The differences between Champagne and Crémant

Champagne and Crémant are two types of sparkling wines famous and highly regarded in the world. However, while they have several similarities, there are some characteristics that differentiate them. Let’s take a closer look.

The common point  : the manufacturing method

First of all, let's start with the main common point that unites Champagne and sparkling wine  : their manufacturing method. Indeed, if one is called champagne method  while the other is called  traditional method , these are indeed similar.

Actually, initially, only the expression champagne method was used, regardless of the type of wine. It was only in 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 expression  traditional method is authorized to be affixed to the bottles.

For the rest, Both methods are quite  identical ! First, the grapes are pressed and the juice collected is fermented for the first time, generally in stainless steel vats. Then, a liqueur of tirage (liquid composed of wine, sugar and yeast) is added to the wine in order to start a second fermentation, this time in the bottle. Finally, we leave them  bubbles slowly build 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 sparkling wine (Extra Brut, Brut etc.). Note that in the case of a zero dosage or a Brut Nature, no dosage liqueur is added.

Alone  difference between crémants and champagnes  : the minimum aging time on slats , corresponding to the aging period in the cellar. This resting time in the cellar must in fact be 15 months minimum for a classic champagne against "  only  » 12 months for a crémant.

Please 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 a fully-fledged Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée and A Champagne can therefore only come from its region . On the contrary, the Crémants can be made in almost every wine region in France. . We thus find crémants of Alsace , of Loire , of Bordeaux , of Jura , of Savoy , of Southwest or even from Limoux in the Languedoc-Roussillon .

The grape varieties

With rare exceptions, only 3 grape varieties are  used to make champagne  : THE Pinot noir , THE Chardonnay as well as the Pinot meunier . Conversely, depending on the region where the crémant is produced, many other varieties  will be allowed.

For example, a Loire cream 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.

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 close to Champagne in terms of taste, the terroirs, the grape varieties used and the maturing time are all factors creating  taste differences .

Thus, the Champagne will tend to express a  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 aging time in the cellar of a champagne being on average longer than that of a crémant, autolysis aromas (yeast, brioche, toast, butter etc.)  will generally be more marked in a champagne, favoring greater aromatic complexity .

However, some crémants, such as Brut Nature,  of Barmès-Buecher Estate , compete in elegance and finesse, to the point of sometimes being mistaken for champagne when tasted blind!

Generally speaking, it  It is important to keep in mind that you may well prefer the style of crémants from one region to Champagne.  ! This is above all a matter of taste and therefore very personal.  !

The price

Finally, how can we not mention the most visible difference when purchasing 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 would like a more detailed analysis on this subject, please feel free 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 points in common (production method)  although many differences allow them to be  characterize  (origin, grape varieties, terroir, price etc.).

So, while it is important to understand what sets them apart, First of all, it is necessary  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 make your choice from the fine selection of sparkling wines from The Illuminated Cellar  !