What is Crémant? A beginner’s guide to French Crémant wines

Champagne might be your first thought when an occasion calls for bubbles, but have you considered Crémant? Champagne’s often-overlooked cousin, this French sparkling wine uniquely combines quality, elegance and value.

What is Crémant?

Crémant is a type of sparkling wine made in France and Luxembourg. Its name comes from the French word cremeux, which means creamy – a nod to the wine’s smooth, delicate texture and soft bubbles.

Crémant is made in the same way as Champagne. Known as the ‘traditional method’, it involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create its signature fizz. Crémant offers an impressive variety of styles and flavours. With the flexibility to be made from multiple grape varieties, its taste can range from citrus and green apples to the luscious red berry notes found in rosé versions.

Although Crémant is often compared to its more famous cousin, Champagne, it’s excellent in its own right. Whether it’s the aromatic allure of Crémant d’Alsace or the elegant structure of Crémant de Bourgogne, these bubbly beauties are well worth discovering.

Regions to explore for Crémant wine

Crémant is produced across various regions in France and Luxembourg, with areas like Limoux, Alsace and the Loire Valley celebrated for their premium Crémant wines.

Here are some of the best known Crémant wines:

1. Crémant de Limoux

Crémant de Limoux, one of the most coveted Crémant wines, comes from a small region nestled in the Pyrenean Mountains of France’s Languedoc-Roussillon area. Traditionally made using Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, plus Mauzac (locally known as Blanquette) and Pinot Noir as blending grapes, this elegant sparkling wine is adored for its fine bubbles and unique apple, citrus and white blossom flavours.

2. Crémant d’Alsace

More than half of all French Crémant originates from Alsace. The region’s sunny, dry climate and varied soils create ideal growing conditions for several grape varieties. Pinot Blanc is the primary grape in Crémant d’Alsace, although Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes can be used in the blend. Rosé styles solely use Pinot Noir grapes. Crémant d’Alsace is popular thanks to its gentle, easy-drinking bubbles, fresh and fruity profile, and crisp acidity.

3. Crémant de Loire

Crémant de Loire is made in the Loire Valley, specifically in the Anjou-Saumur and Touraine regions. It is made with Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc grapes, with other varieties added depending on the winemaker’s preference. This sparkling wine has complex layers of flavours and aromas, including lemon, pear, quince, honey and chamomile.

4. Crémant de Bordeaux

Both white and rosé Crémant sparkling wines are made in France’s prestigious Bordeaux region. The whites use Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, while the lightly spiced rosé styles use Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Bordeaux Crémants are characteristically vibrant and fruity.

5. Crémant de Bourgogne

As the name suggests, Crémant de Bourgogne is made in the Burgundy region of France. Like Champagne from the neighbouring region, it is predominantly made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, with occasional additions of Gamay, Pinot Blanc, Sacy, Pinot Gris, Aligoté and Melon de Bourgogne. Although it can be considered less complex than other Crémant wines, this sparkler still has those classic floral and citrusy notes, and its style can range from crisp and fresh to rich and rounded.

6. Crémant de Jura

This Crémant from eastern France is primarily made using Chardonnay and the local Savagnin grape. They are known for their light, bright bubbles, refreshing acidity, and summery pear, green apple and honey notes.

7. Crémant de Savoie

One of the newest variations of Crémantcomes from the Savoie region using local Jacquère grapes. These sparkling wines are typically light and crisp in character, with notes of stone fruits, citrus and a distinct mineral undertone.

8. Crémant de Luxembourg

Crémant de Luxembourg is known for its fine bubbles and perfect balance of freshness and complexity. The style of this sparkling wine varies, ranging from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied. Expect notes of citrus, green apple and stone fruit. When they are bottle-aged, these Crémants develop rich and sweet brioche, honey, and nutty flavours.