What is Crémant?
Crémant de loire, Crémant du Jura, Crémant de bourgogne. What the hell is it, What is Cremant? Crémant has been propping up more and more over the past few years. “The new party fizz” “Champagnes replacement” it seems wherever sparkling wine is mentioned, Crémant is being mentioned. So this guide is long overdue but here we go. I’m sure you have plenty of burning Crémant questions. What is Crémant? How is it made? Where is it from? Is it really worth the fuss? Below, we will answer all of those questions.
Prosecco has long been the UK’s favourite fizz. Heck, we consume more prosecco than anywhere else in the world. Even Italy doesn't drink prosecco like we do. We are suckers for the delicious fizz!
I mean, is it a surprise? Fruity, bubbly alcohol. Yes please.
Champagne, not so much. Don't get me wrong, the UK sure does buy a lot of Champagne, we are lovers of all sparkling wine. But nothing competes with Prosecco.
Part of the charm is the price. I’m sure if Champagne was 30% Cheaper, the reigning fizz of the UK might tip over to the side of Champagne. But alas, Prosecco still holds the crown. For now…
This is where Crémant comes in. Crémant, in a nutshell, is affordable Champagne. So could it be the UK’s next favourite fizz? Only time will tell.
Personally, I love Crémant. In a Paris inspired bar I used to work at, I used Crémant for just about every sparkling wine cocktail I made. I used it for syrup reductions and even spent New years eve toasting with glasses of Crémant.
Whether you rate it a lot or don’t see the appeal. If you’re a lover of sparkling wine, it’s a must-try product.
Image: Cremant pouring.
But What is Crémant?
Crémant is a French sparkling wine. If you’re a fan of your bubbles, you’re probably aware of the differences between the likes of Champagne and Prosecco. The big dogs in the sparkling wine world.
Champagne, is a labour of love, traditional with a dry flavour that has a somewhat yeasty bread like taste. It’s complex, celebrational, and long considered the luxury sparkling wine.
Prosecco on the other hand, is the fun, flirty fizz. It’s fruity in taste, vibrant and aromatic, with satisfying frothy bubbles.
As for which of the two is better? It is completely a personal preference. Personally, I’m a prosecco type of person. Not to say i don’t like champagne, but prosecco is always my go to.
Prosecco and Champagne may be the most popular in the sparkling wine category. But they are not the only types. You have products like Cava, Sparkling sake, Sparkling English wine. Pretty much anywhere that makes wine, has some kind of sparkling variation.
The latter of them, English sparkling wine is actually starting to make quite the name for itself in its own right.
Image above: Glass of Prosecco.
What’s this got to do with Crémant?
Well… to understand Crémant, you first need to understand what sparkling wine is. The comparison between Champagne and prosecco is a good place to start with that.
You see, Champagne and prosecco, although different in taste and just about everything else. On the surface, they are the same thing, sparkling wine. Sparkling wine varies massively in taste and price. If you think your sparkling wine is the best, you want to protect it, to create an identity that differs it from the same products that are being made badly. Which is what champagne and prosecco are. They are both sparkling wine but with different names and regulations to protect their quality and consistency.
That’s why even though they are both sparkling wine, they taste different and are different prices.
Champagne can only be made in the champagne region of France. Prosecco can only be made in the prosecco region of Italy.
Champagne, is made with the Traditional method.
Prosecco, is made with the Tank method
All these differences contribute to the end product. Climate, terroir, grape varieties and production methods change the taste massively.
If you want to know more about the difference between prosecco and champagne, and the way they are made, then check out this post I did awhile back which explains in detail the differences between Champagne and Prosecco and what those methods mean.
Image above - Prosecco and raspberries
Now we understand the difference between Champagne and Prosecco. We can truly understand what Crémant is.
Crémant is made very similar to champagne. In-fact, originally, Crémant was referred to as sparkling wine made in Champagne but less bubbly then regular champagne.
Which makes the taste very similar to that of champagne.
Today, Crémant is made all over France, it isn’t confined to one region but the whole country. It’s still made the same way as champagne but without that luxury name. Arguably making it the better fizz. With more regions making Crémant, means more variety in brands. Not having the luxury association that the name Champagne brings also means it’s generally cheaper. Hurray to that!
In-fact, for someone who doesn’t drink a lot of sparkling wine, give them a glass of both Champagne and Crémant and see if they notice a difference.
