Types of Champagne: Styles, Sizes, Dosages, Prices and More
A laid-back evening or a cozy Sunday brunch can be relished with a glass of fine red or white wine. But for life's finer moments, whether it's a bit of self-pampering or a milestone like Christmas or a promotion, nothing elevates the occasion quite like a glistening glass of bubbly.
Champagne can be tricky to understand because it comes in so many styles. Each bottle has its own craft, taste, sweetness, and effervescence.
In this guide, we take a deep dive into the types of Champagne and answer how many types there are. It will help you choose the perfect bottle of bubbly for your taste or occasion, whether relaxed or formal.
Table of Contents
- Are Different Champagne Types Produced Differently?
- What Grapes Are Used for Different Champagne Types?
- Champagne Types Based on Production Style
- Champagne Types by Sweetness Level
- Champagne Types by Bottle Size
- What Determines a Champagne Bottle Price?
- Final Thoughts on Champagne Types
- Popular Champagne Brands
Are Different Champagne Types Produced Differently?
No. However wide the range of styles, every Champagne is made using the same traditional method (méthode champenoise). The wine goes through a second fermentation inside the bottle, which creates its fine bubbles. Learn more in our guide to what Champagne is and how it's made.
To protect this heritage, Champagne holds Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. Only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of northern France can be called "Champagne." See how it differs from other bubbly in Prosecco vs. Champagne.
What Grapes Are Used for Different Champagne Types?
There is no fixed grape for each Champagne type. By regulation, however, only seven grape varieties are permitted.
Each variety adds its own character, and producers blend them in precise proportions to achieve the style they want. For a deeper look, read our Champagne grape varieties guide.
Main Grape Varieties
Three core grapes make up almost all Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. They are prized for balancing sugar and acidity, which complements the bubbles with a rich yet subtle taste.
Chardonnay: The main white grape of Champagne. It thrives in the region's chalky soils and helps wines age well. It gives Champagne freshness, crisp acidity, and floral, citrus, and mineral notes.
Pinot Noir: The dominant black grape. It adds body, structure, and complexity, with red fruit and floral notes. It brings richness and depth and is widely used in rosé Champagne.
Pinot Meunier: A black grape that adds fruitiness, roundness, and floral aromas. It buds late, which makes it less vulnerable to spring frost, and it does well in the clay-rich soils of the Marne Valley.
The Other Four Permitted Grapes
Four other varieties are also allowed, but they cover only about 0.3% of the vineyard area. They are rarely planted because of low yields, low demand, and their sensitivity to harsh weather, disease, and pests.
- Arbane: Adds finesse, plus floral and fruity notes.
- Petit Meslier: Adds bright, lively acidity.
- Pinot Blanc: Low in acidity, with nutty notes.
- Pinot Gris: Adds richness and body.
So each Champagne type shows different characteristics depending on its blend. A Chardonnay-led Champagne tastes crisp and elegant, a Pinot Noir-led one is bold and robust, and a Meunier-led one is fruity and approachable.
Champagne Types Based on Production Style
Beyond grape varieties, Champagne comes in a range of styles. All follow the traditional method, but each style differs in which grapes and harvests are used and how long the wine is aged.
Vintage
Vintage Champagnes are the cream of the crop. They are made only from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year, capturing the essence of that harvest.
By law they age at least three years before release, often much longer, which gives them their complexity. They usually cost more than non-vintage Champagne. Look for the word "Millésime" and the harvest year on the label. Compare the two styles in our vintage vs. non-vintage Champagne guide.
Did you know? Dom Pérignon only releases vintage Champagne. Learn more in our Dom Pérignon guide.
Non-Vintage
Non-vintage (NV) Champagne blends wines from several harvests. It is the most common style and lets each producer keep a consistent "house style" year after year.
To keep that taste consistent, producers use reserve wines set aside for future blending. NV Champagne must age at least 15 months before release.
Blanc de Blancs
Blanc de Blancs ("white from whites") is made only from white grapes, almost always Chardonnay. It is light and delicate, a favorite for those who like bright acidity, citrus, and mineral notes.
Look for "Blanc de Blancs" on the label. Top examples from grand cru villages, such as Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs, command very high prices.
Blanc de Noirs
Blanc de Noirs ("white from blacks") is made only from black grapes: Pinot Noir, Meunier, or both. Although the grapes are dark-skinned, gentle pressing keeps the color out, so the wine stays white.
These Champagnes are known for their fuller body, red fruit flavors, and creamy texture. A rare example is Krug Clos d'Ambonnay Blanc de Noirs.
