France produces some of the best Champagne and sparkling wines in the world. Sparkling wine from outside the Champagne is typically known as Crémant. Alsace is a leader in producing high-quality Crémant d’Alsace and they are the perfect addition to your summer celebrations.
WHERE IS ALSACE?
Alsace is located in the northeastern corner of France. Its juxtaposition makes it a fascinating study of geography and history, as the region has switched hands between France and Germany several times. The region makes aromatic and expressive wines from passionate winemakers that have been making wines for centuries. The wines are exceptionally unique as Alsace is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world.
For centuries, the region has been renowned the world over for its white wines. More recently, Alsace has been gaining popularity for its traditional method sparkling wines.
WHAT IS CREMANT D’ALSACE?
Some of the best sparkling wines from France are Crémant d’Alsace. Crémant d’Alsace is an elegant sparkling wine that is produced in the picturesque region of Alsace, where it is nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains in Northeastern France. As its name suggests, Crémant literally means creamy, and sparkling Crémant d’Alsace wines are fresh, elegant, fruity and creamy.
Alsace wines are made of the highest qualities and Crémant d’Alsace is no exception. Just like Champagne, Crémant d’Alsace is attentively made in the traditional method, where it gets its bubbles during the second fermentation in the bottle. Then it spends a minimum of one year in the cellar before release. This aging gives the wine incredible depth and texture.
Crémant d’Alsace gets its elegance from the unique characteristics of the grape variety it is made from. There are five grapes from which Crémant can be made; Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Some Crémants are solely made from one grape variety which is indicated on the label. You can find a wide range of styles and textures from blanc de blanc, blanc de noir, brut and rosé.
Sparkling Crémant from Alsace is closest in style to Champagne, except don’t call it Champagne. In terms of geography, Alsace is closest to Champagne but Crémant d’Alsace is more approachable than Champagne. These cuvées are typically lighter, fresher and less austere than their Champagne counterpart.
FOOD PAIRINGS WITH CREMANT D’ALSACE
Bubbles are always a great option when selecting food and wine pairings. Crémant d’Alsace pairs impeccably with just about any cuisine and any course from appetizers to desserts. The wines pair perfectly with tuna tartare, foie gras, oysters or shellfish.
Also consider Crémant d’Alsace for a wide range of foods like fried chicken, spicy Thai food, flavorful Chinese or even pizza. Due to their bright acidity, these cuvees act as a refreshing palate cleanser and can be paired over a multi-course meal. The lightness, freshness and fruitiness make these the perfect summer sparklers.
THREE CREMANT D’ALSACE WINES TO DRINK NOW
You don’t need a special occasion to drink Crémant D’Alsace. Today, Crémant d’Alsace has become the top AOC sparkling wine to be consumed in homes across France after Champagne. Crémant d’Alsace is gaining in popularity across France and around the globe for its quality, elegance and price. Be sure to get your bottles today. Here are three Crémant d’Alsace to add to your list.
Dirler-Cadé Brut Nature Cremant D’Alsace 2017 (SRP $31)
This elegant sparkling Crémant is produced from 60% Pinot Gris, 30% Auxerrois and 10% Riesling. Dirler-Cadé Brut Nature combines body and freshness. Finely beaded mousse and a cornucopia of fresh aromatics beckon from the glass, showing white peach, elderflower, red apple skin, and gardenias. The palate is tightly focused, with linear orchard fruit, precision and loads of rocky minerality that scream for salty foods, oysters or grilled shrimp.
Pierre Sparr Brut Reserve Cremant D’Alsace (SRP $20)
Pierre Sparr Brut has a nose that offers aromas of melon, mango and hints of nuts. The soft mousse leaves a pleasant feeling on the palate, accompanied by a racy, powerful body and crisp, lemony acidity that brings freshness to this Crémant. With time in the glass, it opens further to a complex sparkling brut, finishing with a long aftertaste.
Willm Rosé Brut Cremant D’Alsace (SPR $21)
Made with Pinot Noir, this Crémant D’Alsace Rosé has great roundness and texture. Hints of nice pink reflections are supported by an elegant effervescence. On the palate, there are delicate red fruit characteristics with an expressive bouquet of cherry, cassis and raspberry. This bright bubbly is fresh and fruity with soft and mature tannins that are embedded in a delicate sweetness.
** Photos Courtesy Alsace Wines **
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