Crémant de Bourgogne
Crémant de Bourgogne is a delightful sparkling wine crafted from two popular grape varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Chardonnay is the most commonly used grape, accounting for around 10% of all wines produced in the Burgundy region.
The grape varieties commonly grown for still wine are also permitted to produce Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wines. These include Gamay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Aligoté, Chardonnay, Melon, and Pinot Blanc. The proportions of these grape varieties allowed for use in sparkling wine production are specified in the winemaking regulations.
However, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the most dominant grape varieties used for making Crémant de Bourgogne. This is because both grape varieties can express the desirable autolytic characteristics sought after in sparkling wines. These traits are created during secondary fermentation in the bottle and result in brioche, toast, and nuts flavors. Therefore, these grape varieties are well-suited to producing high-quality Crémant de Bourgogne that is both delicious and sophisticated.
These wines come in different styles, but most are dry (Brut-style) white wines with a medium to high acidity. They have lovely brioche-like notes and a medium-intensity fruit flavor that ranges from crisp apple and zesty lemon in cooler regions to juicy apricot in warmer areas.
In addition to the classic white sparkling wine, there are other styles to choose from, such as Blanc de Blancs (made exclusively from white grapes), Blanc de Noirs (made exclusively from black grapes), and rosé sparkling wines. Crémant de Bourgogne offers various flavors and styles to suit any occasion, making it a delicious and versatile choice for any wine lover.
The geographical boundaries for the Crémant de Bourgogne appellation are identical to those of the Bourgogne AOC. Grapes used for making this sparkling wine can be sourced from any of the Burgundy departments, namely Yonne (Chablis), Côte d'Or (Côte d'Or), Saône-et-Loire (Chalonnais, Mâconnais), and Beaujolais.
The distance from north to south across these regions is approximately 250 kilometers, which can affect the style of the wine, especially if the fruit from a specific region is kept separate. For instance, these regions' climates can influence the wine style.
The primary sources of grapes for making Crémant de Bourgogne are the Mâconnais, where Chardonnay is predominantly grown, and the Côte Chalonnaise around Rully. Other sources include the vineyards of Beaujolais, areas around Chablis in the Yonne department, Châtillon-sur-Seine (located just south of the southernmost part of Champagne), Hautes Côtes de Beaune, and Hautes Côtes de Nuits.
These regions are generally cooler and more suitable for growing grapes for sparkling wine. They are also less expensive than other vineyard areas within the Burgundy appellation. In summary, Crémant de Bourgogne is a product of carefully selected grapes from various regions in Burgundy that offer the ideal growing conditions for producing high-quality sparkling wines.
Winemaking
When making Crémant de Bourgogne, the base wine is typically produced using early-harvested grapes. Depending on individual producers' preferences, the wines may undergo malolactic fermentation.
For Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc, the blend must contain at least 30% of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, or Pinot Gris, either alone or in a blend. (Note that Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are rarely used as very few of these varieties are planted in the region). Additionally, the maximum amount of Gamay allowed in a blend is 20%.
For Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs, Chardonnay and other white grape varieties are permitted. However, for Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs, only Pinot Noir grapes can be used.
The production of Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé is similar to Blanc de Noirs, where the dominant grape variety used is Pinot Noir. However, a small amount of Gamay can be added to enhance the wine's color.
To summarize the grape variety usage:
Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc: minimum 30% Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Gris (maximum 20% Gamay in a blend)
Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs: Chardonnay and other white grape varieties are allowed
Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs: only Pinot Noir is permitted
Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé: Pinot Noir (dominant) with a small amount of Gamay
The Eminent and Grand Eminent
The Eminent and Grand Eminent cuvées promise exceptional Crémant de Bourgogne. These prestigious wines are crafted using the finest terroirs and the expertise of Burgundian winemakers. Their secret lies in the time they are aged - longer than the norm. These sparkling wines are aged 24 and 36 months in the cellar, adding complexity, depth, and a unique character.
These wines are an invitation to celebrate, cherish and experience unforgettable moments. They are perfect for special occasions and a true expression of luxury. Your pleasure is imminent, which is right around the corner and ready to be enjoyed.
Crémant de Bourgogne Grand Eminent is a category of exceptional sparkling wines that come with specific requirements, including:
• Only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes produce white.
• For the rosé wines, a maximum of 20% Gamay is allowed in the blend.
• A vintage can be included, but it's optional.
