Crémant d'Alsace AOC

Crémant d’Alsace is the crisp and lively sparkling wine from Alsace that keeps surprising more and more wine lovers.

What is Crémant d’Alsace?

Crémant d’Alsace is a sparkling wine from Alsace, made in the traditional method. That means the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, just like Champagne. The main difference lies in the grapes and the terroir. In Alsace you’ll find Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and even Pinot Noir for the rosé versions. This diversity creates a wide range of styles: from light and citrusy to richer with notes of toast and ripe fruit.

A bit of history

On August 24, 1976 this bottle-fermented sparkling wine was officially recognized under French wine law. But the tradition of making such wines in Alsace is much older. In 1900, Alsace winemaker Julien Dopff visited the Paris World Fair with his father. A demonstration of Champagne production inspired them to try the same with grape varieties traditional to Alsace. Dopff then spent two years in Champagne learning the method before returning to Alsace.

Since then, Crémant d’Alsace has been made in this traditional way and is now the second most popular sparkling wine in France, after Champagne. Not surprising, since strict rules apply here too. “Crémant” is the French term for sparkling wines made outside Champagne using the traditional method. The second fermentation always takes place in the bottle, followed by a minimum of nine months of aging on the lees. This aging gives the wines a creamy texture and extra complexity.

While Champagne relies mainly on Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, Crémant d’Alsace is often based on fresh Pinot Blanc. Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also permitted. For Crémant d’Alsace Rosé, the law requires 100% Pinot Noir. Some wines are blends, others are single varietals, but all share the same style: dry, crisp and with a fine bubble.

The Alsace wine region

Alsace is known for its picturesque villages and endless vineyards along the Rhine. The climate is relatively sunny and dry thanks to the Vosges mountains, which block the rain. This gives the grapes a long ripening period. For sparkling wines, this is ideal, as acidity is preserved while the grapes also develop ripe fruit aromas. The result: Crémant d’Alsace often shows a beautiful balance between freshness and softness.

How does Crémant d’Alsace taste?

No two bottles are the same, but there are clear traits that almost always appear. Expect fine bubbles, fresh citrus, green apple and sometimes peach or apricot. A rosé version often adds aromas of strawberry and raspberry. When aged longer on the lees, you’ll taste brioche, almond and a hint of toast. In short, there’s plenty of variety, which means there’s always a Crémant d’Alsace that matches your taste or occasion.

Food pairing with Crémant d’Alsace

This sparkling wine is incredibly versatile at the table. Serve it as an aperitif with light snacks, and you’ll never go wrong. With oysters and other shellfish, its fresh side shines. A rosé version pairs beautifully with charcuterie or summer dishes with grilled vegetables. It’s also a surprisingly good match for sushi and Asian dishes with a little spice.

Why choose Crémant d’Alsace?

Many people automatically reach for Champagne for a festive moment. But Crémant d’Alsace often offers comparable quality at a more approachable price. On top of that, the different grape varieties from Alsace make it possible to explore a wide range of styles. From sleek and mineral to fruity and creamy. It’s exactly this playful character that makes it so popular among wine lovers who want to try something new without compromise.

Order Crémant d’Alsace online?

At Grandcruwijnen you’ll find a broad selection of Crémant d’Alsace. All bottles are stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse, ensuring perfect preservation until your order is shipped. Order online and choose between home delivery or pick-up. When you pick up your order, you’ll see an immediate discount applied at checkout. That way you can enjoy the Alsace bubbles in the way that suits you best.