Cremant

Crémant is traditional-method sparkling wine made in a number of European appellations, most famously across France in regions including Alsace, Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Limoux. Like Champagne, its second fermentation takes place in the bottle, but different regional grape varieties and growing conditions give Crémant its own diverse range of styles.

At Spy, our Crémant selection focuses on distinctive bottles from carefully chosen producers. Expect fine bubbles, fresh acidity and styles ranging from crisp and delicate to richer and more textured, offering a fascinating way to explore traditional-method sparkling wine beyond Champagne.

  • Cremant d'Alsace Melanie Pfister Sparkling Extra Brut

    Cremant D'Alsace Pfister

    Cremant D'Alsace Pfister

    75cl | ABV: 12.5%

    £32.95
    £32.95
  • Moncontour Cremant de Loire Sparkling Wine Bottle on a White Background

    Moncontour Cremant de Loire

    Sold out

    Moncontour Cremant de Loire

    75cl | ABV: 11.5%

    £17.95
    £17.95
    Sold out

Cremant Buying Guide

Crémant covers a diverse family of traditional-method sparkling wines rather than one single style. Region, grape varieties, producer and time spent ageing can all influence the finished wine, making Crémant an excellent category for discovering characterful sparkling wine beyond Champagne.

Which style of Crémant should you choose?

For a fresh aperitif, look for a crisp, lively Crémant with bright fruit and fine bubbles. If you prefer something richer, seek out wines with greater lees ageing, texture or more generous fruit. Region also matters, as the permitted grape varieties and local growing conditions vary between Crémant appellations.

What is the difference between Crémant and Champagne?

Both are sparkling wines made using the traditional method, with the second fermentation taking place in the bottle. Champagne must come from the Champagne region and follow its appellation rules, whereas Crémant is produced under separate regional appellations with their own permitted grapes and regulations. The result is not simply cheaper Champagne, but a distinct group of sparkling wines with their own identities.

Look beyond Crémant as an alternative to Champagne

Crémant is often discussed primarily in terms of value, but the most interesting bottles deserve to be considered on their own merits. Smaller producers, regional grape varieties and careful ageing can create sparkling wines with genuine individuality. Looking at producer and origin can therefore be more rewarding than treating every Crémant as interchangeable.

Crémant FAQs

What is Crémant?

Crémant is sparkling wine produced under specific regional appellations using the traditional method, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. France has several Crémant appellations, including Alsace, Bourgogne and Loire, while Crémant is also produced in Luxembourg.

Is Crémant made the same way as Champagne?

Both use the traditional method, so their second fermentation takes place in the bottle. They are nevertheless governed by different appellation rules and can use different grape varieties, ageing requirements and regional traditions, so Crémant should not be viewed simply as Champagne made elsewhere.

Which grapes are used to make Crémant?

The grapes depend on the region. Crémant appellations use varieties associated with their local vineyards, so the blend for a Crémant d'Alsace can be very different from a Crémant de Bourgogne or Crémant de Loire. This regional variation is one of the reasons the category offers such a broad range of styles.

What food goes well with Crémant?

Crémant is extremely versatile with food. Fresher styles work well with seafood, oysters, canapés and lighter dishes, while richer and more textured examples can accompany charcuterie, poultry and creamy cheeses. Its acidity and bubbles also make it an excellent aperitif.

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