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What are the different types of crémants?
The different types of crémant: a complete guide to the 8 French appellations
Crémants are sparkling wines produced in France using the traditional method, similar to that of Champagne. Less expensive but just as elegant, they offer a great diversity of aromatic profiles depending on their region of origin. From Alsace to Savoie, via Burgundy and Jura, discover the 8 French crémant appellations and their characteristics.
What is a crémant ?
Crémants are sparkling wines made using the traditional method and holding a controlled designation of origin (AOC). The second fermentation in the bottle gives these wines their fine, elegant bubbles. To be entitled to the Crémant appellation, producers must comply with strict criteria:
✓ Hand harvesting of the grapes
✓ Alcoholic fermentation followed by the addition of yeasts for the second fermentation
✓ Ageing on lees for at least nine months
✓ Riddling of the bottles to remove yeast deposits
Crémant vs Champagne: the production method is identical (traditional method with second fermentation in the bottle). The difference lies in the region of origin and the local specifications. Crémant often offers excellent value for money, at 30 to 50% less than an equivalent Champagne.
Our Sparkling Wines Selection : Crémant d'Alsace, de Bourgogne or du Jura: our growers' bubbles, straight from the estate at property prices. See the selection →
The 8 French crémant appellations
Grape varieties: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Auxerrois, Chardonnay
The most produced of all French crémants. Aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits and white-fleshed fruits. Fresh and elegant, it has established itself as the ultimate aperitif crémant. Pinot Noir vinified as a rosé produces a highly popular Crémant d'Alsace Rosé.
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, sometimes Aligoté or Gamay
Close to Champagne in its grape varieties, Crémant de Bourgogne offers notes of white fruits, dried fruits and hazelnut. Often more mineral than other crémants, it stands out for its lovely tension on the palate. Excellent with starters and seafood.
Grape varieties: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Gris
Chenin Blanc brings a natural acidity and aromas of apple, pear, citrus and honey that are the signature of Crémant de Loire. Highly versatile, it pairs equally well with aperitifs and desserts in a demi-sec style. Particularly well suited to seafood and fish.
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Poulsard
Crémant du Jura caused a sensation during a blind tasting organised by the M6 programme Capital, outperforming a €50 Champagne! Notes of yellow fruits, white flowers and hazelnut. Ideal with Comtois gastronomy, Morteau sausage, Comté cheese, Bresse poultry.
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Less well known than its Alsatian or Burgundian counterparts, Crémant de Bordeaux stands out for its notes of red fruits and white flowers from the Bordeaux grape varieties. 100% Sémillon produces a white crémant of great finesse. An absolute must for Bordeaux lovers.
Crémant de Limoux
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Mauzac, Pinot Noir
The Languedoc produces one of France's oldest sparkling wines with Blanquette de Limoux (ancestral method) and Crémant de Limoux (traditional method). Aromas of white fruits, honey and floral notes with a lovely roundness on the palate. Ideal as an aperitif or with fruit-based desserts.
Crémant de Savoie
Grape varieties: Jacquère, Chardonnay, Altesse
The most discreet of the French crémants, produced primarily from Jacquère, the emblematic grape variety of Savoie. Lively notes of apple, pear and citrus with a characteristic alpine minerality. Perfect with Savoyard cheeses, fondue or lake fish.
Crémant de Die
Grape varieties: Clairette Blanche, Aligoté
Produced in the Drôme from Clairette Blanche and Aligoté, Crémant de Die is often confused with Clairette de Die (ancestral method). An aromatic bouquet of green fruits, citrus and white flowers with lovely freshness. A crémant of discovery for lovers of originality.
How to choose your crémant ?
Several criteria will help you find the ideal crémant according to your tastes and the occasion:
The grape variety - Chardonnay dominant for a fine, elegant crémant with mineral notes; Pinot Noir for a more structured and fruity crémant; Chenin Blanc for a lively acidity and notes of honey.
The terroir - Some crémants are more mineral (Burgundy, Loire), others more fruity and rounded (Bordeaux, Limoux), others more floral and aromatic (Alsace).
The occasion - Crémant d'Alsace or de Bourgogne for aperitif; Crémant du Jura to accompany a meal; Crémant de Loire demi-sec for desserts.
Food pairings - Mineral brut crémant (Burgundy, Loire) with seafood and fish; fruity crémant (Alsace, Bordeaux) with poultry and cheese; demi-sec crémant (Loire, Limoux) with fruit-based desserts.
Why buy your crémants directly from the grower ?
Our crémants are selected directly from the producers and shipped from their cellar at the property price. Without intermediaries, you access cuvées of a freshness and authenticity that you will not find in supermarkets - and at prices that make crémant even more accessible than Champagne.
Did you know ? Crémant d'Alsace is the best-selling sparkling wine in France after Champagne, with more than 35 million bottles produced each year. A success that reflects both its quality and its excellent accessibility.
Our Sparkling Wines Selection : Crémant d'Alsace, de Bourgogne or du Jura: our growers' bubbles, straight from the estate at property prices. See the selection →
Frequently asked questions about crémants
What is the difference between a crémant and a Champagne ?
Both crémant and Champagne are produced using the traditional method with a second fermentation in the bottle. The main difference is geographical: Champagne is produced exclusively in the Champagne region, while crémants come from other French regions (Alsace, Burgundy, Loire, Jura, Bordeaux, Limoux, Savoie, Die). Crémants are generally sold 30 to 50% cheaper than an equivalent-quality Champagne.
Which is the best French crémant ?
There is no single "best" crémant, it all depends on taste and occasion. Crémant d'Alsace is the best-selling, with fresh and floral profiles highly appreciated as an aperitif. Crémant de Bourgogne is often compared to Champagne for its minerality. Crémant du Jura has surprised experts by outperforming €50 Champagnes in blind tastings. Each appellation has its strengths.
How long does a crémant need to age ?
According to the specifications of the crémant appellations, ageing on lees must be at least 9 months before the wine can be sold. Some producers go well beyond this minimum in order to achieve finer bubbles and more complex aromas of brioche and hazelnut. By comparison, non-vintage Champagne is aged for a minimum of 15 months, and vintage Champagne for a minimum of 3 years.
At what temperature should crémant be served ?
A crémant is ideally served between 7 and 9°C to preserve its aromas and effervescence. Avoid serving it too cold (below 6°C) as this would mask the aromas. Place your bottle in the refrigerator 3 to 4 hours before serving, or for 20 minutes in a bucket with ice and cold water.
How many crémant appellations are there in France ?
There are 8 crémant appellations in France: Crémant d'Alsace, Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant de Loire, Crémant du Jura, Crémant de Bordeaux, Crémant de Limoux, Crémant de Savoie and Crémant de Die. Each has its own set of specifications defining the authorised grape varieties, yields and production methods. Crémant d'Alsace is by far the most produced, with more than 35 million bottles per year.
French crémants offer a refined and accessible alternative to Champagne, with a diversity of styles and terroirs that allows everyone to find their ideal cuvée. Discover our selection of growers' crémants, at cellar prices, shipped directly from their cave.
