A classic drink of royals, aristocracy, and high-class society across the globe, champagne is one of the classiest drinks in the world.
Although has been around for as long as human society has been a meaningful concept, sparkling wine and champagne were not invented until the 16th century in renaissance France, when wine started to be bottled whilst it was still fermenting, which caused that classic build-up of pressure that a champagne’s shooting cork is now famous for.
Although it was considered an oddity, even a fault that needed to be corrected, back when it was first developed, Champagne quickly went on to become one of the most sort-after drinks by the French nobility and was sold to other countries around Europe for the same reason, before eventually spreading to the rest of the world. Undoubtedly, the story of champagne’s history is a certified rags-to-riches tale.
However, many of today's champagnes lean towards a drier taste than used to be popular and are meant to be more of a savory drink to be had when the occasion called for a bottle to be opened. This has left those of us with a sweeter tooth looking for something else for our palettes.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of sparkling champagne recipes that call for a sweeter, fruitier flavor when it touches your lips. This list will hopefully help you narrow down that search to a great drink that will be your go-to for years to come!
OUR TOP PICK
For a bottle of fresh-tasting champagne that will leave you looking for more, you can’t go wrong with a Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec Champagne, grown in the Montagne de Reim are of the champagne region in France, in the Vallee de la Marne.
Known mainly for its Pinot Meunier grape variety, this variety uses a champagne blend using the regional grapes, as well as Pinot Noir and chardonnay, making for a roughly 40-30-30 split between them.
This makes for a truly unique combination of the variety in just one blend. Prepared in a stainless steel cask for 1-4 years, this aging process allows you to fully appreciate the sweet tastes that this wine has to offer, with no distractions.
With an off-dry texture to the mouth and a floral expression that allows for hints of apple, a little brioche, and a touch of cream, this is a rich drink of choice for those who want a glass of reliable champagne for a special occasion.
Pros
- A reliable name - made from their Brut reserve of champagne, Billecart Salmon is an established vineyard in the champagne world. That continuity of seven generations of the Billecart name, means you know this champagne has decades, if not centuries, of experience backing up its flavors.
- Excellent flavors - With a sweetness that does not overwhelm you, this is a delightfully fragrant drink that will more than satisfy that sweet itch you are looking to scratch in your champagne. Plus, it pairs excellently with a chocolate cake or patisserie, if you are looking for something to eat alongside it.
Cons
- High sugar content - Although it certainly balances its flavors well, you may want to keep in mind those natural sugars from its many sweet ingredients.
EDITORS CHOICE
For an exquisite drink from the coast of South Africa, then look no further than this excellent sweet bubbly by Graham Beck, founded almost forty years ago, just outside of Cape Town.
A drink for those who aren’t excited about dryer champagnes, this Cap Classique, with its light golden honey color, is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
Made from a blend of both chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with the scent of peach custard and zesty lemon curd, this creamy drink will be an excellent complement to any sweet fall dish
You have prepared to serve with this.
Pros
- Creamy flavor - If you want to avoid the dryer drinks out there, this champagne is an excellent choice for those who want to savor the taste of their sparkling wine. With hints of butterscotch in its yeast-like aroma, you get a sense that this off-dry wine is for a gentler palette.
- Pairs well with food - Whether it is a pecan pie dessert, or a cheese board, or a salad, this wine has you covered for whatever side you want to serve it with.
- Ethical production - From being farmed and grown ethically, with the Beck family continuing to invest in the city and area around Cape Town, Graham Beck is a name that is synonymous with fairness and high quality.
Cons
- Not dry enough - It’s already been said enough, but dry wine lovers will want to look elsewhere for their sweet champagne.
BEST VALUE
Looking for a sweet sparkling that is home-grown in the United States? Then Schramsberg Cremant’s Demi-Sec Champagne might be just what you’re looking for.
Grown out of Napa Valley in California, this fine blend of Pinot Noir, flora, and chardonnay vineyards has been served at countless state events in the United States.
Whether that’s for President Barack Obama's dinner at the White House with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, or President Reagan’s second inaugural lunch meal in 1985. This wine has dined with the finest and brightest stars in American politics.
Aged for two years before being bottled and bought, with the sweet hints of caramel, vanilla, and a dash of honey and tropical fruit, it's no wonder it has been so popular at such important events.
It’s the perfect sweet blend to enjoy on any big occasion. Plus, it makes a fine addition to any cheese or dessert you happen to be serving.
Pros
- High-class champagne - With such a pedigree behind it, this particular sparkling wine will make any sort of celebration feel like the big deal it should!
- A wonderfully sweet wine - With so many flavors blended in this blend, from vanilla to honey, to a whole range of tropical fruits, this certainly ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a sweet sparkling.
Cons
- High alcohol content - With so many sweet flavors that blend into such a moreish wine, you may not realize how much you’ve had until you’ve perhaps already made a little of a fool of yourself.
RUNNER UP
Looking for champagne that is filled with flavorful berries? Then take a look at Moët & Chandon’s Nectar Imperial Rose.
This brilliant rose color, grown in the Champagne region of France, is already a sign of quality in itself. This sparkling wine is an excellent blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and chardonnay, for an exquisite experience for all the senses.
