut style. It is produced primarily from the Glera grape variety in the Veneto region of Italy. Prosecco can be made in different sweetness levels, but brut is one of the most common and widely enjoyed styles.

To understand the dryness levels of Prosecco, it is important to know the different terms used. In addition to brut, there are two other common dryness levels: extra brut and brut nature. These terms are often used interchangeably and can vary depending on the producer or region.

Extra brut is another way of describing an extra dry Prosecco. It has even less residual sugar than a brut, resulting in a drier taste. If you prefer a sparkling wine with minimal sweetness, an extra brut Prosecco might be the perfect choice for you.

Brut nature is the driest of the dry Proseccos. It is essentially a bone-dry style with no added sugar, resulting in a crisp and refreshing taste. Brut nature Prosecco is ideal for those who prefer a very dry and clean sparkling wine.

When it comes to choosing a Prosecco, the sweetness level is a personal preference. Some people enjoy the fruitiness and slight sweetness of a Prosecco with more residual sugar, while others prefer the crispness and dryness of a brut or brut nature. It's all about finding the style that suits your taste buds.

As a sommelier, I have had the pleasure of tasting different styles of Prosecco and experiencing the range of flavors they offer. Each sip is like a journey, and it's fascinating to explore the nuances and characteristics of different sparkling wines.

Brut is a term used to describe the dryness level of sparkling wine, including Prosecco. It signifies a wine with little to no residual sugar, resulting in a dry taste. Prosecco can be made in different sweetness levels, with brut, extra brut, and brut nature being common styles. The choice between these styles ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired level of sweetness in the wine. So, if you're in the mood for a dry and refreshing sparkling wine, reach for a bottle of brut Prosecco and enjoy the delightful experience it offers.