If you enjoy champagne but fancy exploring a different option for your everyday bubbles, consider trying Crémant. Crémant sparkling wines are produced in France and Luxembourg using the same technique as Champagne and as this sparkling wine only ever comes from manually harvested and whole-bunch-pressed grapes, followed by a minimum of nine months of ageing, the quality of each bottle is exceptionally high. Here are some of our favourites.
Grande Cuvee 1531 Reserve Cremant de Limoux Brut 2017
A blend of Chardonnay, Chenin blanc and Mauzac, this is a traditional style Cremant de Limoux, named after the year in which sparkling wine was invented. It comes from the Sieur d’Arques vineyard in Languedoc, which has been in operation since 1946. This is one for those who like their bubbles dry, yet fruity, with comforting hints of honey, nuts and toasted brioche. It’s a natural partner for seafood, fish, chicken, and perhaps even some sushi — or as the main event, served alongside snacks.
Allimant Laugner Cremant d’Alsace Rose
There are times when only pink bubbles will do. And this berry-forward Allimant Laugner Cremant d’Alsace Rose with its delicate salmon colour is just the ticket. Twice fermented in stainless steel using natural yeast, the winery’s methods keep the liquid as natural as possible. A Pinot Noir based crémant, it has high acidity and bursts of citrus, tempered by the sweet red fruits. The Allimant and Laugner families – both renowned winemakers – partnered in marriage and business back in the 1960s. These days the vineyard is run by three generations of Allimant-Laugners and makes 15 different wines, all of which are vegan.
Louis Bouillot Perle d’Ivoire Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs
Derived exclusively from Chardonnay and Aligoté grapes, this is described as the Pearl of Ivory, reflecting its colour. The chardonnay grapes used, however, are from divergent growing regions of Burgundy, resulting in a distinct contrast of crispness and richness. This crémant receives a lengthy 18 months on the lees, making it especially creamy and a little toasty. Crisp on the palate with a little bit of sweetness, Perle d’Ivoire is a dry, white crémant that’s perfect to pop for a celebration. Louis Bouillot was one of the first wineries in Burgundy to create this type of wine, producing the first bottle in 1877.
Antech Emotion Cremant de Limoux Rose 2019
The delicate aromas of rose petals and gentle shell pink hue of the liquid, make this an obvious choice as a romantic gesture, or for a couple’s celebration — particularly an after-dinner toast. It’s made from handpicked grapes – a combination of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac and Pinot Noir – that are pressed, fermented in stainless steel and briefly macerated before a lengthy maturation, ending in disgorgement. Maison Antech is based in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and is a sixth-generation family-run winery. Here they’ve maintained the elegant spirit of white wine while infusing vibrant berry aromas. Pair Emotion with pudding for an emotive finale to your meal.
Antech Emotion Cremant de Limoux Rose 2019
The delicate aromas of rose petals and gentle shell pink hue of the liquid, make this an obvious choice as a romantic gesture, or for a couple’s celebration — particularly an after-dinner toast. It’s made from handpicked grapes – a combination of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac and Pinot Noir – that are pressed, fermented in stainless steel and briefly macerated before a lengthy maturation, ending in disgorgement. Maison Antech is based in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and is a sixth-generation family-run winery. Here they’ve maintained the elegant spirit of white wine while infusing vibrant berry aromas. Pair Emotion with pudding for an emotive finale to your meal.
Saint Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux
Sporting a vintage-style label that makes for a charming gift, this is a bottle with quite the heritage. Blanquette de Limoux was created in 1531 in the south of Carcassonne, by the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of Saint Hilaire – the world’s very first sparkling wine, pre-dating the invention of champagne. Saint Hilaire is led by notes of florals, citrus, green apple and pear, fairly dry and crisp, yet creamy to the taste with a yeasty nose. Each bottle is aged for 12 months for extra aroma and is suitable for vegans. Stock up for your party – this is a crowd pleaser that’s easily mistaken for champers.
Buy this Cremant collection from 8wines.com Or if fizz isn’t your thing explore the unique range of wines from around the world – all of which are selected by the vinicultural explorers at 8wines. They have a wealth of experience and specialist knowledge and are passionate about finding a good wine for everyone.
