Crémant - anything but Champagne

Crémant - everything but champagne

Pearly perlage, fruity freshness, traditional bottle fermentation, a sparkling wine from France - what sounds like Champagne is really Crémant. And Crémant is basically Champagne, just not from Champagne. In order for the noble sparkling wines from the centre of sparkling wine to have their exclusive name to themselves, French winegrowers had to find a new name for sparkling wines from outside in the 1980s. Since then, all French sparkling wines that were not produced in Champagne and have undergone bottle fermentation for at least nine months have been called Crémant - creamy, high-quality sparkling wine with a smooth acidity.

Crémant - the crème de la crème

Not every sparkling wine from France can bear the melodious name Crémant. This is reserved only for the highest quality sparkling wines that meet or exceed the strictest guidelines. First of all, it is necessary to press the entire grape, including stalk and stem. This process is the basis for more freshness, fruit and acidity in the finished Crémant sparkling wine. Only basic wines of AOC status may serve 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. 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 yeast. There are different approved grape varieties depending on the region. These are mainly local grapes.

Crémant - the mirror of the countryside

Crémant de Limoux

Only Languedoc grape varieties 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 blend that 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, a cool southern breeze and a glass of Crémant de Limoux in your hand - that’s perfection.

Crémant de Loire

This bubbly crémant takes over the fruity character of the typical regional grapes Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau Gris and Menu Pineau, which thrive along the Loire and its tributaries. The floral bouquet exudes fine citric notes and floral aromas that make Crémant de Loire the ideal aperitif and sparkling companion on hot summer days. The rooster crows, the brioche can be smelled through the alleys and a glas of Crémant glass at breakfast, golden yellow with shiny reflections - French way for life from the Loire valley.

Crémant de bordeaux

In contrast to the red wine from Bordelais, the Crémant de Bordeaux is rather light in nature. Fruity and fresh in a golden dress, this sparkling wine comes from the heart of French viticulture. Made from the grapes Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle and refined with the nuances of Merlot Blanc, Colombard and Ugni Blanc, Crémant de Bordeaux opens up the fruity taste of Bordeaux. The Crémant de Bordeaux will satisfy your desire for an extra portion of freshness thanks to its extensive acidity in combination with filigree perlage - whether solo or together with the clique.

Crémant de Bourgogne

Typical bubbly and fruity character of crémant, regional grape varieties from Burgundy - that is the crémant de Bourgogne. Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and of course Chardonnay are mainly responsible for this sparkling wine. The Aligoté, Sacy, Melon de Bourgogne and Gamay varieties also find a place in the production of crémant. The acidity and and a perfect full body combine with the noble perlage, the fresh bouquet of fruits and the intense aroma in perfection.

Crémant d'Alsace

Crémant d'Alsace is generally considered the most popular french sparkling wine after champagne. A blend of the local grape varieties Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay or Riesling forms the base for the sparkling wine from Alsace. Fruity, fresh, sparkling, creamy and always in a festive mood - this high-quality French sparkling wine from Alsace will convince you day and night.

Facts about the Crémant sparkling wine

What's Crèmant?

Crémant is any French sparkling wine that does not come from Champagne and has matured on the lees for at least 9 months. A noble perlage, developed acidity and fruity aromas are characteristic of crémant. Depending on the part of France from which the sparkling wine originates, it has regional influences with individual character of the wine-growing regions. To be allowed to bear the protected designation crémant on the label, the sparkling wine must meet the following requirements.

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

How do you serve crémant?

Enjoy Crémant perfectly chilled, with the ideal drinking temperature between 6 and 8° C.

What is Crémant served with?

Crémant is often served as an aperitif, but is also suitable 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 can last up to 4 years, depending on the sparkling wine. A cool, dark, upright storage is recommended to preserve the full aroma even after prolonged storage.

How long does an open bottle of Crémant last?

An opened bottle of crémant quickly loses its carbon dioxide. If you can't finish the opened bottle and don't want to pour the good drop away, you can keep the bottle in the fridge for another 2-3 days. Make sure that the bottle is sealed airtight with a champagne stopper.

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