What is Crémant and What Should I Try?

Sparkling wine tends to come to many of our minds during springtime, encouraged by the warmer weather and the celebratory period as wedding season beckons. Sparkling French wine is perfect for these occasions, but did you know there’s so much more out there than just Champagne? We're talking about Crémant which has enjoyed increased popularity lately, so you might be keen to know what it is and why Crémant sparks such interest. Let's delve further into the world of Crémant to find out more!

What is crémant?

First of all. Crémant is a sparkling wine variety, which is quality wine that can be either white or Rosé, produced within 8 specific regions in France (also referenced as appellations) – we will come back to those specific regions later. As the French treat Crémant as seriously as they do Champagne, the production of Crémant is protected, which is known as being AOC classified (controlled origin appellation) and the appellations are authorised by the INAO (France’s regulatory body for appellations). This means that not any old sparkling wine produced in France can just call itself a Crémant! Crémant is made by the traditional method production (similar to Champagne) and this specific production type binds all 8 appellations. There is even a National Federation of Crémant Growers and Producers that was founded in 1982!

Where does crémant come from?

Coming back to those 8 regions mentioned above, Crémant is produced in Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Die, Jura, Limoux, Loire and Savoie – these regions cover most of the corners of France, so this sounds like the perfect excuse for a spot of wine tourism with a French road trip following this wine route! Some of these regions, such as Bordeaux, may already be known to you for their still white and red wines and now you can also combine the usual wine tasting visit with tasting some bubbles too! The Crémant name is protected by the National Federation of Crémant Growers and Producers which encourages the knowledge and promotion of their beloved wine on a national and international scale.

What is the difference between champagne and crémant?

This is a good question as these are both sparkling wine varieties produced in France but the key difference is that Champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region, whereas there are other regions to choose from that produce Crémant. Plus, of course there is the price difference with Crémant being a cost effective solution without reducing the taste quality as it’s produced in the same way to Champagne. Crémant can use different grape varieties (Champagne only uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and can also have a higher PH level than Champagne.

Does crémant differ depending on the region (appellation) that it is made from?

Again, this is a very good question as a 2009 community regulation contains the requisites that all Crémant wines must adhere to and yet there are also regional differences. What is common to all Crémant wines is that there is secondary fermentation in the bottle (this is where the delightful bubbles are created due to carbon dioxide). The rules for Crémant also mean that the wines are aged in the bottle for at least 9 additional months, which is where that yeasty smell and taste may be apparent, as there is that contact with the lees (dead yeast cells) when the wine is stirred. Crémant must also be sold only 12 months after the bottling process. Furthermore, the other rules for Crémant are quite stringent; they must be manually harvested, the wine needs to come from specifically squeezed grapes, and there are restrictions on the amount of sulphur chemicals and the level of sugar content too! Let’s explore France some more to truly get to know Crémant!

Alsace

Within the Alsace region, vineyards are planted close to the local villages and it is therefore not surprising that the region is the largest producer of Crémant with around 32.9 million bottles sold per year! According to the Alsace regional tourism board, those sales fall second to that of Champagne in the sparkling wine production, which is a very impressive statistic! Crémant d’Alsace accounts for approximately 24% of Alsace’s wine production and there are regional stipulations governing Alsace’s Crémants, so let’s talk about those!

In 1976, Crémant d’Alsace received its AOC classification but the wine producers from Alsace employed the traditional method for their sparkling wines since the late 19th century! Some of the Alsace Crémants will involve a blend of grape varieties but others may be a single grape variety. But, Pinot Noir tends to be the main grape variety which provides that delicate taste. However, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay may also be present and Pinot Noir is the only variety used for the rosé version. As another tip, you can access the online directory for the Alsace wine route when in France!

Bordeaux

Bordeaux may be renowned for its delicious red wines but it is also a producer of quality Crémant sparkling wines! However, it was only in 1990 that the Crémant de Bordeaux received its AOC ranking. Similar to the Alsace region, Bordeaux also uses the traditional method for its crémant production and what you can expect from these Crémants, as indicated by the Bordeaux regional tourism board, are fine bubbles and aromatic wines. Crémant only accounts for 1% of the wine production in Bordeaux, making it one of the smaller Crémant producers but these typically use the same Bordeaux grapes as their still wines. Therefore, the main grape varieties you will see in a Crémant de Bordeaux are Sémillion and Sauvignon. For the Rosé Crémants, these might have a blend of Cabernet and Merlot.

Bourgogne

It was in the early 19th century that Champagne knowledge, via the village Rully, was imported to Bourgogne (Burgundy in English). But, the AOC classification for Crémant de Bourgogne was only received in 1975! Again, this Crémant uses the traditional method (méthode champenoise) and with Crémant de Bourgogne you can also find a Blanc de Blanc and Blanc des Noirs as well as the usual white and red varieties. You can expect to find the grapes of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir within these Crémants. There are approximately 19.2 million bottles sold each year which amounts to 10% of the wine produced in the Bourgogne region! Plus, there is the further segregation within Crémants from Bourgogne with the ‘eminent’ Crémants, aged for at least 24 months and the ‘grand eminent’ Crémants aged for 36 months or more!

Die (the Rhône)

From the Drôme Valley vineyards comes the Crémant de Die with its special location between the Alps and Provence. The vineyards therefore occupy some of France’s highest altitudes at nearly 700 metres! Die is approximately two hours away from Lyon in the south east of France and is one of the smallest Crémant producers. The appellation was received in 1993 and approximately 700,000 bottles of Crémant de Die are sold each year. The grape varieties typically used are Clairette, Aligoté and Muscat which create that green fruits aroma. Crémant de Die could also be combined with chestnut liqueur for a Kir which sounds like a very tempting cocktail to us!

