Champagne undoubtedly remains the king of the bubbles but, there’s another top contender we think should be working its way up your ‘must have’ fizz list. 

From celebrations, marriages, New Year’s Eve, and every other occasion, a good bottle of fizz never goes amiss. From Champagne, to Prosecco, Cava and Crémant, there’s a whole world of sparkling wine to explore. Yet, we have one stand-out favourite in particular. 

France produces another spectacular fizz, outside the region of Champagne – that are arguably just as good, whilst having a slightly cheaper price tag than Champagne. What’s not to love?  

The production process 

The drink in question is Crémant – there are eight appellations of Crémant, and just like Champagne, it is produced via secondary fermentation in the bottle. Secondary fermentation processes result in tighter, smaller bubbles and an all-over dry tasting fizz. Crémant also has a slightly finer mousse than its counterparts Prosecco and Cava. 

For a fizz to be a Cremant, it must have been hand-harvested and aged for at least one year – during this year, the Crémant needs to have had nine months on lees which results in higher quality, affordable fizz. 

Popular Crémant

The most common Crémant are the ones heralding from the Burgundy and Loire regions. Crémant d’Alsace is of exceptional quality too.

We’ve shared some knowledge about Crémant and its production processes, but why should you be drinking it? The following are our top five reasons why you should try Crémant and discover a new world of fizz. 

1- Quality

First of all, like its more expensive counterpart, Champagne – Crémant offer exceptional quality. The fizzy beverage is made with great care via the traditional production method or “Methode Traditionelle”. 

The wine, as mentioned, has to be aged for at least one year under exceptional care – so you know that the wine you are drinking is of good quality and therefore will be tasty and sophisticated and a popular beverage for any party or special occasion. 

2 – Variety

Crémant offers a world of new possibilities coming in a variety of different forms. Crémant can be made from many different types of grapes, some of them are Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. No matter your wine preference, you can be sure that there’s a Crémant out there that will suit you. 

There are eight different French wine regions, Alsace, Burgundy, Jura, Bordeaux, Die, Loire, Limoux and Savoie, where Crémant can be produced. Each region makes Crémant with different types of grapes. Do some research, experiment a bit and you can be lapping up the taste of fizz in no time. 

3 – Pairs perfectly

Whether you’re looking for the perfect beverage for your starter, main, or dessert, there will be a Crémant that fits your dish perfectly. Crémant is versatile and therefore easily matched with pretty much any food – making it perfect for dinner parties, etc.  

The high acidity of Crémant acts as a palate cleanser making the fizz perfect for a multi-course meal. From fried chicken to spicy Thai food – Crémant will work with whatever your meal plans are. 

4 – Alternative to Champagne

Crémant is the closest thing you’re going to get to Champagne without the big price tag. For those on a budget, Crémant offers a great alternative to the more expensive fizz, with very little difference on the palate.

Even geographically speaking, the regions in which Crémant is produced are close to Champagne itself. Crémant also offers a lighter taste on the mouth so, it can be a great alternative to Champagne for those who prefer a milder taste. 

5 – Price

Undoubtedly one of the best things about Crémant is its price tag. For a much smaller price, you really can get an exceptional fizz that compares closely to Champagne. 

Crémant is even more popular than Champagne in France – this could be partly because of its more than reasonable price tag. The bubbles and its quality make it seems like a drink for a special occasion but, its price tag means it is readily available for any number of opportunities, settings and festivities. 

Wrapping Up

From Pinot Gris to Pinot Noir, there’s an option to suit every occasion and palate when it comes to Crémant.  With excellent flexibility and acting as a perfect palate cleanser, why not try Crémant at your next dinner party. Or maybe you’re looking for a cheaper option than Champagne to ring in the fast-approaching New Year with. Whatever your reason for reading this article – find your favourite Crémant and we promise you’ll never look back.