The Other French Sparklers

The Other French Sparklers!

When you think of sparkling wine you think of champagne…. Not just French Sparkling wine but Sparkling wine in general. When talking about bubbles; most people just revert to calling it “Champagne”. As most of us know, Champagne is a wine producing region, crafting sparkling wine from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. People have obviously tried to imitate Champagne in various places around the world; using similar grape combinations and winemaking techniques. Some have been very successful and some are not so good to say the least. Yet nothing seems to really live up to the original and with prices so far out of reach in the modern era; Sparkling drinkers have limited options. I believe that although Champagne does have a rising price, some of the other Sparkling producing areas in France have a lot of quality at far more attractive prices. Two areas specifically are really producing some nice Sparkling wines; Alsace and the Loire Valley.

Alsace- This is a small winegrowing region on the eastern border of France neighboring Switzerland and Germany. The history of winemaking in Alsace has a strong Germanic influence known mostly for their drier style Rieslings and Gewurztraminer. They are also making some great sparkling wine

Allimant Laugner Cremant d’Alsace Rose- (27.99) This cremant rose is produce method champenoise with 100% pinot noir. It is aged 11 months before released. The domain was founded in 1724 and is in the south of the region near Bas-Rhin. It has really good minerality and good notes of strawberry. It is light, fresh creamy sparkler that is meant to be enjoyed young… a great summer sipper.

Loire Valley- This valley is just southwest of Paris and runs along the Loire river to the Atlantic. They are most famous for their Sauvignon Blancs from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume. Yet they are producing a lot of Sparkling wine from this region; In fact the area around Saumur within the Loire is the third largest Sparkling wine region in France. Instead of traditional Champagne grapes, they make Sparkling wine mostly from Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.

Moncontour Rose- (15.99) This winery can trace its roots back to the 13th century. This wine is 100% Cabernet Franc grown on primarily clay soils; what they call “Aubuis”. It is made Method Champenoise. It is a young, crisp wine with bright acidity and currant fruit flavor with a citrusy element. It’s a really good value.

Enjoy some other Sparklers…

Nick, Wine Buyer