Jura

Whilst this sparkling wine production dates back to the late 18th century, the AOC classification was only received in 1995! This appellation region is also connected with the Côtes du Jura, Arbois, Château-Chalon and L’Étoile. Crémant du Jura differs from some of the other appellations as there are five authorised grape varieties! These are Poulsard, Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Chardonnay and Savagnin. For white Crémants du Jura, there must be at least 70% of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Trousseau. At least 50% of Pinot Noir, Poulsard and Trousseau must be utilised for the Rosé and the grapes are hand harvested too! There are approximately 1.7 million bottles sold per year which accounts for around 16% of the total Jura AOC production. A fun fact is that there is also a specific Crémant du Jura flute glass specially designed to get the best out of your Crémant du Jura!

Limoux

Situated in the south of France and in the middle of the Languedoc, Crémant de Limoux was first mentioned in a document dating back to 1544 starting with the ancestral method of production. However, the AOC label was only granted to Crémant de Limoux in 1990, but it’s just one of five AOC classifications in the region. The AOC Crémant de Limoux typically consists of two main grape varieties being Chardonnay and Chenin with at least 90% of these varieties having to be used. Additionally, the other varieties Mauzac and Pinot Noir would use 40% maximum of the variety, of which 20% must be Mauzac. Like we said, it can be strict and precise! The grapes will be hand picked and the Crémants produced by the traditional method. The Crémants de Limoux are typically Brut with a floral aroma and the region sells approximately 5.8 million bottles per year. What is also exciting, as mentioned by the Limoux regional tourism board, is that the 33rd edition of the National Crémant Competition will take place in Limoux in April 2024 - keep an eye out for the winners!

Loire

The production area of Crémant de Loire covers the villages of Drain to Cheverny and therefore includes AOC classified regions such as Anjou and Saumur. Crémant de Loire received its appellation in 1975 and its northern location means that there is a diversity of climates impacting the grapes production. The main grape varieties used are Chenin and Cabernet Franc, but there may be blends using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grolleau Noir, Grolleau Gris and Orbois to add more flavour! The Crémants de Loire will therefore typically be quite fresh and subtle on the nose and approximately 17 million bottles are sold each year.

Savoie

In the steep valleys of the Alps, the Crémant de Savoie is the newest region to receive its appellation, which was only granted in 2015! The AOC Crémants de Savoie use a multitude of grape varieties but there are restrictions, as usual, for production! The main grape varieties used are the Savoyard Jacquère and Altesse grapes of which 60% must be used - the other 40% being from the Jacquère grapes. Other grape varieties include Chasselas, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay for the other 40% but there must be a maximum 20% of grape varieties used. You should therefore expect fresh and citrus aromas from the Crémants de Savoie given the cool climate and there are approximately 350,000 bottles sold each year. It would therefore be ideal to combine your skiing with wine tasting in the Savoie region!

Which crémants should I try?

Now that you are armed with all of this Crémant knowledge about the appellations, here are some bottles of Crémant that we think you will love!

Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire Rosé

This is a smooth drinkable Rosé with a pale pink salmon colour. It is bursting full of strawberries with a light aroma, a dry flavour and medium finish. It offers a subtle elegance that makes it ideal to drink by itself as an after work treat! This one is a definite crowd pleaser!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £12.50

Louis Vallon Crémant De Bordeaux Blanc De Noirs

A medium bodied Crémant with a light texture, this is an easy drinking elegant bottle. There are citrus, peaches and apple aromas on the nose with a slight detection of yeast and almonds. This Crémant pairs well with almonds as an aperitif.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £14.75

Cave De Turckheim NV - ALSACE AOC

This is a balanced Crémant from Alsace with a pale lemon colour and fine bubbles and tastes just like a Champagne! There are peach and floral aromas on the nose with a medium intensity and strong finish which pairs quite well with popcorn for a film night!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £12.75

N.V. Crémant de Bourgogne, Dufouleur Pere et Fils

This is Brut Crémant with a slightly golden colour and is from the Nuit St George’s area. There is a fruity aroma with green apple and peach with a creamy biscuits taste on the palate and medium intensity as a good all rounder.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £17.75

Waitrose Cuvée Royale Brut Crémant de Limoux

This is a fresh tasting Crémant with big bubbles from the Limoux region. It has a medium complexity with an aroma of floral pears to provide a light but dry wine with a biscuity taste. This would pair very well with salmon blinis for those celebrations!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Price: £13.99

Aldi Specially Selected Crémant du Jura

This Crémant is very popular and keeps flying off the shelves - we can see why! It is a flavourful, aromatic Crémant packed with a fruit forward profile which is also fresh with green apple and a creamy secondary aroma with medium intensity and finish. This would be the ideal Crémant to have with brunch with friends!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £8.99

Château de l'aulée Crémant NV - Crémant de Loire

This is a dry Crémant that surprisingly tastes just like a Champagne and is very quaffable! It uses Chenin Blanc as its single grape and has a golden colour with rich primary and secondary aromas of apple, brioche and biscuits. This will appeal to many palates and would work well with sea food.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12.5%
Price: £18.99

Benjamin Darnault Vignerons Wife Crémant de Bourgogne Brut

A very smooth, easy drinking Crémant which is a Chardonnay blend. This is ideal for those who enjoy a lighter, subtle sparkling wine with aromas of green apple, floral and a crisp taste. This will be ideal for sitting in the garden with a picnic.

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £19.99

Sainsburys Taste the Difference Crémant d’Alsace

This is a dry tasting Alsace Crémant with hints of green apple, citrus flavours and secondary flavours of brioche. It has a medium intensity with high acidity and a creamy texture to provide that balanced profile and can be drunk by itself for that spa day!

