Crémant Uncorked: Beginner’s Guide to Crémant

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Beginner’s Guide to Crémant

What is Crémant?

Crémant is a type of sparkling wine made in France and Luxembourg. Its name ‘Crémant’ is derived from the French word ‘cremeux’, which means creamy – a nod to the wine’s delicate texture and soft bubbles.

Like Champagne, it is made using the méthode traditionnelle (traditional method) involving a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create the fizz. Crémant offers remarkable diversity in style and character. As it can be made from several grape varieties, flavours range from citrus and green apple to ripe red berry flavours in the rosé versions.

Despite being dismissed by some as a lesser cousin to Champagne, Crémant shines in its own right, offering both quality and value. Whether it’s the aromatic allure of Crémant d’Alsace or the elegant structure of Crémant de Bourgogne, these bubbly beauties are well worth discovering.

Crémant vs Champagne

Both Crémant and Champagne are sparkling wines produced using the same traditional method… but there are notable differences between the two.

Key difference #1 - Only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France can be labelled Champagne. Its name is legally protected, so other regions instead use the term Crémant for their sparkling wine.

Key difference #2 - While Champagne primarily uses three grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier – Crémant isn’t limited to these grapes. Depending on the region, Crémant can be made from various grape varieties, including Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Blanc and many more.

Good news for the wallet – Crémant is generally more affordable than Champagne. In fact, while it’s often a fraction of the price of Champagne, it’s just as good quality. Because of this, it’s a great option for those looking for elegant bubbles (without the Champagne price tag).

Crémant vs Prosecco

Crémant and Prosecco, while both bubbly and delightful, are two very different wines.

Crémant, with its roots in France and Luxembourg, is made using the traditional Champagne method, giving it complexity and depth. It is a drier wine with a tighter structure than Prosecco, and its flavours vary based on the region and grape varieties used.

Prosecco is Italy’s famous sparkling wine. It is made predominantly from Glera grapes – which gives Prosecco its fresh and fruity character.

Another difference is that Prosecco is bottled without ageing … and this means it’s lighter, and fresher, with an aromatic and fruity profile.

Crémant and Champagne are both aged on lees (dead yeast) for an extended period, and this imparts the bread and toasty notes you’d expect to find in these sparkling wines

1. Crémant d’Alsace

Over half of all French Crémant is made in Alsace. The region’s sun-drenched, dry climate and extremely diverse soils are perfect growing conditions for various grape varieties. Pinot Blanc is the main grape in Crémant d’Alsace.

2. Crémant de Luxembourg

Crémant de Luxembourg is known for its fine bubbles, balance of freshness and complexity. Expect citrus, green apple and stone fruit notes. When aged in a bottle, these Crémants develop brioche, honey and nut flavours.

3. Crémant de Bourgogne

Crémant de Bourgogne originates from the Burgundy region of France. Like Champagne, it is predominantly made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Less complex than other Crémant wines, they are still floral and citrusy and can range from crisp and fresh to rich and rounded.

4. Crémant de Limoux

Crémant de Limoux is one of the most sought-after Crémant wines. It comes from a small region in the Pyrenean Mountains of southern France’s Languedoc-Roussillon area. Traditionally, it is made from Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, with the local Mauzac (known locally as Blanquette) and Pinot Noir as blending grapes. This elegant wine is loved for its fine bubbles, unique apple, citrus and white blossom flavours.

5. Crémant de Loire

Crémant de Loire is made in the Loire Valley, specifically from the Anjou-Saumur and Touraine regions. This variation of Crémant is made using Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir, with the occasional use of other grape varieties. This sparkling wine has notes ranging from lemon to sweet hints of quince, pear and honey, rounded off with chamomile aromas.

6. Crémant de Jura

This Crémant is made predominantly from Chardonnay and the local Savagnin grape. They are known for their light bubbles, refreshing acidity, and notes of green apple, pear and honey.

7. Crémant de Savoie

Crémant de Savoie is a newer addition to the Crémant roster made from the local Jacquère grape in the Savoie region. The wines are usually light and crisp, with stone fruit and citrus notes, and a distinct mineral undertone.

8. Crémant de Bordeaux

This Crémant is made in the famous wine region of Bordeaux using Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle for whites, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for rosés. These wines often have bright fruit notes, although the rosés can have dark berries and spice flavours.

Pairing food with Crémant

A glass of Crémant is delicious on its own, but it’s an excellent choice when paired with food.

It’s a refreshing partner to all types of seafood, from succulent prawns to delicate oysters due to its high acidity and bubbles.

Crémant wines have fruity, creamy notes which enhance the savoury richness of poultry dishes.

And don’t forget about dessert… sweeter Crémant wines can match light pastries and fruit tarts.

Serve your Crémant chilled at a temperature of around 6-8°C. Opt for a flute or a tulip-shaped glass – the slender design helps to maintain those lively bubbles and funnels the aromas straight to your nose, making sure every sip is memorable.