How is Crémant Made?
As mentioned before, Crémant is made the same way as champagne. The grapes are fermented with yeast into a low alcohol still wine. Then that still wine is transferred to bottles to ferment some more. This second stage of fermentation releases carbon dioxide. With nowhere for the carbon dioxide to escape to, it gets trapped inside the wine creating the bubbles and making sparkling wine.
It then sits in these bottles for 9 months where the yeast breaks down. Finally, it’s filtered and ready to serve.
Although it’s made in the same traditional method as champagne, which you can find more about here. Not having the same regulations mean they can experiment more. The main differences between Champagne and Crémant, other then the regions they are made, is the grapes used.
Champagne is made predominately with black Pinot Noir, Meunier and white Chardonnay grapes.
Crémant is made with a larger variety of grapes. The exact grape varieties used differ from region to region.
Looking for more wine guides?
Recommended Crémant to try and where to buy
Now for the fun bit. Buying and drinking Crémant. Below are my picks for the best Crémant you can buy from Amazon. These Crémants are all delicious and showcase the different styles of Crémant, highlighting the different regions in french Crémant making and the affects them different regions have on the end product.
They are the perfect treats for yourself, especially during summer. They would also make the perfect fathers day, mothers day, wedding, birthday, Christmas, valentines, for him and for her gifts.
Basically, they are perfect to buy for yourself and make the perfect gifts. Just check out a few of the below. Purchase the ones that jump out to you and taste the difference. Compare them to other Crémants, compare them to Champagne, compare them to prosecco. Heck, do what you want with them, just enjoy them!
Turckheim Mayerling Brut Rosé, Crémant d'Alsace Rosé
The vines from this Crémant are from a combination of granite and gravel soils from the Cave de Turckheim vineyards. The absolute best Pinot Noir grapes ensure a fruity vibrant and aromatic character to this gently sparkling rosé
The wine is aged on lees for longer than the appellation regulations require; for 18 months in the above case.
The link above would get you a case of 6 for £114 making this £19 per bottle. An absolute bargain for this Crémant!
Dopff Au Moulin Cremant d'Alsace Cuvee Julien Brut
Easy to drink, ideal aperitif or party drink. More than 50% of Crémant is made in the picturesque Alsace region. The climate is perfect for growing grapes. Most d’Alsace will consist of Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir.
This truly is a Crémant to try. From the link above you can pick this must-try Crémant up from Amazon for a little over £14 and get it on Amazon prime. Meaning you could be drinking this tomorrow. Amen to that!
LANGLOIS-CHATEAU Cremant de Loire
Cremant de Loire is made in the fabulous Loire valley in France. They use a majority of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir Grape varieties. The use of Chenin Blanc makes for a high quality wine with flavours from chamomile to honey. A top class blend.
If you've been thinking of adding this Cremant de loire to your shopping list, well they also have a rose expression. Try them both side by side.
Simonnet Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne Brut
A rich nutty sparkling wine with fine bubbles. Burgundy is just south of Champagne. Crémant from the Burgundy is one of the closest tasting to Champagne. The predominantly use Chardonnay and Pinot noir in the blend. Burgundys red wine is some of the most sought after and expensive wines in the world. Trying there Crémant is a must-try for any sparkling wine lover
Domaine J.Laurens, Crémant de Limoux 'Les Graimenous'
A blend of Chardonay, Chenin blanc and mauzac blanc. Limoux is a region in the south of France. It’s a region with a long history of sparkling wine production. Limoux is said to be the first place to produce sparkling wine. Although there is much debate on this. Nevertheless, a Crémant de Limoux is a must-try.
The link above will allow you to buy a case of 6 bottles, making it just £18.5 per bottle.
So there you have it. My top picks and recommendations for Crémant tasting.
Disclaimer: There are affiliate links used for the Crémant recommendations. That basically means I've partnered up with Amazon. If you use the links to purchase the Crémant, I will make a small commission from it. I will only ever promote products I truly believe in and are related to the content above.
Hopefully, all your Crémant questions have been answered and you are now a seasoned pro in Crémant knowledge. Congrats! The next time you’re out celebrating, or mixing up sparkling cocktails. Why not opt to try Crémant instead of Champagne or Prosecco? You may be surprised with how much you enjoy it.
If you have any other questions regarding Crémant, drop a comment below and i will be sure to answer it ASAP.
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