The 8 Best Sweet Champagnes to Drink in 2022

Although bruts and zero dosage definitely win the popularity contest, sweet Champagnes are some of the most delicious and highly underrated sparkling wines on the market. When produced in the right hands, these pleasantly balanced bottles are perfect for sipping all day long, from weekend brunches with friends through to post-dinner dessert courses. Though as always, knowing which bottles to sip is key.

When purchasing Champagne and (and sparkling wine in general), there are a few key words to note. First and foremost, Champagne must come from its eponymous region in France. If produced elsewhere in France, the wine will likely either be labeled crémant, meaning that it’s produced using the same method as Champagne, or mousseux, which simply means sparkling. In terms of sweetness, the scale ranges as such (from driest to sweetest): brut nature / zero dosage, extra brut, brut, extra dry, dry, demi-sec, and doux. Yes, ‘extra dry’ and ‘dry’ are technically sweeter than ‘extra brut’ and ‘brut’—we know, it’s a bit confusing, but we didn’t make the rules!

In the realm of sweet Champagnes, most will fall in the demi-sec and doux category. Demi-sec Champagnes have 32-50 grams of sugar per liter, whereas doux Champagnes have 50+. While this may sound high, demi-sec Champagnes are actually lower in sugar than most common drinks, including Gin & Tonics and other alcoholic well beverages.

“The key to an excellent sweet Champagne is balance—an interplay of acid and sugar,” says Michelle DeFeo, President at Laurent-Perrier US. “Too little acidity and the Champagne is flabby and lifeless; too much sugar and it’s cloying and heavy.” Not sure where to start? We’ve researched the best sweet Champagnes to get right now, that promise to keep your palate salivating for more. Grab your flutes and get ready to pop some tasty wine!

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec at Drizly

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Best Budget:

Jacquart Champagne Brut at Drizly

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Best for Food Pairing:

Laurent-Perrier Harmony Demi-Sec Champagne N.V. at Drizly

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Best for Gifting:

Pol Roger Réserve Brut Champagne at Drizly

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Best to Pair with Dessert:

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime Demi-Sec at Drizly

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Best for Dinner Parties:

Deutz Demi-Sec Champagne at Vivino

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Best Dessert Replacement:

Canard-Duchêne Authentic Demi-Sec Champagne at Vivino

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Best for Celebrating:

Taittinger Demi-Sec Champagne at Vivino

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Courtesy of Drizly

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Region: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
ABV: 12%
Tasting Notes: Apples, Cream, Brioche

Marked by a full-body, bright acidity, and pleasantly balanced flavors, there’s no doubt in our minds that Billecart-Salmon’s Demi-Sec Champagne is the cream of the crop. Expect flavors of cream, apples, and buttery brioche. Produced from 40% pinot meunier and equal parts chardonnay and pinot noir, similar to their brut réserve cuvée.

“We make our demi-sec Champagne with the same care and attention that we do for all of our cuvées,” says Mathieu Roland Billecart, CEO and 7th generation at Billecart Salmon. Billecart notes that Billecart-Salmon only uses first-press juice from the very best crus in the region. “One of the secrets of the demi-sec is to keep freshness, despite the high amount of sugar in the dosage,” reveals Billecart.

Drizly

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Region: Reims
ABV: 12.5%
Tasting Notes: Mango, Tropical Fruit, White Flowers

For sweet Champagne on a budget, look no further than Jacquart’s Demi-Sec bottling. Honeyed flavors of ripe mango, tropical fruit, and white flowers lead to a harmonious, long-lasting finish. For bubbles that will satisfy both your palate and your wallet, this is the bottle for you.

Related: The Best Champagnes

Laurent-Perrier Harmony Demi-Sec Champagne N.V.

Drizly

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Region: Tours-sur-Marne
ABV: 12%
Tasting Notes: Stone Fruit, Grilled Almonds, Acacia Honey

As the name suggests, this harmonious bottle of sweet bubbles is ideal for sipping alongside your favorite meals. Notes of fresh stone fruit, grilled almonds, and acacia honey ooze from the wine’s balanced and bright palate. Produced from 45% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir, and 15% pinot meunier.