Size: 75cl
ABV: 12%
Price: £11.50

We would love to hear which Crémants you have tried as they make such a good alternative to Champagne and there is often not that much difference in the taste, depending on the region! Crémant will be great for those spring and summer special occasions or a perfect excuse to treat yourself - what are you waiting for? Santé!

By Latoya Austin

Penfolds Launches New Champagne

When it comes to high-quality Australian wine, Penfolds is the name that springs to mind for us and for many others no doubt.

In 1844, Dr. Chrstopher Penfold and wife, Mary Penfold made the daunting move from England all the way over to Australia. Crucially, they stopped at France for vine cuttings and when these were planted at the Magill Estate near Adelaide, Penfolds was born. To celebrate their 180th birthday this year, they’ve given quite the present to themselves and us.

We’re big fans of Penfolds because they are just so reliable, no matter your budget. Indeed, they’ve provided many a wine for our Bring a Bottle podcast. If you see a Penfolds bottle on a shelf, you know that what’s inside won’t disappoint… and there really aren’t that many producers you can say that about.

We’ve luxuriated in their fantastic Shiraz range for a long time, but this isn’t about classic Aussie reds, this is about bubbles. More specifically, the Penfolds New Cuvée Brut Champagne. Working with Champagne Thiénot and expanding their links with France that started everything 180 years ago, Penfolds’ Chief Winemaker Peter Gago and Champagne Thiénot’s Chef de Cave Nicolas Uriel have conceived the project.

Not only did Penfolds originate with French vines, but legendary winemaker Max Schubert also learnt from Bordeaux ideas and techniques for Penfold’s iconic 1951 Grange, their most famous wine. All these years later, and the focus remains on intertwining French methods with Penfold’s classic house style.

This new Champagne follows Penfolds’ inaugural release of three 2012 vintage Champagnes at The Ritz Paris in 2019. Since then, they’ve been working at getting increasingly involved with on-the-ground winemaking in France, setting up at La Place de Bordeaux, Château Cambon la Pelouse and others. So, whilst this release looks back and celebrates 180 years of winemaking, it also seems like the beginning of something very exciting (and delicious).

The product of this luxury collaboration will be released across the globe later in the year in September 2024, expected to price at around $79 Australian Dollars, around £41.

How to Approach French Wine as a Beginner

We all know France is one of the wine capitals of the world and makes some damn good wines, but how do you know what you are drinking? When looking at the label, most French wines are labelled with the region, and not by grape which makes this even harder to understand. So, here is a run down of some of the key regions or appellations so that you know what to expect next time you are pacing the aisle in the supermarket trying to decide which wine will pair best with your Sunday lunch!

Bordeaux

Everyone has heard of Bordeaux and their wines which makes sense considering it is the largest wine region in France producing the highest volume as well as the most prestigious wines. Red grape varieties consist of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as well as smaller quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The region also makes beautiful white wines from varieties such as Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
Bordeaux is split into three areas by the Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne Rivers. South of the Gironde is the “Left Bank” including the sub-regions of Graves, Médoc and Sauternes.  North and East of the river lies the “Right Bank” area with Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The last area between the Dordogne and Garonne river is called Entre-Deux-Mers.

As a rule of thumb, Left Bank wines have a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and therefore have stronger black fruit aromas such as blackberry and blackcurrant. These wines are often oaked so you can also expect notes of cedar. Right Bank reds have more Merlot in the blend so will show more prominent red fruit aromas like red cherry and plum.

Entre-Deux-Mers is only allowed to produce dry white wines made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc. For something different, you can also try Sauternes. This subregion is part of the Left Bank of Bordeaux and produces amazing sweet wines made of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Try these:

Lafite Rothschild Legende Rouge Bordeaux

This is a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The bold wine is medium to high tannins which are balanced by its high acidity. There are beautiful notes of vanilla and toast from oak-ageing as well as blackberry and plum.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £13 from Ocado

Chateau Mezain Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc

A popular white Bordeaux made using Sauvignon Blanc. This light wine is fruit forward with grapefruit, lemon and crisp green apple notes. A great option to pair with a lean fish or goats cheese salad.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Stockist: £9 (down from £12.50) from Ocado

Sainsbury's Sauternes, Taste the Difference

A great example of Sauternes made from 100% Semillon. The dessert wine boasts flavours of white peach, honey and dried apricots. This is the perfect wine to have with (or as) dessert and is best served chilled.
Size: 375ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £12 from Sainsburys

Dordogne and surrounds

Dordogne is just to the East of Bordeaux and is a great option for a budget-friendly Bordeaux Blends - these wines will be made using the same grapes used in wine in Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Look out for wines from the AOC (this means Appelation Origine Controlee and is basically a legally defined area permitted to use certain labelling terms) Bergerac for classic dry red or white wines, and Monbazilliac for a sweet Sauternes dupe.

Try these:

Château Bel Air Bergerac Rouge 2020

A lovely blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc to bring a little bit more tannin structure to this red. Château Bel Air is a fourth generation family farm and is a great alternative to a red wine from Bordeaux. This wine is expressive with notes of both black and red fruit as well as hints of oak.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Stockist: £7.99 mix six price from Majestic

Château Combet Laroche Monbazillac

Monbazillac produces wine similar in style to Sauternes with slightly less lusciousness. This wine will pair well with a fruity dessert and has lovely flavours of honey, apricot and pear on the palette. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £7.99 from Lidl

South West France

From Bordeaux all the way South to the foothills of the Pyrenees on the Spanish border is categorised as South West France. The first region to discuss from this area is Cahors. The small region is slightly to the East of Bordeaux and is renowned for its Malbec. Although everyone now associates Malbec with Argentina, Cahors is actually the spiritual home of the grape! You can expect tannic red wines that are deep in colour with dark berry fruits of the nose. 