Its bright color draws you in with your eyes, the scent of strawberry and raspberries brings the glass to your nose, the rich taste of sugary dark fruits and redcurrants excites your taste buds, and the dry finish will leave your mouth with a crisp touch.
Not to mention the sound you will make as you take in all these delicious experiences!
Pros
- Distinct-looking champagne - From its vibrant rose color to the unique packaging that adorns the bottle, this wine will stand out in anyone’s collection as a visual feast for the eyes, as well as their taste buds.
- Fruity flavor - With the scent of wild berries, red currants, and blackcurrants, this is a very moreish wine that will leave you wanting more with every sip.
Cons
- High price for this comfort - Although this champagne is certainly worth every penny, you may want to consider looking for another less dry wine on this list, if that finish isn’t to your tastes.
RUNNER UP
From the finest vineyards in Italy, we have Saracco Moscato’s ‘Asti champagne. For a fruity experience, there are few others in Italy like it.
Filtered beautifully for a smooth experience that can’t be beaten by other sweet wines, this is a great way to get a taste of Italy.
This is an excellent drink to start an evening with. Looking for something to whet your appetite while you wait for your meal?
Saracco Moscato is just the drink to clean the palette and get you ready for an evening of delicious food, wherever you might be. Whether that’s in a high-class restaurant, or for a quiet night at home.
Grown and prepared in the region of Langhe Astigiane where White Muscat vineyard grapes have been growing for thousands of years, the scent of peaches and grapes fills your nose as you open the bottle, letting you know that it's going to be a sweet delight.
With a creamy sweet taste that’s just the perfect level of acidity in your mouth, you know this is a drink made with years of love and care behind it.
Pros
- Beautifully smooth - Filtered and aged to perfection, this is a sparkling drink that will go down easily, whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado, or want to get started in a new drinking hobby.
- Rich and fruity taste - Whether it’s the honeyed pears that grip your taste buds, or the beautiful tang of citrus that fills your mouth, there’s a fruity taste in this drink for everyone.
- Beautifully priced for everyone to try - Whether it’s something to bring as a guest to a party, part of a big night out, or something to keep for a special occasion at home, this is a great wine for every occasion, and every price range you might have!
Cons
- Lackluster appearance - Not that there’s anything necessarily bad with the bottle of the label design. But for something that is as high-quality a drink like this, the look of the bottle can tend to fade into the rest of a wine collection.
RUNNER UP
For a sweet wine that’s enjoyed just as well on the rocks as it is in a flute glass, you’ll want to try the Pommery Blue Sky’s Demi-Sec Champagne.
Another family of wine from the Champagne region in France, renowned across the world for its countless high-quality vineyards, Pommery has decided to shake up the champagne formula by ditching conventional etiquette for sparkling wine.
Despite being made up of Pinot Noir, chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier like many other sparkling drinks, this is a bottle of champagne meant to be served with ice, to bring out the best of the fresh flavored hidden within this beautiful blue bottle, that’s been packed with the richest fruity flavors you can ask for in a glass of champagne.
The sugar content has been raised a little when compared to other champagnes too, to help its flavors stand out that much more. Once you’ve tried it, this is one champagne that you won’t soon forget about.
Pros
- Exciting design - You know that you are meant to be seen with this bottle. The bright blue makes it stand out among any collection.
- Versatile bubbly drink - Whether you are drinking it off the rocks, or adding it to a cocktail, this champagne is a great addition to any cocktail, without being overpowered by any other strong spirits flavors you may be using.
Cons
- Pricier champagne - Whilst it is certainly a lot of bang for your buck, and not a penny feels wasted once you’ve tasted it, you may want to consider keeping this bottle for special occasions.
- A little unorthodox for champagne - You may get a few raised eyebrows from other champagne connoisseurs if you ask for this at a bar. It’s supposed to be served with ice of all things. That’s almost taboo in the champagne world!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are Most Of These Sweet Champagnes Demi-Sec?
If you have been searching for champagne online, you’ll probably have noticed that many champagnes have ‘brut’ and ‘demi-sec’ in their names, which is certainly a little confusing when you’re starting out looking for a bottle of champagne.
All this means is that the sugar content of almost all sparkling wines and champagnes have been divided up into groups, based on the amount of sugar cane used when making the wine.
A brut, the ‘driest’ kind of wine out there, will have less than 15 grams of sugar. The next driest, known as ‘extra-dry’ will have between 12 and 20 grams of sugar, and dry wine will have 17 to 35 grams. Demi-sec wine is the sweetest wine out there, with anywhere between 33 to up to 50 grams of sugar cane used.
These wines are usually served with different things. Drier wines will be served with more savory sides, whilst demi-secs tend to be offered with sweet foods like fruits or desserts. Although, it isn’t rare to see a demi-sec wine that can be served with more savory foods like cheese.
For this list, we have tried to narrow down the champagnes listed with mostly demi-sec sparkling drinks, although we may have included some drier options that we feel have enough of a fruity flavor to be considered sweet.
I want to share with you all of my favorites, as well as share advice on picking certain alcohols and flavors.
I hope you enjoy my articles as much as I enjoyed researching them!
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