Thursday Club with talk RADIO: Crémant

Today’s Thursday Club is all about Crémant: the French fizz made in the same way (the traditional method) as Champagne, but from other regions in France, using their local grape varieties. You can get Crémant from many regions around France, the most famous being Crémant de Bourgogne (Burgundy) Crémant de Loire, Crémant de Bordeaux, Crémant de Limoux and Crémant d’Alsace. 

Only French wines can be called Crémants and they offer fantastic value, considering they are made in the same time consuming method as Champagne, where wine needs to be aged on the lees (dead yeast cells) albeit for a shorter amount of time. Lees is what gives fizz its biscuity, brioche notes. 

Today, we’re looking at Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux, Brut NV

Fizz from the world’s most famous wine region has existed for centuries but it was only officially recognised as a style in 1990. They are often more aromatic and fruity than Champagne thanks partly to the grape varieties used and less time on lees. 

Grape varieties: Sémillon and Cabernet Franc

£10 from Tesco

Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux, Brut Rosé NV

This rosé is made with the famous red grapes of Bordeaux, so offers a structured, savoury pink style that’s ideal for food like cold cuts. Cracking value and on offer at the moment. 

Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

Find it for £10.39 from Ocado (down from £12.99)

Crémant de Bourgogne, Blanc de Blancs, Brut NV

The famous white grape of France’s Burgundy region (Bourgogne in French) is Chardonnay and in this case, ‘blanc de blanc’ means 100% Chardonnay, though other local grapes such as Gamay and Pinot Noir can be used. While Chardonnay is also the grape used in Champagne, the region of Burgundy is a bit warmer and so Crémant de Bourgogne is often a bit rounder with more fruit. Very easy going. 

Grape variety: Chardonnay

Find it for £10.49 Waitrosecellar on offer (down from £13)

Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé, Simonnet-Febvre, NV

The red wines of Burgundy are famously made with Pinot Noir and this Crémant is made purely with this grape. Pinot Noir is also one of the main grapes of Champagne but from here in Burgundy, the pinks are much more fruity with notes of cherry and spice. 

Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Find it for £15.75 from Vinatis

See what else we have tasted on the Thursday club here, here and here!

Spring Reds: Kevin O'Sullivan on Talk Radio

Today, Helena spoke to Kevin O’Sullivan on talkRADIO about some perfect Easter and spring time, red wines. Fancy a soft Pinot Noir with your Sunday lamb, or how about a bright and breezy País with your barbecue? And don’t forget the failsafe match for chocolate: Port. Here are the three they tasted today.

Polemico País, Viña Laurent, Itata Valley, Chile, 2019.

País is an ancient grape variety making a resurgence, produced here in Chile's cool, Southern Itata Valley from 150 year-old ungrafted vines. Rustic, aromatic and supple, Polemico oozes earthy, red cherry fruit with a touch of toffee. Very easy drinking. A great choice for a barbecue.

RRP £12.25 from Corney & Barrow

Nielson Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, USA, 2017.

Santa Barbara in California is famous for silky, wild strawberry-scented Pinot Noirs with a cool minerality thanks to the area’s close proximity to the sea. This is your ‘Sideways’ Pinot; floral and aromatic, with crisp acidity, vibrant fruit and a gentle, mineral finish.

RRP £22.95 from Slurp.co.uk

Fonseca Bin 27, Reserve Port, NV.

Bin 27 is a reserve Port that has seen extended wood ageing to make it ready to drink upon release. It’s a blend from several vintages and has a deep ruby colour, with intense, blackberry, cassis, cherry and plum aromas and flavours. Luscious and velvety, it's great with tangy raspberry dishes or dark chocolate.

RRP £12.95 75cl from The Whisky Exchange, Majestic, Virgin Wines, Wine Rack & others.

See what else Helena has tasted on talkRADIO with Kevin O’Sullivan with Mike Graham, here, here and here.