Cremant is one of the wine world's best-kept secrets. Made using the same traditional method as Champagne but from regions across France, Cremant offers exceptional sparkling wine at a fraction of the Champagne price. For everyday celebrations, dinner parties, and even weddings, Cremant delivers remarkable quality and value.
What is Cremant?
Cremant is a French sparkling wine made using the methode traditionnelle, the same labour-intensive process used in Champagne. The wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, which creates the bubbles, followed by extended ageing on the lees. The key difference is geography: Cremant can be produced in several French regions outside Champagne, each using local grape varieties.
Key Cremant Regions
Cremant d'Alsace
The largest Cremant appellation, producing elegant sparkling wines primarily from Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. Alsatian Cremants tend to be crisp, aromatic, and beautifully balanced. They are among the most popular sparkling wines in France and offer outstanding value.
Cremant de Bourgogne
Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the same grapes as Champagne, Burgundy's Cremant is the closest in style to its more famous neighbour. The best examples show fine bubbles, toasty complexity, and citrus freshness. For Champagne lovers on a budget, Cremant de Bourgogne is the obvious choice.
Cremant de Loire
The Loire Valley produces Cremant from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. These wines tend to be fruit-forward and approachable, with apple and pear notes and a gentle mousse. They are particularly food-friendly and make excellent aperitifs.
Cremant du Jura
A hidden gem from eastern France, Jura Cremant is made primarily from Chardonnay and offers a distinctive mineral character. Production is small but quality is high, and these wines represent some of the most interesting sparkling wines in France.
Cremant de Limoux
From the Languedoc, Limoux has a strong claim to being the birthplace of sparkling wine, predating Champagne by over a century. Cremant de Limoux is made from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and the local Mauzac grape, producing wines of character and charm.
Cremant vs Champagne
The production method is essentially the same. The differences lie in the terroir, grape varieties, and ageing requirements. Champagne must be aged on lees for a minimum of 15 months (three years for vintage), while Cremant requires nine months. In practice, many quality Cremant producers exceed the minimum. The result is that good Cremant can rival mid-range Champagne at half the price.
Food Pairings
Cremant is wonderfully versatile with food. Serve it as an aperitif with canapes, pair it with seafood, sushi, or light salads, or enjoy it alongside creamy cheeses. Cremant Rose is particularly good with charcuterie and soft fruit desserts. Its lower price point makes it ideal for dinner parties where you want quality sparkling wine throughout the meal.
"I hunt the best so you can enjoy what's in your glass."
Tim Mosse, Mosse and Mosse