Pair with your favorite Asian dishes, especially those with a bit of heat. DeFeo explains that savory foods made with coconut, such as many Thai and Indian dishes, are fabulous with ‘Harmony,’ as the sweetness makes the Champagne round and flavorful enough to not be overpowered by intense flavors and spices. Additionally, DeFeo finds that demi-sec Champagne is also a perfect pairing for sweet brunch foods, like french toast or ricotta pancakes.

“Unlike some houses which use inferior grapes to make their sweet bottlings, Laurent-Perrier’s ‘Harmony’ is a premier cru Champagne made from high-quality grapes,” says DeFeo. She reveals that depending on the harvest, Laurent Perrier will add 10-20% of reserve wines to this blend to ensure balance and consistency. “Because we put so much effort into creating a consistent base blend, the dosage is always around 40 g/L,” DeFeo notes.

Wine

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Region: Épernay
ABV: 12.5%
Tasting Notes: Yellow fruits, Baking spice, White flowers

For a gift that could never go wrong, check out Pol Roger’s Demi-Sec Champagne. This flavor-packed yet soft wine explodes with notes of yellow fruits, baking spice, white flowers, and cream. For serious Champagne lovers, this is a top-notch pick. Produced from equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Related: The Best Prosecco

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Region: Reims
ABV: 12%
Tasting Notes: Pineapple, Tree fruits, Marzipan

This delicate, fruit-driven Champagne from Piper Heidsieck is perfect for sipping alongside a variety of desserts, including fruit tarts, pies, and a variety of shortbread cookies. Expect flavors of pineapple, tree fruits, vanilla, and marzipan from this stunningly refreshing bottle. Produced from 50-55% Pinot Noir, Meunier 30-35%, and 15-20% Chardonnay.

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Region: Aÿ
ABV: 12%
Tasting Notes: Melon, Canned peaches, Cream

This fizzy bottle of sweet Champagne is acid-driven, food-friendly, and extremely versatile on the table. Vibrant acid and flavors of melon, canned peaches, cream, and honey lead to a thirst-quenching finish. Pair with Tikka Masala, blue cheese, or fruit-heavy desserts. Produced from 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 30% Pinot Meunier.

“The secret of a great sweet Champagne is – as in all types of cuvées - in the base blend: it must provide the right balance of fine aromas, minerality, complexity and fruitiness,” says Billecart. “If you like to play with contrast when pairing with food, it is worth exploring sweet Champagne with Asian food, like lobster with garlic and spice.” Billecart notes that on the contrary, for harmonious pairings, sweet Champagne is best enjoyed with a [fresh] dessert like sorbet.

Canard-Duchêne Authentic Demi-Sec Champagne

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Region: Ludes
ABV: 12%
Tasting Notes: Green apple, Lime leaf, Yeast

When the Champagne’s this good, sometimes liquid dessert is enough. Canard-Duchêne’s Demi-Sec cuvée jumps with flavors of green apples, lime leaf, yeast, and white flower petals, which weave together and lead to a lasting, palate-coating finish. Sip after dinner for a seriously satisfying end to your long meal.

Related: The Best Champagne Glasses

Image Source / Vivino

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Region: Reims
ABV: 12%
Tasting Notes: Citrus, Candied Fruits, Honey

Nothing screams celebratory wine like the pop of a Champagne cork, and when it’s loaded with well-balanced sweetness, all the better! This classic cuvée from Taittinger oozes with notes of citrus, candied fruits, and honey. The finish is long, textured, and elegantly satisfying. You can’t go wrong here. Produced from 40% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, and 25% pinot meunier.

Read Next: The Best Sparkling Wines

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Vicki Denig is a wine and travel journalist based between New York and Paris. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators. Her work regularly appears on Liquor.com, Wine-Searcher, VinePair and more.