Rosé Champagne
Loved for its versatility with food and its romantic appeal, rosé Champagne is one of the most celebrated styles. It gets its blush-pink hue and red fruit flavors in one of two ways.
Most houses blend a small amount of still red wine into the white base wine. Others briefly soak black grape skins in the juice (the saignée method). Rosé usually costs more than non-rosé because it takes more time and care. See how it compares in Brut vs. Rosé Champagne.
Prestige Cuvée
The prestige cuvée is the pinnacle of a Champagne house's range. It is made in limited quantities from the finest grapes and aged longer in the cellars, which gives it outstanding complexity.
Prestige cuvées carry high prices and age well, making them collectible. Famous examples include Dom Pérignon, Louis Roederer Cristal, and La Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot.
| Champagne Style | What Makes It Unique | Typical Price (750 ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Vintage | Blend of multiple harvests, consistent "house style" | $79 – $110 |
| Vintage | Single harvest, longer aging, more complex | $100 – $350+ |
| Blanc de Blancs | White grapes only (Chardonnay), light and delicate | $80 – $200+ |
| Blanc de Noirs | Black grapes only, fuller body and creamy feel | $70 – $150+ |
| Rosé | Pink hue, red fruit, more labor-intensive | $80 – $200 |
| Prestige Cuvée | Finest grapes, long aging, limited production | $250 – $650+ |
Champagne Types by Sweetness Level
Champagne is also classified by sweetness, which is set mainly by the "dosage": a mix of wine and sugar added just before the bottle is corked.
Dosage ranges from none at all (bone-dry) to lusciously sweet. Knowing the levels helps you find your sweet spot between too dry and too sweet.
Here are the 7 sweetness levels, from Brut Nature (driest) to Doux (sweetest). Brut is by far the most popular; learn more in our Brut Champagne guide.
| Sweetness Level | Sugar (g/L) | How Sweet Is It? | Typical Price (750 ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brut Nature | 0–3 (no dosage added) | Bone-dry | $40 – $80 |
| Extra Brut | 0–6 | Very dry | $45 – $90 |
| Brut | 0–12 | Dry; the most popular style | $35 – $70 |
| Extra Dry | 12–17 | Off-dry; a great aperitif | $30 – $65 |
| Sec (Dry) | 17–32 | Medium sweet | $35 – $75 |
| Demi-Sec | 32–50 | Sweet; pairs well with desserts | $40 – $80 |
| Doux | More than 50 | The sweetest | $45 – $90 |
Pairing sweeter styles with dessert? See our Champagne food pairing guide.
Champagne Types by Bottle Size
Champagne also comes in a wide range of bottle sizes, from a mini you can sip alone to a giant that takes a team to carry and finish.
Small bottles suit intimate moments, while large formats like the magnum add grandeur to milestones. Here are 16 Champagne bottle sizes and their capacities; the bigger the bottle, the higher the price.
| Bottle Size | Capacity | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Piccolo (Split) | 187.5 ml | $10 – $20 |
| Half Bottle (Demi) | 375 ml | $20 – $40 |
| Imperial Pint | 600 ml | $30 – $60 |
| Standard Bottle | 750 ml | $40 – $80 |
| Magnum | 1.5 L | $80 – $150 |
| Jeroboam | 3 L | $200 – $400 |
| Rehoboam | 4.5 L | $350 – $700 |
| Methuselah | 6 L | $500 – $1,000 |
| Salmanazar | 9 L | $800 – $1,500 |
| Balthazar | 12 L | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Nebuchadnezzar | 15 L | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Melchior | 18 L | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Solomon | 20 L | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Sovereign | 25 L | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Primat | 27 L | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Melchizedek | 30 L | $4,000 – $8,000 |
*Prices in these tables are approximate (September 2026) and vary by house, vintage, and availability. Check each product page for the current price.
What Determines a Champagne Bottle Price?
A Champagne's price comes from a chain of factors, from the grapes and style to the bottle size. Together they decide whether the price tag is hefty or pocket-friendly.
Production Style: Vintage Champagnes cost more than non-vintage because they come from a single harvest and age longer. Rosé takes more time and labor, and prestige cuvées use the finest grapes in limited numbers with extended cellar aging.
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, especially from grand cru villages, fetch the highest grape prices. That's why Blanc de Blancs and Pinot-led cuvées often cost more.
Dosage: Dosage mainly shapes taste, not price. However, rarer styles like Brut Nature and Doux are made in smaller quantities, so there are fewer bottles to choose from.