South of Cahors and Bordeaux is the Côtes de Gascogne. Wines labelled Côtes de Gascogne IGP will be dry white wines that are light in body made from the Ugni Blanc grape. Typical aromas on the nose and palate are crisp green apple with a hint of fresh zesty lemon.

Madiran is even further South and produces beautiful age-worthy Tannats. When young, this red can be quite harsh with intense acidity and tannins, but with some age can soften to reveal some red fruit such as raspberry as well as herbal notes such as thyme.

Last but not least is Jurançon at the foothills of the Pyrenees. Here dry and sweet whites are made from Petit Manseng. The wines have a beautiful high acidity with grapefruit and apricot on the nose. Sweet wines are made via the passerillage method (late harvest) and develop dried apricot and raisin aromas.

Try these:

La Patrie Cahors 

A single varietal Malbec is a staple pairing with a juicy steak (preferably with pepper sauce to complement the peppery notes in the wine). You can taste a beautiful combination of fruit such as blackberries and black currant with spicy notes of pepper and tobacco. You can also age this wine for up to three years to let it develop vegetal undertones and riper fruit flavours.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Stockist: £6 (down from £7) from Sainsburys

Sainsbury's Jurançon Sec, Taste the Difference

An amazing rich sweet wine made with Gros Manseng & Petit Manseng. Lovely aromas of fresh citrus (lemon and orange) with a floral hint of blossom. A great sweet treat and a great addition to your wine rack. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Stockist: £7 (down from £8) from Sainsburys

Burgundy

Here is the home of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For higher acid, fresh and zingy Chards then try a white wine from Chablis. For a different style of Chardonnay showing more toasty oak aromas and more body, then try a white from the Mâconnais region of Burgundy. The region is further South than Chablis so the general climate is much warmer producing riper fruit aromas of apple and lemon. Wines often have a creamy quality from malolactic conversion. For excellent quality reds then go for a wine from the Côte de Nuit for the fullest bodied Pinots. The Côte de Beaune is further south and produces lighter bodied reds that are fruitier with hints of red cherry and redcurrant. Note that it is very common for the wines to be labelled after villages in Burgundy rather than the sub-regions such as Nuits-St-George, Gevrey-Chambertin or Pommard.

Try this:

Louis Jadot Macon - Villages

If you like your Chardonnay with a bit more weight and structure then this pick from the Maconnais is for you. There is a buttery creaminess to this wine that is balanced by zingy lemon notes and refreshing apple and pear. This is ideal to sip alongside a creamy pasta dish.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £11 from Morrisons

Beaujolais

Gamay is the most planted grape in the region of Beaujolais and is known for medium tannin, medium body/mouthfeel, and beautiful fragrant red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry. A traditional wine to try would be Beaujolais Nouveau. The wine is only released on the third Thursday of November directly after harvest and is meant for early drinking.The wine is light in body and tannin and has notes of red cherry, banana and cinnamon. More complex Beaujalais wines can be found from the crus (the highest “order” of wine) such as Brouilly, Fleurie, or Morgon.

Try these:

Les Iris Beaujolais

What a delightful red wine from the Les Iris winery. This lighter red is bursting with fresh red strawberries and red cherry. If you think red wine isn’t your jam, then try out this bottle and let us know your thoughts. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Stockist: £9 from Ocado

Henry Fessy Brouilly Beaujolais Cru, Burgundy

Stop what you are doing now and buy a bottle of this Cru wine while it is still in stock. The wine still showcases beautiful fresh wild strawberries, but with added herbal hints of thyme and vanilla. This is also a great comparison to really understand the different levels of Beaujalais quality.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £11.50 (down from £15!) from Ocado

Alsace

You can think of Alsace as an extension of Germany. It is situated on the border of Germany and France, and is sheltered from a lot of wind and rain by the Vosges Mountains. Wine production in Alsace is mainly focused on full bodied whites such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. You can expect an Alsace wine to be a high acid aromatic white wine.

Try this:

The Society’s Vin d’Alsace 2021

This benchmark Alsace wine is produced by the Hugel family vineyards for The Wine Society. This wine is a blend of grape varieties grown in the Alsace region such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Grigio. The flavour profile is extremely aromatic and has notes of lemon, peach, blossom and apple.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £9.95 from The Wine Society

Loire Valley

The Loire region of France is found running alongside the last 100km or so of the Loire river. It is a very geographically long and varied area with many different types of grape varieties and styles of wine. It is most well known for its Sauvignon Blanc. Definitely try one from the sub-regions of Pouilly-Fumé or Sancerre. This white will be high in acid, with lemon and lime on the palate and a lovely subtle smokiness if your bottle is from Pouilly-Fumé (fumé means smoky in French!) . If Sauvignon Blanc is not your preferred grape, then give the Chenin Blanc a try. The region of Vouvray makes both still and sparkling wine from this variety with different levels of sweetness, light to medium in body, and notes of green apple and melon. Reds are also produced, but in slightly lower quantity, and mainly consisting of Cabernet Franc or Gamay. Look for the region of St-Nicolas de Bourgueil for crunchy Cabernet Francs! Something to note is that you can get excellent quality sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. These wines will be labelled Crémant de Loire and are a cheaper option to Champagne.

Try these:

Tescos Finest Pouilly Fume

This Tesco option is a great example of the smoky flavour that Pouilly Fume is known for. Alongside the smoky notes, you can also taste refreshing gooseberry and lemon with a mineral finish.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £15 from Tesco

Morrisons The Best Vouvray

Vouvray is the spiritual home of Chenin Blanc so this pick is a must if you are wanting to know more about the grape. The wine is off-dry and has sweet honey notes as well as a refreshing apple finish.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £10 from Morrisons

Lacheteau Crémant de Loire Brut 

This pale fizz is great sparkling wine for a celebration! Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are used for the juice and add some fresh notes of pear and lemon to the classic biscuit and bread notes that we all know from Champagne. Remember to serve well-chilled (because no one likes warm bubbles).
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12
Stockist: £12.50 (down from £16) from Ocado

Rhône Valley

There is a clear distinction between Northern and Southern Rhône when it comes to wine styles and grape varieties.

