Dosage is a term used in the production of sparkling wine to refer to the addition of a small amount of wine and sugar solution to the wine before the final corking. This solution is also called the “liqueur d’expédition” and is used to adjust the sweetness level and balance the acidity of the finished wine. The process of dosage is essential in achieving the desired flavor profile and style of the sparkling wine.
The addition of a dosage to a sparkling wine is typically done after the wine has undergone its second fermentation in the bottle. This second fermentation creates carbon dioxide, which is what gives the wine its effervescence. After the second fermentation is complete, the wine is left on the lees (the spent yeast cells) to mature and develop complex flavors and aromas. The dosage is then added to the wine to balance the acidity and sweetness and provide the final adjustments to the flavor profile.
Dosage can vary depending on the style of the wine being produced. In a brut-style sparkling wine, for example, a minimal amount of sugar is added to the dosage to balance the wine’s acidity and create a dry, crisp finish. In contrast, a sweeter wine like demi-sec or doux may have a higher dosage to provide a richer, more full-bodied flavor profile.
The amount of sugar added to the dosage is also important in determining the wine’s sweetness level. This can be measured in grams of sugar per liter of wine, with the amount ranging from as little as 0 grams per liter (for a brut nature or zero dosage wine) to as high as 50 grams per liter or more (for a sweet, dessert-style wine).
Dosage can also be used to add complexity and depth to a sparkling wine. Some winemakers choose to add other ingredients to the dosage, such as reserve wines, brandy, or herbs, to create a unique flavor profile that sets their wine apart.
While dosage is primarily associated with the production of sparkling wine, it can also be used in other styles of wine. In the production of Sherry, for example, a small amount of sweetened wine is added to the finished wine to create the desired flavor profile.
Overall, dosage is an essential aspect of the winemaking process, particularly for sparkling wine. It allows winemakers to fine-tune the flavor profile of their wine and create a product that is unique, balanced, and delicious.
Dom Perignon, a monk and cellar master who is often credited with inventing champagne, is said to have exclaimed “Come quickly, I am tasting stars!” upon tasting his creation for the first time.
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