AOC Crémant de Limoux

Crémant de Limoux became an AOC by decree on August 21, 1990. It found its place alongside Blanquette de Limoux, the area's traditional sparkling wine: in 2009, the two were produced in equal volumes, about 25,000 hectoliters (660,000 US gallons) each. It blends several grapes, in proportions set by the appellation.

At Least Three Grapes, from White to Rosé

Chardonnay is the principal grape of Crémant de Limoux. Chenin Blanc, Mauzac and Pinot Noir round it out, and every wine is made from at least three of these four grapes.

In a white, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc together make up 60 to 90% of the blend, with at least 30% Chardonnay and 10% Chenin Blanc. Mauzac is capped at 20%, and Mauzac and Pinot Noir combined at 40%, so a white may include a little black grape.

Rosé follows the same rules for Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac, and Pinot Noir becomes mandatory. In the vineyard, Chardonnay generally covers at least half of a producer's vines, and Chenin Blanc between 10 and 40%.

From Hand Harvest to Lees Aging

The grapes are picked by hand. They travel in bins holding no more than 350 kg (about 770 lb) or in crates of 35 kg (about 77 lb) at most, sheltered from rain, and reach the press within 24 hours. Grapes for white wines go into the press whole.

The base wines are blended, then bottled from December 1 following the harvest. The second fermentation takes place in that glass bottle, where the wine spends more than nine months on its lees, stored at or below 68°F (20°C). At least a year separates this bottling from release.

Northern Grapes, Adopted in Limoux

Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir are more northern grapes than those of the Languedoc. They were planted in Limoux because the area gets more rain than the rest of the region, has no drought period and stays cooler. Here they keep a low pH and good acidity, two assets for sparkling wine.

From 1990, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc were required in every blend, and they became its backbone. Pinot Noir, grown around Limoux since the 1970s, joined the appellation in 2004, when rosé was recognized. In 2017, the appellation separated its planting and blending rules, which leaves a little more room for Pinot Noir.

Pressure, Rosé and Blanquette: A Closer Look at Crémant de Limoux

How much pressure is in a bottle of Crémant de Limoux?

A bottle of Crémant de Limoux holds at least 3.5 bar (about 51 psi) of pressure after disgorging, measured at 68°F (20°C). That pressure is what pushes the cork out, so keep a firm grip on it as you open the bottle, tilted and pointed away from anyone nearby.

Is there Pinot Noir in rosé Crémant de Limoux?

Rosé Crémant de Limoux contains at least 15% Pinot Noir, the only black grape in the appellation. Discreet in the blend, it brings red fruit notes and a light tannic grip that gives the wine more body.

What is the difference between Crémant de Limoux and Blanquette de Limoux?

Crémant de Limoux comes in white and rosé, while Blanquette de Limoux is white only. Both get their bubbles from a second fermentation in the bottle, but only Crémant is led by Chardonnay.

Where can you buy Crémant de Limoux direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Crémant de Limoux direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. The producer packs and ships your order directly.

See also: AOC Blanquette de Limoux - AOC Languedoc - AOC La Clape