Northern Rhône

The Northern Rhône makes single varietal wines (wines made from only one type of grape). The only permitted black grape variety in the Northern Rhône Valley is Syrah, so you can expect red wines to be deep in colour, medium to high tannins with black fruits such as blackberry and black cherry with hints of black pepper on the nose. Sometimes Viognier is added in small quantities to add an extra aromatic flare to the wine- this is up to the winemaker and their particular winemaking style. Look for crus such as Côte Rôtie, Saint-Joseph or Hermitage for some excellent reds. White wine is also produced, mainly using Viognier. The wines are full-bodied and beautifully perfumed with scents of apricots and blossom. The best whites come from Condrieu - an appellation that only permits viognier.

Try these:

Guigal Condrieu

The first thing to address with Condrieu is due to the small supply and the high demand, it does not come cheap. However the 35 quid for this bottle is definitely worth it (especially if you are a die hard Viognier fan). The stone fruit notes of peach and apricot are what first comes to mind when you take a sip, followed by a honey sweetness. Condrieu is also known for its low acidity and weighty velvet feel. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Stockist: £34.99 from Waitrose

Grande Classique Crozes Hermitage

This wine is 100% Syrah and you can tell! It’s a wonderful combo of blackberry and black cherry with spicy notes of pepper and liquorice that are softened by the oaky notes of vanilla and clove. Any meaty meal will benefit from this meaty red.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £15.99 from Waitrose

Southern Rhône

As we move down the valley to the Southern Rhône, the climate becomes warmer and the steep slopes begin to flatten. Here in the Southern Rhône there are ideal conditions to grow Grenache, Syrah and Mouvèdre as well as some Cinsault. The Southern Rhône is often referred to as the blenders paradise because together these 4 grapes (as well as many others that are also permitted) make beautiful red blends and some stunning fruity rosés. Due to the number of different winemaking techniques used in the area as well as all the different grape variety combinations available, wines can range from light to full bodied, low to high tannins, and more fruit-forward notes or more earthy vegetal aromas. For more early-drinking, fruit forward blends - look for a wine simply labelled “Côtes du Rhône”. For a wine that has a bit more complexity and will most likely benefit from age, then go for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or Lirac as a more budget friendly option. Whites are usually textured and full-bodied, with lower acidity and made using Marsanne and Roussanne grape varietals.

Try this:

by Amazon Our Selection Cotes Du Rhone Villages

An excellent example of a Cotes Du Rhone blend and should be added to your Amazon cart asap! The juicy wine displays a fantastic bouquet of brambleberries, red cherry and subtle spice. With the added convenience of Amazon Prime next day delivery, what is there to fault?
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Stockist: £8.50 from Amazon

Languedoc and Rousillon

This is the generic appellation of the South of France that goes all the way from the Spanish border to Nîmes. Reds, whites and rosés are all produced in these regions. Reds are usually blends of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and some Mouvèdre. There isn’t a set style to describe this region due to all the different geographical elements, as well as winemaking styles and preferences. You can almost think of the Languedoc like a big melting pot of grapes. The most widely planted white grapes include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and some Viognier as well as the current trendy “lipstinger” grape Piquepoul used in Picpoul de Pinet.

Try these:

Chateau Pena Cotes Du Roussillon Villages

This extraordinary red wine is deep, dark and delicious. It is black fruit forward with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant and black cherry and a beautiful tobacco note due to the use of oak maturation. This wine will benefit with some age to help soften the tannins and bring out lovely notes of leather and forest floor. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Stockist: £10 from Ocado

Excellence de l'Ormarine 2021

This refreshing white is made using Piquepoul Blanc grapes. This high acidity is balanced by keeping the wine on the lees (the dead yeast cells) to bring some subtle biscuity notes. The wine is zesty with prominent flavours of lemon and acacia blossom on the palate. We all know the food-pairing rule of thumb: what grows together goes together - so open up a bottle of Excellence de l’Ormarine the next time you have seafood!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £14.19 from StrictlyWine

Provence

Provence has established an outstanding reputation for rosé. The majority of the wines are made largely with Grenache and some Cinsault. These pinks are beautifully pale in colour, light-bodied, with delicate notes of red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry. There are also some red wine producers, mainly in the sub-region of Bandol. These premium wines are made with Mouvèdre and are full-bodied, with high powerful tannins and need some age to display a beautiful combination of bramble and liquorice. If you are able to find a white wine from Provence, then it is most likely a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Rolle (an aromatic grape with high acidity).

Try these:

Mirabeau

If there was one wine to have on hand for all occasions, it would be Mirabeau Rosé. The beautiful pale pink wine is floral, fruity, and perfectly balanced. A sip of this will bring beautiful peach blossom, nectarine and melon to mind. This will be a hit at your next Friday wine night, Saturday barbeque or Sunday lunch (or when you need a mid-week pick-me-up!)
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £10 (down from £12) from Sainsburys

La Bastide, Bandol 

Obviously not everyone's first wine they think of when you say “Provence”, but a must-try nonetheless! The La Bastide is made using 100% Mouvedre and is deep, dark and delicious. This wine has notes of leather and earth from some age as well as spice and black fruit notes.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Stockist: £15.99 from Waitrose

Jura and Savoie

Nestled in the mountainous Eastern France are the regions of Jura and Savoie. These up and coming areas are producing some distinctive and eccentric wines that are great options to bring out at dinner parties to impress your friends. The most notable style would be the Vin Jaune (directly translating to yellow wine). This white wine is similar in style to a fino sherry (except for the fact that it is not a fortified wine), with similar dry taste and flavours of dried apricot and lemon. Vin Jaune is usually made with the Sauvignan grape.

