“Treat yourself” is a THE popular phrase right now, whether you’re talking about splurging on that $2,000 pair of shoes or spending an entire Saturday binge watching Netflix and finishing off a pint of Ben & Jerry’s (no judgment here).
We have too much to do and not enough time, so we have to seize on those little opportunities to fill our own soul’s cup.
I come with good news, wine lovers:
You can fill that cup with Crémant.
Let’s back up. We all know and love Champagne, right? That delicious, luxurious, bubbly nectar of the gods that we would buy a lot more of if it weren’t so expensive?
Well, how does a French sparkling wine, made in the same method as Champagne, for a fraction of the price sound?
Exactly.
Enter Crémant.
As you probably know, you can only call a sparkling wine “Champagne” if it comes from the region of Champagne in France.
HOWEVER, there are eight appellations in France, outside of the region Champagne, that make Crémant (pronounced as kray-mahn).
Like Champagne, it has a rigorous way of being made (second fermentation in bottle) but instead of always using the three grapes that can be used in Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, & Pinot Meunier), Crémant uses grapes indigenous to the region where it is grown. This means that the flavors in Crémant can vary greatly.
My favorite Champs? About $85 per bottle.
My favorite Crémant (from the region of Alsace pictured above)? About $22.
MATH.
I served this very Crémant at my wedding and there was not a bottle left.
In my opinion, sparkling wine is the most food-friendly wine that exists. And it’s not just for celebrations, people! It should be enjoyed any time you pour wine. An evening of good sparkling wine, from start to finish, is a stellar evening (and one I would like be invited to).
Like any bottle of sparkling, take extra care when you open it. I like to pop mine in the freezer for about 20 minutes before I open it to minimize cork "pop-offs".
Have you had Crémant? What’s your favorite? And if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?
***Wine pictured above: Lucien Albrecht Crémant D'Alsace Brut Rosé
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