Crémant is a category of sparkling wines in France made using the same traditional method as Champagne but produced outside the Champagne region. This delightful bubbly offers a high-quality, often more affordable alternative to its famous counterpart while showcasing the unique characteristics of various French wine regions. Like Champagne, Crémant can also be white or rosé in colour.
What is Crémant?
Crémant wines are sparkling wines that undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle, a process known as the “traditional method” or “Methode Champenoise”. This method involves fermenting the wine twice, with the second fermentation occurring in the bottle, creating the bubbles that define sparkling wines. The term Crémant was originally used to describe sparkling wines from Champagne that had lower pressure and softer bubbles, but it has since evolved to refer to sparkling wines made outside the Champagne region (Food & Wine).
Crémant is produced in several regions across France, each imparting its distinct terroir and grape varieties to the wine. The main Crémant-producing regions include:
- Crémant d’Alsace: Located in northeastern France, Alsace is known for its dry, sunny climate and diverse soils. Crémant d’Alsace is often made from Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Chardonnay.
- Crémant de Bourgogne: Produced in Burgundy, this Crémant typically uses Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, similar to Champagne, but can also include Gamay and other local varieties.
- Crémant de Loire: From the Loire Valley, this Crémant features Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and sometimes Cabernet Franc.
- Crémant de Limoux: From the Languedoc region, Crémant de Limoux often includes Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and the local Mauzac grape.
For the second fermentation in the bottle, Crémant must age on its lees (the dead yeast cells) for a minimum of nine months, although some regions require longer aging periods. After aging, the bottles are riddled to collect the lees in the neck, then disgorged to remove the sediment. Finally, a dosage of sugar (and sometimes wine) is added to balance the wine’s acidity before it is corked and labeled.
How is Crémant Different from Champagne?
While both Crémant and Champagne are made using the traditional method, there are key differences between the two:
- Geography: Champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region, while Crémant is made in various regions across France.
- Grape Varieties: Champagne primarily uses Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Crémant, on the other hand, can include a wider variety of grapes depending on the region (e.g. Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling).
- Aging Requirements: Champagne typically has longer aging requirements, with non-vintage Champagne aging for at least 12 months on lees and vintage Champagne for at least three years. Crémant generally requires a minimum of nine months of lees aging.
- Price: Crémant is often more affordable than Champagne, making it an attractive option for those seeking high-quality sparkling wine without the premium price tag.
Crémant offers a diverse and delightful alternative to Champagne, reflecting the unique terroirs and grape varieties of its various regions. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with a meal, Crémant is a sparkling wine worth exploring.
Where Can I Buy Cremant?
The BC Liquor stores sell four different Crémants. Everything Wine sells 12 different Crémants. Marquis Wine Cellars in downtown Vancouver offers 10 different cremants. Crémant wines are widely available. Check with your local wine shop.