Try these:

Domaine Jean Perrier & Fils 'Altus' 2020/21, Savoie

A light and refreshing low alcohol wine from the mountainous Savoie region. This citrus dominant bottle includes classic notes of lemon and hint of hawthorn with a mineral finish. Super refreshing (and great when you have just finished a long day of skiing).
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Stockist: £11.99 mix six price from Majestic

Champagne

Last but certainly not least, let's chat about the one and only Champagne. This is the most northern wine region of France. There are three grape varieties permitted to use in Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Blanc de Blancs champagne is made only using white grapes (ie: only Chardonnay) and is usually lighter in body with high acidity and hints of zestiness. Blanc de Noirs is made using black grapes (therefore Pinot Noir and/or Meunier). The grapes are pressed lightly and the juice is removed without any skin-contact, hence why the wine isn’t red! Champagne from Pinot Noir will have greater body and structure compared to the Blanc de Blancs.

Try these:

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

A great high-quality champagne brut (ie: dry champagne style) at a brilliant price. This fizz has gorgeous toasty brioche notes and a lovely long finish for you to savour.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £14.99 from Aldi

Sainsbury's Blanc De Noirs Champagne, Taste the Difference

This elegant champagne is made using Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes. It has a lovely freshness thanks to the fruity notes and is rounded out by the toasty biscuit notes from the lees ageing that Champagne undergoes.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Stockist: £23.50 from Sainsburys

If you enjoyed reading this then make sure to check out our guide to the best English Sparkling wine from Kent or perhaps the Spanish region of Rueda is more up your street, if so, click here!

Grand Marnier Cocktails as featured in The Three Drinkers in Cognac

Episode Two of The Three Drinkers in Cognac sees Aidy, Helena and Eddy explore the second most famous drink of the region, Grand Marnier, pulling together some of their own cocktail creations in the process.

Aromatic dried orange peel is the heart of Grand Marnier, and more specifically Citrus Bigaradia, a delicately perfumed bitter orange picked before it has become fully ripe to gather those intense and highly concentrated oils. Distilled six times over and blended with sugar syrup and cognac and the gorgeous liqueur is complete!

So, which Grand Marnier cocktails did The Three Drinkers create to impress mixology extraordinaire Tiffanie Barriere?

The Grand Margarita

Showing them how it’s done first though, Tiffanie shook up the Grand Margarita. This is one of the most elegantly rounded cocktails you can make, with each ingredient bringing salty, sweet, bitter, and sour tastes. The Grand Marnier brings so much more depth than the usual syrup and the balance struck here is perfect, with the added texture from the Grand Marnier making every sip that bit more satisfying.

Ingredients
30ml Grand Marnier
30ml Premium Tequila
20ml Fresh Lime juice
Ice
Fresh lime to garnish
Salt for rim
Glass: Tumbler

Method
Cut and rub the lime around the rim of a glass. Add salt to a plate, tip the glass upside and rim with the salt. Next, combine the Grand Marnier, Tequila and lime juice in a shaker with ice and wet shake for 30 seconds. Strain into the tumbler over ice and garnish with a wheel of fresh lime.

Old Fashioned Persian (Eddy)

Introducing the winner of the mini-contest (sorry Aidy and Helena!), it’s Eddy who envisioned the orange flavouring of Grand Marnier with an Old Fashioned but wanted to add a touch of his Iranian heritage so included rose water and chai tea for this Old Fashioned Persian. There are light floral notes, warming spices and the silky sweet citrus of Grand Marnier typing everything together wonderfully.

Ingredients
30ml Grand Marnier
15ml Rosewater
15ml Chai tea infusion
Fresh lime
Orange for garnish
Glass: Tumbler

Method
Cut a slice of orange and rub it around the rim of a tumbler. Next, build the cocktail in the glass, combining the Grand Marnier, rosewater and chai over ice. Add a squeeze of lime and stir well. Garnish with an orange twist. 

Orange You Happy To See Me (Aidy)

Aidy set out to celebrate the region around him, combining not just the two of the most celebrated drinks of the region, but local fresh orange juice, local honey, and even local eggs. It’s the region of Cognac in a glass! 

Ingredients
50ml Cognac
25ml Grand Marnier
20ml Orange Juice
10ml Fresh Honey
1 Egg white
Glass: Martini glass

Method
Combine all ingredients bar the egg white into a shaker without ice and shake for 30 seconds. Next, add the egg white and ice and wet shake for another 30 seconds to activate the egg white. Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with orange peel. 

Le Grand St Clement (Helena)

Classic and simple, the gorgeous fresh fruit juice is apparent here straight away with the richer oomph from the Grand Marnier and Cognac following. Ever the oenophile, Helena tops up the glass with Champagne adding a crisp, bubbly and refreshing quality to an already delicious mix.

Ingredients
25ml Grand Marnier
15ml Fresh Lemon
15ml Fresh Orange
15 ml Cognac
Top up with Champagne
Glass: Chilled flute

Method
Combine the Grand Marnier, fruit juices and Cognac in a shaker with ice and shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled flute half way then top up with Champagne and garnish with a thin orange slice.

Keep your eyes peeled for plenty more discoveries and cocktails from the series and if your wondering which cognac you should use, check this article out.

The Three Drinkers Return for a Third Series on Amazon Prime!

Award-winning drinks duo Aidy Smith and Helena Nicklin return to our screens this May for the third series of their award-winning Amazon Prime travel show, The Three Drinkers, joined by special guest ‘Third Drinkers’ Eddy Temple-Morris and Eulanda Shead-Osagiede.

