What is Demi Sec Champagne? (Best Wines to Try, Prices 2024)

Demi Sec, which translates to "semi-dry,'' is a sweet Champagne made using grape varietals like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. 

Demi Sec Champagne tends to have high residual sugar content (33 to 50 grams per litre), making it an ideal drink for sweet wine lovers!

This article explores some of the best Demi Sec Champagnes of 2024 and whether you should invest in them. Plus, we have some fun food pairing tips you could try out with your bubbly!

How is Demi-Sec Champagne Made?

Like all other Champagnes, demi secs are also made using traditional methods.

After fermentation in vats, the blend is put in a bottle containing yeast and sugar to carry out a second fermentation followed by additional cellaring.

The final sweetness is defined by the sugar included by the winemaker in the liqueur d'expedition (or dosage added before corking.)

But, if you’re not looking for something super sweet, opt for Champagne styles like brut (sugar up to 15 grams/litre), extra brut (6 grams/litre), or brut nature, which has no added sugar.

10 Exceptional Demi Sec Champagnes To Buy In 2024 (With Tasting Notes And Prices)

Here are some exceptional Demi Sec Champagnes for your collection. 

• Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Demi-Sec Champagne
• 1996 Andre Beaufort a Polisy Reserve Demi-Sec Champagne
• Champagner Piper Heidsieck Lipstick Edition Cuvee Sublime Demi-Sec
• Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial Champagne 
• Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Demi-Sec Champagne
• Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec Champagne
• Franck Bonville Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Demi-Sec Champagne
• Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Champagne
• Lanson Ivory Label Demi-Sec Champagne
• Nicolas Feuillatte Sélection Demi-Sec Champagne

1. Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades Demi-Sec Champagne, France ($403)

This sweet Champagne from Armand de Brignac is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. The palate has notes of ripe fruit, soft caramel, and a subtle brioche flavor.

2. 1996 Andre Beaufort a Polisy Reserve Demi-Sec Champagne, France ($183)

This sparkling wine has notes of honey, caramel, buttered brioche, and lively acidity.

3. Champagne Piper Heidsieck Lipstick Edition Cuvee Sublime Demi-Sec ($64)

A  sparkling wine from the Piper Heidsieck Champagne house. This aromatic sweet wine has a palate of ripe peaches, praline, honey, and candy.

4. Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial Champagne, France ($61)

This delicious Moet & Chandon wine has intense notes of ripe fruit and grapefruit. The wine's inherent freshness is amplified by its lively acidity and delicate bubbles.

5. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Demi-Sec Champagne, France ($61)

This Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec Champagne is an excellent wine with delicate bubbles and lively acidity. The palate has notes of caramel apple, candied apricots, and subtle brioche flavours.

6. Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec Champagne, France ($60)

This sweet Champagne has aromas of delicate white flowers, buttered brioche, and vanilla. The palate of this wine strikes the perfect balance between sweetness, alcohol, and acidity. 

7. Franck Bonville Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Demi-Sec Champagne, France ($60)

This Chardonnay varietal dry wine has an inviting aroma of fresh croissants and honey, with vanilla and shortcake biscuit flavours on the palate. 

8. Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Champagne, France ($57)

This Champagne blend made with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay has dense tropical fruit notes and rich minerality. 

Fun Fact: This Champagne blend is made from 100 different wines, of which 20% - 30% are reserve wines.

9. Lanson Ivory Label Demi-Sec Champagne, France ($57)

A refreshing sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France with a nose of dried fruit, brioche, and a hint of vanilla custard. The sweetness of this wine is balanced by its vibrant acidity.

10. Nicolas Feuillatte Sélection Demi-Sec Champagne, France ($55)

This stunning wine has a creamy palate, cleverly balanced with crisp fruit flavors, honey, and tree fruit notes. 

Now, let’s look at some delicious Demi Sec Champagne food pairings. 

Food Pairing Tips For Demi Sec Champagne

As an aperitif, Demi-sec is the perfect companion for buttery and salty foods such as popcorn, crackers, and cheese. It also pairs well with foie gras, grilled octopus, and spicy Asian recipes.

Demi Sec is also a go-to pairing for desserts like cheesecake, chocolate cake, or tiramisu as long as the dessert is sweeter than the wine.

So do these bubblies make for a worthwhile investment?

Does Demi Sec Age Well?

A flavor-packed, non-vintage Demi Sec Champagne (made with reserve wines) can last up to 5 years, while a bottle of vintage Champagne can be cellared for more than 10 years. 

Time To Open A Demi Sec Bubbly!

Champagne, a symbol of luxury and elegance, is one of the world's most versatile alcoholic beverages. A vivacious Demi Sec bubbly can bring that extra punch to any celebration.

What is the easiest way to add a bottle of investment-grade Champagne to your collection?

The easiest way to invest in a wine bottle or two is through a trustedonline wine investment company like Vinovest - which lets you buy, store, and sell authentic fine wine with just a few clicks.

Check out the Vinovest website and get your hands on a stunning bottle of Demi Sec Champagne or other fine wines from coveted estates today!