Have you reached PBP (Prosecco breaking point) yet?

Isn’t it about time we moved out of our fizz comfort zone?  Sure, Prosecco is pretty easy on the bank balance and of course, because it is light and fruity it seems to slip down far too easily.  But think about it … isn’t it just a tad on the sweet side?  Aren’t you getting a bit too bored with the same old, same old?

Do not panic; take a seat and we shall let you into an ‘alternative’ secret: Crémant.

“Do tell” you say.  OK, so here is what you need to know about Crémant …

1. First and foremost, how do you say it?  ‘cray-mont’
2. Which country is it from?  Cremant is produced mainly in France.
3. Fine, but I’m a geography whizz, so can you be a bit more precise?Thanks for asking: You will find producers in the Loire, Burgundy, Alsace, Jura, Bordeaux, Limoux and a little known region called Die (pronounced Dee). 

   

4. How does it differ to Prosecco?  Two hugely important and very interesting facts:
   1. Firstly, it is drier than Prosecco – so all of you who enjoy a crisp white wine will surely nod your head in favour of Cremant.
   2. Secondly, it is made by what is called the ‘traditional method’ – ie, exactly the same way as Champagne.  This means a lot more time, style, care and attention has gone in to making this little fizz (Prosecco is not bottle aged.)
5. If you are into your grapes, what goes in to a bottle of Cremant?  Depending on the region it is made, producers can use the same range of grapes that go in to Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) plus a whole host of other grapes, including, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Ugni Blanc.  
6. Why should I care about the grapes?  Well, if you love a glass of still Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc, then just imagine these grapes with a whole lot of fizz. There is a Crémant style out there for everyone.
7. Yes, but is it cheaper than champagne? It certainly is.

Conclusion: make this the week you try a glass of freshly popped Crémant and let us know what you think.

Bought to you by the fizz aficionados at

www.thefizzcompany.com

Enjoy!