Bottle Size: The most obvious factor: the bigger the bottle, the higher the price. You may happily splurge on a Piccolo, but a Methuselah will make you think twice.
Brand and Prestige: Houses with a long history of exceptional winemaking, such as Krug or Dom Pérignon, charge more for their reputation.
Aging: Champagnes aged longer in the cellar cost more because they require more time, effort, and storage.
Scarcity: Limited-production Champagnes, such as exceptional vintages and limited editions, are rarer and pricier.
Packaging: Ornate bottles and packaging raise the price. Beau Joie, for example, dresses its bottles in a distinctive copper suit of armor.
Final Thoughts on Champagne Types
Now you know that the shimmer in every Champagne bottle is far more layered than it first appears. Grape variety, style, sweetness, and bottle size each give a bubbly its own personality.
These factors overlap, so no single one defines a Champagne type. So, how many types of Champagne are there? Dozens, once you combine style, sweetness, and size.
Whether you're sipping solo or toasting a special moment, remember that Champagne isn't just a drink; it's a world of bubbles, grapes, and endless possibilities. Cheers!
Ready to find your favorite style? Explore our full range of Champagne, from Brut to rosé to prestige cuvées.
Shop ChampagneLooking for a Bubbly Adventure? Explore Top Champagne Brands
| Brand Name | Price Range* | Popular Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Veuve Clicquot | $90 – $300+ | Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame |
| Moët & Chandon | $89+ | Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut, Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé |
| Dom Pérignon | $329 – $649+ | Dom Pérignon Vintage Brut, Dom Pérignon Plénitude (P2) |
| Billecart-Salmon | $149+ | Billecart-Salmon Brut Nature, Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois |
| Louis Roederer | $109 – $399+ | Louis Roederer Collection, Louis Roederer Cristal |
| Taittinger | $79 – $169+ | Taittinger Brut La Française, Taittinger Prestige Rosé |
| Laurent-Perrier | $79 – $199 | Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé |
| Krug | $299 – $1,499+ | Krug Grande Cuvée, Krug Clos du Mesnil Blanc de Blancs |
| Ruinart | $179 – $199+ | Ruinart Rosé, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs |
| Perrier-Jouët | $99 – $299 | Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé |
*Price ranges are DC Wine & Spirits prices checked in September 2026 and may change. Click any pick to see its current price.
Want to know more about these houses? Read our popular Champagne brands guide, plus our guides to Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Champagne
Is Champagne a liquor or a wine?
Champagne is a sparkling wine, not a liquor. It comes from the Champagne region of France and is made using the traditional method (méthode champenoise), which sets it apart from still wines.
Is Champagne a type of wine?
Yes. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine. What sets it apart is its origin and production method: the second fermentation happens in the bottle, creating its signature bubbles.
How many types of Champagne are there?
Champagne is classified by style (non-vintage, vintage, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, rosé, prestige cuvée), by sweetness (seven levels from Brut Nature to Doux), and by bottle size (from the 187.5 ml Piccolo to the 30 L Melchizedek). Combined, that makes dozens of types.
Why is Champagne called Brut?
"Brut" means dry. Brut Champagne contains no more than 12 g/L of sugar, so it tastes crisp with little perceptible sweetness, which makes it the most popular choice.
Is rosé a Champagne?
Rosé Champagne is a style of Champagne. Its pink hue usually comes from blending a little still red wine into the white base wine, or from brief contact with black grape skins. It is known for its delicate, fruity flavor.
Is Champagne sweet or bitter?
Champagne is not typically bitter, and its sweetness spans a spectrum: Brut Nature (bone-dry), Extra Brut (very dry), Brut (dry), Extra Dry (off-dry), Sec (medium sweet), Demi-Sec (sweet), and Doux (very sweet). Check the label to know the sweetness level.
What type of Champagne is sweet?
Demi-Sec and Doux are the sweetest Champagnes, ideal for those who prefer sweetness or want to pair with dessert.
What type of Champagne is best?
The best Champagne depends on your taste. Brut is the most versatile and widely loved, while vintage Champagnes stand out for their complexity.
Which are the most expensive types of Champagne?
Vintage Champagnes, prestige cuvées, and limited editions are the most expensive, prized for their quality, rarity, and craftsmanship.
What are the different Champagne bottle sizes?
Common sizes include the Piccolo (187.5 ml), Half Bottle (375 ml), Standard Bottle (750 ml), Magnum (1.5 L), Jeroboam (3 L), Methuselah (6 L), Salmanazar (9 L), Balthazar (12 L), and Nebuchadnezzar (15 L).
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