Champagne and Crémant are two types of sparkling wines that are famous and highly valued around the world. Nevertheless, if they have several similarities, certain characteristics differentiate them. Let's examine this more closely.
The common point: the manufacturing method
First, let's start with the main thing that unites champagne and crémant: their method of production. Indeed, if one is called champenoise method while the other is called traditional method, these are quite similar.
To tell the truth, initially, only the expression champenoise method was used, regardless of the type of wine. It is only since 1990 that the Champagne winegrowers, anxious to preserve this term for their one and only bubbles, banned its use in other regions of France. Since then, outside of Champagne, only the phrase traditional method is authorized to be affixed to bottles.
For the rest, the two methods are completely identical! First, the grapes are pressed and the juice harvested is fermented for the first time, usually in stainless steel vats. Then, a tirage liqueur (liquid made up of wine, sugar and yeast) is added to the wine to start a second fermentation, this time in the bottle. Finally, we let the bubbles build slowly in the cellar and when the bottles are ready, we add to them a dosage liqueur composed of wine and sugar which will define the style of the wine. sparkling (Extra Brut, Brut etc.) Note that in the case of a zero dosage or a Brut Nature, no dosage liqueur is added.
The only difference between crémants and champagnes: the minimum aging time on laths, corresponding to the aging period in the cellar. This resting time in the cellar must indeed be 15 months minimum for a classic champagne against "only" 12 months for a crémant.
Note, however, that for a vintage champagne, a minimum of 36 months of aging is required.
The differences between Crémant and Champagne
Production regions
Champagne is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée in its own right and a Champagne can therefore only come from its region. On the other hand, crémants can be made in almost all the wine-growing regions of France. We thus find crémants from Alsace, Loire, Bordeaux, Jura, Savoie , South-West or Limoux in Languedoc-Roussillon.
The grape varieties
With rare exceptions, only 3 grape varieties are used to make champagne: Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot meunier. On the other hand, depending on the region of production of the crémant, many other varieties will be authorized.
For example, a Crémant de Loire can be made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also Chenin, Cabernet-Franc, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Grolleau or Pineau d'Aunis (non-exhaustive list). A Crémant du Jura can be produced with the Poulsard, Trousseau, Savagnin, Pinot Gris, Pinot noir, Chardonnay, etc. grape varieties.
As you can see, the list of varieties is therefore generally much more permissive on the crémant side!
The taste aspect
Although some crémants can be similar to Champagne in terms of taste, the terroirs, the grape varieties used and the aging time are all factors that create taste differences.
Thus, Champagne will tend to express higher acidity compared to most crémants, especially those from sunnier regions. In addition, the grape varieties used will a fortiori create differences at the time of tasting. Finally, the cellar aging time of a champagne being on average longer than that of a crémant, the aromas of autolysis (yeast, brioche, toast, butter etc.) will generally be stronger in a Champagne, promoting greater aromatic complexity.
Nevertheless, some crémants, such as the Brut Nature from Domaine Barmès-Buecher, rival each other in elegance and finesse, to the point of sometimes being mistaken for blind with a champagne!
In general, keep in mind that you may very well prefer the style of crémants from a region to Champagne! It is above all a matter of taste and therefore very personal!
The price
Finally, how not to mention the most visible difference when buying your bottle: the price.
Indeed, although there are high-end crémants, Champagne is in much higher price ranges than crémants. Many factors can explain this difference such as the slightly longer resting time in Champagne, the price of land, supply and demand or even marketing.
If you want a more detailed analysis on this subject, do not hesitate to read our article on the making of Champagne!
Conclusion
As you may have understood through this reading, Champagne and Crémant are two types of sparkling wines with certain common points (production method) although many differences allow them to be characterized (origin, grape varieties, terroir, price, etc. .)
Also, if it is important to understand what distinguishes them, it is above all necessary to perceive their complementarity for the amateur! Indeed, both genres offer unique taste experiences and adapt to different occasions and budgets!
Now all you have to do is choose from the fine selection of sparkling wines at La Cave Éclairée!