The Three Drinkers in Cognac follows Aidy and Helena as they embark on a cultural and gastronomic journey in and around the picturesque French region of Cognac.

With a lifestyle-focused approach, the duo takes an unpretentious look at the fabulous spirit of Cognac and other local delights, taking in the people, places and local attractions of the region along the way. In classic Three Drinkers style, they bust the misconceptions about cognac through their lighthearted, on-screen approach, helping the audience discover brand new ways of enjoying this world-class spirit from grape to glass. Ditching outdated balloon glasses and mundane tasting notes, this is a series for those who seek to be inspired and learn through humour, quirky facts and takeaway tidbits of drinks knowledge.

The 2-hour series is made up of 4 x 30 minute episodes in which the Drinkers discover the art of cognac with help from famed houses as Courvoisier and Remy Martin, alongside the world famous orange liqueur of the region, Grand Marnier. They also check out local, pioneering gin makers, Audemus Distillery while discovering the fascinating world of mixers, sodas and tonics with Franklin & Sons.

Throughout the series, the team takes a deep dive into highballs and cocktails based on occasion, discover the unique dishes of the region, try their hand at water sports, chocolate crafting, shoemaking, beekeeping, become hotel waiters/waitresses and even collect botanicals from deep within the Charentais wilderness for their own locally inspired gin.

“We like to look at drinks through a lifestyle lens, showcasing these stunning sips in a relaxed, unintimidating setting,” says Helena.

“One of the most important aspects of this series is to highlight that cognac doesn’t belong at the back of your grandparent’s cupboard and we’ll be exploring a number of simple serves and cocktails that the audience can create from the comfort of their homes or be inspired to order the next time they’re at a cocktail bar,” Aidy adds.

The Third Drinkers

This series welcomes Virgin Radio presenter and Persian foodie fanatic Eddy Temple-Morris alongside a returning appearance for travel presenter, journalist and influencer Eulanda Shead-Osagiede. While Aidy and Helena are tasked with inspiring spirit sceptic Eddy into falling in love with the liquid gold of cognac, Eulanda seeks out some of the hidden, lifestyle gems of the region, setting the duo amusing tasks along the way.

A more diverse representation in drinks

Aidy and Helena have been clear on their goals to enable more diversity and equity into the world of drinks. Aidy is a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ and disability diversity representation as the only TV Presenter in the United Kingdom (and one of a small handful globally) with Tourette Syndrome, battling the stigmas of one of the most misrepresented disabilities in the world. Helena has been well known for her stance on female empowerment within the industry, removing the perception that women only enjoy certain spirits.

“It’s been an ongoing mission to showcase that diversity in drinks is possible and we’re delighted to stand with our partners who have helped us make that a reality in this latest series,” Aidy says.

“The importance of on-screen diverse talent amplifies the narrative that all of our voices matter. The Three Drinkers is a beautiful example of this, looking at the talent within the show and I’m so proud to be a part of that movement., says Eulanda, who is a leading voice within the travel entertainment sphere for BAME talent.

“Three series ago we set out with an aim to create a new travel show with a drinks hook,” Helena says, “Nearly six years on, we’re so happy to see how each project has evolved and we can’t wait to share this latest one with the world.”

This armchair series is packed with fun, memorable moments, helping viewers to create exactly what they see on screen at home while inspiring them to visit the region to see it first hand.

The Three Drinkers in Cognac will launch in mid-May on Amazon Prime in 120 countries and territories, in 9 languages. You can follow The Three Drinkers in the run-up to the show at @TheThreeDrinkers alongside Aidy (@Sypped) and Helena (@HelenaSips).

Rediscover Roussillon Wines

Wines from the South of France have the greatest reputation for those tipples that taste just as good back at home as they do on your glorious French holiday. Let’s focus however on one part of the Great French South that deserves a little more attention: Roussillon. 

Where is Roussillon?

Roussillon is a small, well-established, unpretentious, yet high class wine appellation in the South of France located within the greater Pyrénées-Orientales area, bordering Catalonia, Spain. It’s often bundled together with Languedoc as Langedoc-Roussillon due to their proximity to each other, but they actually have quite different characters. The area of Roussillon has quite the Spanish vibe thanks to its south westerly location down by the Pyrenees mountains. If you’ve ever visited Perpignan, you’ve been to the heart of Roussillon.

What makes Roussillon wines great?

This is a region made up of a patchwork of very small, family run properties - 2166 at time of counting - with 400 private cellars and 25 co-ops, driving 75% of Roussillon production between them. Yields here are absolutely tiny, which means quality is kept very high. We’re talking, in some cases, about 28.2 hectolitres per hectare, which is one glass per vine! The region has an ideal Mediterranean climate with the mountain slopes mitigating the warmth of the hot sun with their altitude for the vines grown on them. Fun fact: It is also the number one region in France for Organic and Biodynamic viticulture, which gives us an indication about how much the winemakers care about their land and the health of their vines.

Which wine styles come from Roussillon?

In the past, the still reds and whites have been pretty decent but were certainly not going to set the world on fire, whereas their special sweet wines, the ‘vins doux naturels’ (fortified sweet wines), have often taken centre stage. Vins Doux Naturels remain emblematic of Roussillon’s viticultural heritage and winemaking know-how  but the dry, still, wines (be they red, rosé or white), are anything but ordinary nowadays. Côtes du Roussillon and Côtes du Roussillon Village have been PDOs* in their own right since 1977, having pushed hard since 1955 for the accolade. There are 24 official grape varieties grown in Roussillon and amongst the sub-appellations are 14 PDOs and 2 PGIs**.

