Cremant de Loire PDO

The Loire Valley has a long tradition of producing sparkling wines with small bubbles, but it wasn't until the 1970s that Crémant de Loire earned its PDO status. This recognition came after the INAO developed rigorous specifications to regulate crémant production across France. The expertise of Loire Valley winemakers, combined with the region's unique terroir, ensures that Crémant de Loire is crafted to the highest standards.

Crémant de Loire is made using the traditional method, where the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle. The wine is then aged horizontally on wooden racks for at least twelve months, allowing it to develop its characteristic finesse. Crémant de Loire wine is made from a variety of grapes native to the Loire Valley, including Chenin Blanc, Orbois, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grolleau (Noir and Gris), Pinot d'Aunis, and Pinot Noir. The size of the production area, which explains the diversity of the region's soils and climate types, allows these varietals to thrive, resulting in wines with a wide range of flavors and styles.

The Terroir of Crémant de Loire: A Harmony of Soil and Climate

The Loire Valley, often called the “Garden of France”, is a beautiful region and a winegrowing paradise. The terroir here is incredibly varied, each vineyard has its own unique combination of soil, climate and topography. This diversity is the key to the Crémant de Loire character.

• Soil: The Loire Valley has many soils, limestone, chalk, clay and gravel. Limestone and chalk retain moisture and provide minerals to the vines, resulting in wines with acidity and mineral complexity. Clay and gravel give richness and depth to the wines.

• Climate: The Loire Valley has a temperate climate with influences from the Atlantic Ocean and continental weather. This climate gives the perfect balance of sun, rain and wind to slow down the ripening of the grapes. The cool nights and warm days preserve the natural acidity of the grapes, essential for the freshness and elegance of Crémant de Loire.

• Topography: The varied landscape with gentle slopes and riverbanks creates microclimates that add to the complexity of the wines. Vineyards on slopes have better drainage and sun exposure, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavors and aromas.

Crémant de Loire by the Numbers

Crémant de Loire is on the rise, in France and worldwide. Here are the numbers:

• Production: 15 million bottles produced each year, one of the biggest sparkling wines in France.

• Winemakers: Over 250 winemakers in the Loire Valley making Crémant de Loire. They combine tradition and modernity to express the region’s terroir.

The Small Bubbles of Crémant de Loire

One of the key features of Crémant de Loire is the fine, persistent bubbles. But what’s behind these bubbles?

• The Traditional Method: The secret lies in the traditional method, also called méthode traditionnelle. After the first fermentation, a mixture of sugar and yeast is added to the wine, then bottled and sealed. This triggers a second fermentation inside the bottle where the carbon dioxide produced by the yeast dissolves into the wine and creates the bubbles. The wine is then aged on its lees (dead yeast cells) for at least 12 months which gives the bubbles their finesse and complexity.

   

• Aging and Pressure: The aging period also plays a part in the size of the bubbles. As the wine ages, the pressure in the bottle increases which helps to create smaller, more delicate bubbles. These bubbles are not only a sign of quality but also enhance the sensory experience, carrying the aromas to the surface and creating a lively, effervescent texture on the palate.

The Art of Assemblage in Crémant de Loire

Assemblage, or blending, is a crucial step in making Crémant de Loire. It’s about selecting and combining different grape varieties to get the right balance of flavors, aromas and structure.

• Grape varieties: Crémant de Loire is typically a blend of several grape varieties: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Chenin Blanc brings acidity and freshness, Chardonnay adds finesse and elegance, Cabernet Franc brings body and fruitiness. Grolleau and Pinot Noir are also used to add complexity to the blend.

   

• The Balancing Act: The winemaker’s job is to find the right balance between these varieties. Each grape brings something to the final blend and the proportions can vary depending on the style of Crémant. For example, more Chenin Blanc might be used for a Crémant with more acidity and aging potential, more Chardonnay for a smoother, rounder profile.

   

• Consistency and Style: Assemblage is also key to consistency and style from one year to another. Despite climate and grape quality variations, a skilled winemaker can create a harmonious and consistent wine by adjusting the blend. So every bottle of Crémant de Loire delivers the same taste and quality that wine lovers expect.