Crémant - anything but Champagne

Crémant - everything but champagne

A sparkling wine from France - what sounds like champagne is actually crémant. And crémant is basically champagne, just not from Champagne. In order for the noble sparkling wines from the center of sparkling wine to have their exclusive name, French vintners had to find a new name for sparkling wines from outside in the 80s. Since then, all French sparkling wines that are not produced in the Champagne region and have been fermented in the bottle for at least nine months are called crémant - creamy high-quality sparkling wine with a smooth acidity.

Crémant - the crème de la crème

Not every sparkling wine from France is allowed to bear the euphonious name Crémant. This is reserved only for the highest quality sparkling wines that meet or exceed the strict guidelines. First, the entire grape, including stem and stalk, must be pressed. This process is called whole bunch pressing and is the basis for more freshness, fruit and acidity in the finished Crémant sparkling wine. Only base wines of AOC status may be used as a basis. In addition, a maximum of 100 litres of must per 150 kg of grapes and a maximum of 150 mg/l of sulphur dioxide are permitted. Probably the most important criterion for a high-quality Crémant is the bottle fermentation according to the Méthode traditionnelle, also known as Méthode classique. The Crémant must mature for at least 12 months, 9 of them on the yeast. Depending on the region, there are different permitted grape varieties. These are mainly local grapes .

Crémant - the mirror of the land

Crémant de Limoux

Only grape varieties from the Languedoc are responsible for the wonderful freshness and fruity character of Crémant de Limoux. Mainly Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, but also Pinot Noir and Mauzac as second varieties, together form a harmonious cuvée, which scores with noble perlage and a moderate alcohol content. The Crémant de Limoux reflects the decelerated and pleasurable life at the Mediterranean sea in an inimitable way. Sunglasses on the nose, cool breezes in the warmth of the south and a glass of the creamy Crémant de Limoux in the hand. As an aside, the first sparkling wine in the world that was intentional and not considered a mistake was created right here in 1531.

Crémant de Loire

The sparkling Cremant takes on the fruity character of the region's typical grapes Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau Gris and Menu Pineau, which thrive along the Loire and its tributaries. The floral bouquet exudes subtle hints and floral aromas that make Crémant de Loire the ideal aperitif and sparkling companion on hot summer days. The rooster crows, you can smell the brioche rolls through the alleys of the village and a champagne glass for breakfast, golden yellow with shiny reflections - French joie de vivre from the Loire Valley.

Crémant de Bordeaux

In contrast to the red wine from Bordeaux, the Crémant de Bordeaux is rather light in nature. Fruity and fresh in a golden dress, the sparkling wine from the heart of French viticulture presents itself. Pressed from the grapes Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle and refined with the nuances of the grapes Merlot Blanc, Colombard and Ugni Blanc, the Crémant de Bordeaux opens the fruit-intensive taste of the Bordelais. With its vital acid structure combined with filigree perlage, Crémant de Bordeaux will satisfy your craving for an extra portion of freshness - whether solo or together with the clique.

Crémant de Bourgogne

Typical pearly and fruity character of Crémant, region-specific grape varieties from Burgundy - that is Crémant de Bourgogne. Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and of course Chardonnay are mainly responsible for this sparkling wine. In addition, the varieties Aligoté, Sacy, Melon de Bourgogne and Gamay find a place in the production of the Crémant. The acid-strong and golden-yellow body unites the noble perlage, the fresh Bouquet after fruits & France and the intensive aroma in perfection.

Crémant d'Alsace

Crémant d'Alsace is generally considered the most popular sparkling wine after Champagne. A cuvée of the local grape varieties Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay or Riesling forms the basis for the sparkling wine from Alsace. Fruity, fresh, sparkling, creamy and always in a celebratory mood - the high-quality French sparkling wine from Alsace will know how to convince you day and night.

Things to know about Crémant sparkling wine

What is Crémant?

Crémant is the name given to any French sparkling wine that does not come from Champagne and has been matured on its lees for at least 9 months. A noble perlage, developed acid structure and fruity aromas are characteristic for the Crémant. Depending on which part of France the sparkling wine comes from, it has regional influences with the individual character of the wine-growing regions. In order to be allowed to carry the protected designation Crémant on the label, the sparkling wine must fulfil the following requirements.

• Must must be obtained by whole grape pressing.
• only wines with AOC status may serve as the base wine.
• Maximum 100 litres of must per 150 kg of grapes.
• A maximum of 150 mg/l sulphur dioxide may be added to the sparkling wine.
• Matured for at least 12 months, 9 of which in the bottle.

How is Crémant served?

Crémant is drunk chilled, the ideal drinking temperature being between 6 and 8° C.

What does Crémant go with?

Crémant is often served as an aperitif, but it also goes well with salads, pasta, light fish and poultry dishes, desserts and starters.

How long can Crémant be stored?

Crémant should be drunk as young as possible, but - depending on the ageing of the sparkling wine - it can keep for up to 4 years. Cool, dark, upright storage is recommended to preserve the full aroma even during longer storage.

How long does an open bottle of Crémant last?

The carbonic acid escapes from an opened bottle of Crémant quite quickly. So if you can't manage to open the bottle and don't want to throw away the good drop, you can store the bottle in the fridge for another 2-3 days. Make sure to close the bottle with a champagne stopper airtight.

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