Crémant (pronounced “cray-mont) is the official term in France for sparkling wines made outside the Champagne region, but still made in the traditional method (Champagne) vs. tank “charmat” method (Prosecco). Varietals used to make a Crémant depend on the growing region; Crémant de Loire are made with Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc for rosé, Crémant de Alsace typically use Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, and only Pinot Noir for rosé, Crémant de Bourgogne(Burgundy) use Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Crémant de Limoux, Languedoc-Roussilon is made with Chardonnay, Mauzac, and Chenin Blanc.
NV De Chanceny Crémant de Loire Rosé Brut ABV 12.5% Price $15.00ish
Look: Pale salmon color
Smell: Stone fruit, hint of herbs.
Taste: Red plums, slight taste of raspberries or red currants. Gentle bubbles on the palate with perfect balance of acidity and a medium body.
Food Pairing: I enjoyed it with a fruit and cheese board; seasonal melons, prosciutto, feta cheese and pistachios. Keeping it simple and seasonal.
Crémant sparkling wines are an affordable alternative to Champagne. The perfect just because summer sparkler! Cheers!
A note on the glassware. I used a white wine glass which has a wider bowl than a traditional champagne flute. The use of a white wine glass instead of a flute, is a new trend in glassware for sparkling wines, it allows the aromas to develop and therefore they are easier to detect.
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