• A minimum of 36 months of aging on the lees and a further three months in the bottle before release are required.
• Only Brut designation is allowed.
In summary, Crémant de Bourgogne Grand Eminent is a top-tier sparkling wine category that uses only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes for white wines.
It allows a small amount of Gamay in the rosé blend. These wines undergo at least 36 months of aging on the lees and three months in the bottle before release, resulting in a complex and sophisticated flavor profile.
The wines are always labeled Brut, indicating a dry and crisp taste.
Veuve Ambal
Veuve Ambal is a family-owned wine company based in the Burgundy region's heart since 1898. With over 100 years of experience, Veuve Ambal has become the region's largest producer of Crémant de Bourgogne.
The company's success is due to the talent and dedication of its team, who have worked tirelessly to become market leaders and specialists in this Appellation. Veuve Ambal's commitment to producing high-quality wines has earned them a reputation for excellence in France and worldwide.
Summary
Crémant de Bourgogne is a sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
The production of Crémant de Bourgogne has more than doubled since the turn of the century, with an average of 170,000 hectoliters produced annually between 2014 and 2018.
The geographical boundaries for the Crémant de Bourgogne appellation are identical to those of the Bourgogne AOC.
The main sources of grapes for Crémant de Bourgogne are the Mâconnais, Côte Chalonnaise, Beaujolais, areas around Chablis in the Yonne department, Châtillon-sur-Seine, Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Hautes Côtes de Nuits, and flatland vineyards on the Côte d’Or.
The base wine for Crémant de Bourgogne is typically produced using early-harvested grapes, and malolactic conversion may be used.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the most dominant grape varieties used for making Crémant de Bourgogne.
For Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc, the blend must contain at least 30% of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, or Pinot Gris, either alone or in a blend. The maximum amount of Gamay allowed in a blend is 20%.
Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs uses only white grape varieties, while Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs uses only Pinot Noir.
Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé is made predominantly from Pinot Noir with a small amount of Gamay allowed for color.
Crémant de Bourgogne Grand Eminent is a top-tier sparkling wine category that uses only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes for white wines and allows a small amount of Gamay in the rosé blend. These wines undergo at least 36 months of aging on the lees and three months in the bottle before release.
Veuve Ambal is a family-owned wine company that has become the largest producer of Crémant de Bourgogne in the region.
Veuve Ambal was established over 100 years ago in the heart of the Burgundy region and is committed to producing high-quality wines.
The aging process of Crémant de Bourgogne wines is longer than the norm, adding complexity and a unique character to the wine.
Crémant de Bourgogne is a product of carefully selected grapes from various regions in Burgundy that offer the ideal growing conditions for producing high-quality sparkling wines.
Crémant de Bourgogne wines are versatile and suitable for various occasions.
The Brut designation indicates a dry and crisp taste.
Autolytic characteristics of Crémant de Bourgogne are created during secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in flavors of brioche, toast, and nuts.
Time is a luxury when it comes to producing exceptional Crémant de Bourgogne, and longer aging on the lees adds complexity and depth to the wine.
The geography of the region can influence the style of the wine.
Crémant de Bourgogne is a delightful and sophisticated choice for wine lovers, offering a wide range of flavors and styles to suit any occasion.
Questions
What is Crémant de Bourgogne?
What grape varieties are used to make Crémant de Bourgogne?
How has production of Crémant de Bourgogne changed in recent years?
Where are the main sources of grapes for Crémant de Bourgogne?
What is the base wine for Crémant de Bourgogne made from?
What are the most dominant grape varieties used to make Crémant de Bourgogne?
What is the blend requirement for Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc?
What is the difference between Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs?
What is the production process for Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé?
What is Crémant de Bourgogne Grand Eminent?
How long are Crémant de Bourgogne wines aged before release?
What is the Brut designation for Crémant de Bourgogne?
What are autolytic characteristics in Crémant de Bourgogne?
How does geography influence the style of Crémant de Bourgogne?
What are some food pairings that go well with Crémant de Bourgogne?
How does Crémant de Bourgogne compare to other sparkling wines?
What is the history of Veuve Ambal, the largest producer of Crémant de Bourgogne?
What is the significance of time in producing exceptional Crémant de Bourgogne?
How is Crémant de Bourgogne typically consumed?
What are the flavor profiles of different types of Crémant de Bourgogne wines?
