By Malvina Demaj Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Sec

(sek)
DEFINITION

Sec

“Sec” refers to the French word for “dry” and its meaning in wine varies depending on the wine type. In still wines, sec wines are dry, with very little residual sugar (less than 4 g/L). In sparkling wines and Champagne, “sec” indicates an off dry or slightly sweet style with 17-35 g/L of residual sugar, noticeably sweeter than Brut or Extra Dry wines. Sec wines pair well with desserts, fruits or even spicy foods.

Did you know? "Sec" in sparkling wines is so sweet because historically, Champagne was much sweeter than it is today and the "sec" label reflects that old school style.

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