Open the Crémant! It’s considered Champagne’s inferior cousin, but as Waitrose sales soar by half, our expert reveals which sparkling wines have real fizz.

In the bustling world of sparkling wine, a style is finally having its moment – ​​and it only took a few centuries.

Crémant is a type of sparkling wine made using the same traditional, extensive winemaking method used in Champagne – and in some cases with the same grapes – although it is usually aged for less time.

Strict rules mean only wine produced in Champagne can carry the famous moniker, but some Crémant vineyards are right on Champagne’s doorstep.

Crémant takes its name from the French word “crème”, which means creamy. It is a wine term officially recognized in France in 1975, although wines have been made in this style throughout the country since the very beginning of the early 19th century – and before that in some regions.

Since the rise of prosecco, which did a fabulous job of democratizing sparkling wine, discerning drinkers have turned away from those sweet Italian bubbles and toward a drier, more complex style of sparkling wine that tastes more champagne but without the hefty price tag – the kind that can be skipped mid-week rather than waiting for a big celebration.

Crémant has quietly stepped in to fill the void (and the glasses) for those seeking quality, complexity – and excellent value.

Because while a bottle of Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut NV will set you back £42.99, a bottle of Crémant d’Alsace is available for just £13.99. It’s no wonder French drinkers try to keep this secret to themselves.

It also makes you seem rather sophisticated and “in the know” to say “crémant” out loud – and who doesn’t like that?!

So perhaps it’s no surprise that, although champagne sales are down, Waitrose reports that over the past three months, crémant sales are up 51 percent compared to the same period of Last year. They have now outsold budget Spanish sparkling cava.

Traditional method wines such as Crémant and Champagne take a long time to make because the bubbles form in the glass bottles themselves during their secondary fermentation, rather than in large vats like Prosecco. They must then undergo a minimum of aging before they can be released. It’s this method that gives the fizz its classic, toasty, brioche notes, so it’s not just about primary fruit flavors. Some are aged for a short time and others for a long time, and the flavor profile and price will often reflect this.

Crémant is cheaper than champers because the nine regions of France and Luxembourg where it is produced do not have the same cachet for sparkling wines – and there are many more produced. While most of them may not reach the dizzying heights of some champagne brands, many of them are not far off!

There are so many Crémants to discover throughout France and it can also be made in rosé and demi-sec (slightly sweet) versions, so there is something for everyone.

The nine regions to look for for Crémant wines are Alsace, Burgundy, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, Limoux, Jura, Savoie, Luxembourg and a Rhone style called Crémant de Die.

So if you’re looking to pop a budget-friendly bottle of fizz that still carries the sophistication of champagne, here are six cracking crémants to try…

Simonnet Febvre Brut Crémant De Bourgogne

£15, Tesco

Crémant de Bourgogne, in my opinion, is the style closest to champagne, partly because it is often made solely from chardonnay – one of the Champagne grape varieties – although there is a touch extra fruity. To be enjoyed alone or with salmon blinis. 3/5

Morrisons The Best Crémant De Limoux

£12.50, Morrisons

Limoux is one of the oldest sparkling regions and predates champagne! These beauties from the south of France have fabulous, concentrated fruit with flavors of melon and citrus that can accompany heavier poultry dishes. 4/5

Crémant de Loire Prince Alexandre

£10.49, Waitrose

For those looking for a higher, tangy acidity with a touch of honey on the nose, Crémant de Loire, which often has a good touch of the local Chenin Blanc grape, delivers it in spades. A gourmet crémant that goes extremely well with creamy dishes. 3/5

Louis Vallon Crémant De Bordeaux Blanc De Noirs

On offer at £13, Sainsbury’s

This crisp Crémant Bordeaux looks as elegant on the outside as it tastes. Made only from black grapes, here Cabernet Franc and Merlot, it is a style with a rosy hue and tangy texture with notes of red apple skin, brioche and almond. Try it with meat! 5/5

Marcel Cabelier Crémant du Jura Brut

£11.99 price mix 6, Majestic

Crémant du Jura, although often made with Chardonnay as in Champagne, can offer a nice original difference when local Savagnin and Poulsard grapes are added. Light and sparkling, they are perfect for aperitif wines. 3/5

Arthur Metz Crémant d’Alsace Brut Bio

Priced at £12, Ocado

Crémant d’Alsace can use Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling grapes alongside Champagne, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, giving the wine a delicious, creamy sweetness. Perfect with cheese canapes. 4/5

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