Cremant: Fab Fizz at an Affordable Price – You’ve no doubt noticed that champagne tends to steal the limelight when it comes to French fizz. But lots of folk are unaware that many other regions in France produce excellent sparkling wines with equal care and attention. Crémant is crafted using the traditional method – just like the wines of Champagne. The process involves a second fermentation, which is what brings complexity and finesse to your glass.
Crémant is produced in eight wine regions in France: Alsace: Burgundy: Bordeaux: Jura; Savoie; the Loire; Die and Limoux. The geographic position and grapes result in different styles across the regions. These luxurious bubbles are a fantastic choice when you don’t want to compromise on quality, so I’ve done some research to make your choice easier.
According to the drinks trade publication, The Drinks Business, the volume of Crémant consumed globally increased by 3.2% in 2023, as more budget-friendly alternatives to champagne were sought. According to the International Wine and Spirits Record, Crémant sales in 2022 were around 106.8 million bottles, which grew to 110 million bottles in 2023 (corresponding to +3.2% growth) worldwide. Companies such as Les Grands Chais de France, the only wine producer to own vineyards in each of the eight crémant appellations, have realised the appeal of Cremant, as have clever Brits, like me, who have champagne taste and cremant budgets!
Here are some to consider trying:
Alsace
Style: Citrus, apples, pears,
Arthur Metz Crémant d’Alsace. This organic Crémant has flavours of citrus, apples, pears, complexity of flavour and fine bubbles. This wine is best served as an aperitif and also works with fish dishes. Price: £16, Ocado
ASDA Extra Special Crémant d’Alsace Brut. A beautifully pale gold sparkling wine from Alsace. A subtle fruity aroma with notes of pear, apple and light roasted hazelnut. Vivid and fresh on the palate reflecting the green fruit notes, with persistent bubbles. Perfect as an aperitif or served with seafood. A bargain at £9
Loire
Style: Lemon, tangerine, exotic fruits,
LaCheteau Crémant de Loire: Well structured, persistent effervescence. A touch of lemon and berry fruits. then lemon, tangerine, exotic fruits on the nose. Price: £16, Ocado
Prince Alexandre Crémant De Loire NV (12.5% abv)
Made in France in the exact same method as champagne, but without the price tag and with a subtly gentler fizz. Combining Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, it boasts a fresh elegant aroma of citrus and white stone fruit with hints of biscuity notes. It’s a good value alternative to pricier sparklers. £14.99 Waitrose
Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire Brut NV. This is a sparkling wine from AOP Crémant de Loire, made using the traditional method, or Méthode Traditionnelle. Throughout its 169 years of history, Bouvet has been endorsed by Napoleon III and chosen as official supplier to the House of Lords. – £14.99 House of Malt
Gratien & Meyer Cremant De Loire Brut :Elegant and authentic, this Crémant de Loire offers you a tasting of pure tradition. Chenin, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay £13 Tesco
ASDA Extra Special Crémant De Loire Rosé Brut bursting with vibrant redcurrant flavours and notes of melon.Serve with smoked salmon canapés or a strawberry pavlova. On offer currently at £9
Bourgogne Style: Minerality, dry, fruity, Suggested wine: Moillard Grivot
Crémant de Bourgogne
An elegant sparkling wine produced by a small family winery situated in the Bourgogne region. Good minerality combined with a pleasant dry fruity style, leading to a good length on the finish.
Price: £14.99, Sandham’s Wine Merchants
Jura
Made using Chardonnay grapes Marcel Cablier Crémant de Jura an elegant and harmonious Crémant from the lesser-known region of Jura in the east of France. Perfect with fish or cheeses from the Jura region like Comté or Emmental. Price: £14.88, Xtra Wine
Bordeaux
Style: Yellow fruit and brioche.
Calvet Cremant Bordeaux Brut Rosé. A fine, fruity wine. Highly aromatic, with a long and complex final. Perfect as an apéritif. Its fruity notes will also complement delicate tarts and fruit cocktails. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals. £12, Ocado Also Calvet Cremant Bordeaux Brut Beautiful golden yellow body with fine bubbles. Expressive nose of yellow fruit and brioche. Fresh and balanced palate. Merlot and Sémillon grape varietals. £11, Ocado
The Seasoned Gastronome