The Famous Fortified Sweet Wines (Vins Doux Naturels) of Roussillon

The VDNs, as the Vin Doux Naturel sweet wines are abbreviated, are made a bit like Port, where fermentation is stopped by the addition of neutral grape spirit before all the sugar has been fermented out, leaving a viscous, sweet wine with an ABV of around 16.5%. The key types of Vins Doux Naturels are Banyuls AOP, Banyuls Grand Cru AOP, Maury AOP, Muscat de Rivesaltes AOPs and Rivesaltes AOP, many of which can have various age statements and subtle variations to style including a hint of nutty ‘rancio’ derived from extended ageing in cement tanks, wood casks or even glass demijohns.

Banyuls and Maury are particularly famous, not just for their quality, but for the fact that they really are the greatest go-to style of wine to have with chocolate! 

Banyuls AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée)

The highly-prized wines of Banyuls are made from almost shrivelled, ripe to bursting, Grenache grapes. The colour and style of Banyuls can differ hugely depending on how it is made and aged, varying from fruity, light red wines or floral and citrusy white and rosé to nutty, funky, treacley brown or amber wines. Banyuls also have Grand Cru wines, mainly from black Grenache, which have to see at least two and half years of ageing.

Maury AOP

On the other hand, wines from Maury AOP are usually darker in colour with tangy, dark berry notes although they do sometimes come in more pink and tawny styles too. This difference in style is attributed largely to its more inland location than Banyuls. Maury AOP can also be produced in white and amber styles.

Rivesaltes & Muscat de Rivesaltes AOP

Between the two AOPs above, as a unique common point, there’s a large area growing Muscat of Alexandria and small grains Muscat grapes to produce both Rivesaltes and Muscat de Rivesaltes wines. Neither rival Banyuls or Maury but they can also be complex and intense. Their “young” versions (Rivesaltes Grenat or Rosé, and Muscat de Rivesaltes), are honeyed and refreshing when served with cheese or as an aperitif. Muscat de Rivesaltes particularly is produced in huge quantities. Some fantastically made Rivesaltes Ambré and Tuilé do exist but they are harder to find in the UK market.

The dry, still wines of Roussillon

In the past, the unfortified wines of Roussillon were pretty unremarkable but more and more, we are seeing the quality rise thanks to an influx of producers racing here to take advantage of the cooler vineyard locations at altitude, particularly in the upper Agly Valley, which is inland from Perpignan. Here, there are already some ancient vines and great outcrops of schist soil that help give the wines a fine minerality and deep flavour.  

Dry Whites

The dry, white wines from Roussillon tend to be very textural and weighty with refreshing acidity, salinity and minerality to balance the fruit. They make fabulous food wines. Grapes allowed in the PDO wines include White grenache, Grey Grenache, Macabeu, Tourbat/Malvoisie du Roussillon, Roussanne, Marsanne, Vermentino, Viognier and White Carignan. Most whites hail from the Côtes Catalanes (73%) with 22% from the Côtes de Roussillon, 5% from Collioure and a tiny amount, less than 1%, from IGP Côte Vermeille. PGI wines can use these aforementioned grapes plus Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat d’Alexandrie.

Try these:

Domaine Lafage, Centenaire, IGP Côtes Catalanes 2021

80% Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, 20% Roussanne. Aromatic and richly coloured with ripe, tropical fruit on the nose. A tiny touch of oak here adds a splash of aniseed and texture. It’s a lovely, complex and creamy white that will sing with a nutty comté cheese.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find it here for £12

Chrysopée Sélection Parcellaire, Domaine de Bila-Haut, Chapoutier, Collioure AOP, 2018

A blend of 90% Grey Grenache with 10% White Grenache, this wine is deep gold in colour with a touch of mineral rubber on the nose. Tropical and savoury, there’s a real earthiness on the palate and very ripe pineapple and coffee on the finish. White chocolate and coffee bean. A great foodie wine!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find it here for £9

The Red Wines of Roussillon

Motus, Domaine Treloar, Côtes du Roussillon AOP, 2017

Made with a classic blend of 80% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 5% Grenache Noir, this red has a lovely, velvety texture and bright red colour. Plenty of violet and garrigue notes on the nose with a pleasant note of grilled meat on the palate. Proper wine.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find it here for £16.75

Res Fortes Wines Traveller, 2019

Almost entirely Syrah, which is unusual here, this is a super dry, old-school Syrah with lots of concentrated purple berry fruit and gravelly, mineral notes. This is a textural wine that tastes of its terroir! Get it open early to let it breathe and try it with some grilled meat.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find it here for £31.45

Vin Doux Naturels

Domaine Cazes, AOP Muscat de Rivesaltes

70% Muscat d’Alexandrie, 20% Muscat à petits grains This sweet wine has fantastic, refreshing acidity with notes of verbena and lemon cake sitting alongside more tropical elements like fresh papaya and mango. A touch of bitterness on the finish makes this very moreish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find it here for £15.99.

Abbé Rous Banyuls Rimage, 2019

Intensely flavoured, voluptuous and complex, this sweet red is packed with red cherry and ripe raspberry notes up front with mocha creeping in on the palate and a hint of spice and dried herbs on the finish. A really lovely drop that would go down very well with chocolate mousse, dried fruit or even hard cheeses.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find it here for £21.99

For more information about the wines of Roussillon, go to Wines of Roussillon

*PDO and PGI are two quality schemes that were created by the EU in 1992 to protect the authenticity of products from different regions of EU, limiting the ability to create fake products or poor imitations.

PGI stands for Protected Geographical Indication and it means that the wine in the bottle is made in the specified region, using specified techniques and showing characteristics of the area. 85% of the grapes used in PGI wines must be from the same geographical area where the wine is produced.

PDO, which stands for Protected Designation of Origin, is more stringent. ​​It means all the stages of preparation of the wine are taking place in one area, from vine growing and winemaking, all the way to the bottling. 100% of grapes used to make the wine in the bottle will have come from the said area.