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Spumante - V.S. - V.S.Q. - V.S.Q.A. - V.S.G. and EU classification

Legislation

The European legislation (reg. CE 491/2009) distinguishes the type of Spumante in the following classes:

  • Spumante wine, also known as generic Spumante;
  • Quality Spumante wine;
  • Spumante wine of aromatic quality; it is a Quality Spumante wine produced with aromatic grapes;
  • Sparkling Spumante wine.

The Classification

The EU with the regulation (CE) n. 607/2009, defines the classification of the Spumante wine based on its residual sugar.

DenominationResidual

sugar (g/l)

  • Pas dosé or Zero-dossage (ultra dry, only the original grape sweetness)

  • Extra brut (very dry)

  • Brut (dry)

  • Extra dry (dry taste smoothed by a soft sweet note → dry/soft)

  • Dry or Sec (medium sweet)

  • Demi sec (medium sweet with a sweet note clearly noticeable)

  • Sweet or Doux (sweetness is dominant)
  • < 3

  • ≤ 6

  • < 12

  • 12-17

  • 17-32

  • 32-50

  • > 50


It is important to note that generally for the Spumante wines with classical method (e.g. Franciacorta ), the most common variations are brut and extra brut, while for the Spumante wines produced with the Charmat method (e.g. Prosecco ) the most common are extra dry and brut. The pas dosé ( quite widespread among experts and passionate people, since it is an "extreme" product ) is typical of the classic method. The dry is almost exclusively present in the charmat products. Recently, thank to a new trend and the spread of the "Italian aperitivo", some producers of classical method wines have added to their production also an extra dry version. The demi sec has a nice versatility because it can be served both with the dessert and other courses ( when compatible ). The sweet Spumante wines are derived from aromatic vines ( Muscat, Malvasia, Brachetto, etc. ): the main example is the Asti Spumante.