What is the overwhelming market standard dryness designation across major sparkling wine categories?
Answer
Brut
Brut is established as the most common and overwhelming market standard designation for sweetness levels across nearly all major sparkling wine categories, including Champagne, Cava, and Sekt. This designation indicates that the wine is dry, yet it retains just enough residual sugar following the final dosage (the addition of sweetened wine before corking) to offer a slight balance against the wine's natural acidity. This balance ensures the wine remains refreshing rather than tasting overly sour or austere, which appeals to the broadest range of casual consumers. It represents the established middle ground preference, contrasting sharply with wines labeled Extra Brut (very dry) or Extra Dry/Sec (noticeably sweeter).

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