Cremant de Bourgogne Flashcards
Whats the typical profile of Crémant de Bourgogne?
- Typically made from Chardonnay (dominant) and Pinot Noir
- Medium (+) - High acid
- Brut
- Fruit character varies from cirtus to tropical
How large is the production of Crémant de Bourgogne?
170,000hL (10% of total Burgundy production)
In what areas of Burgundy can grapes grown for Crémant legally be sourced from?
Anywhere within the Bourgogne AOC
All departéments: Yonne, Côte d’Or, Saône-et-Loire, and Rhône
Where are grapes for crémant typically sourced from?
- Maconnais
- Chalonnaise (especially around Rully)
- Beaujolais
- Chablis
- Hautes Côtes de Beaune/Nuit
- Flatland in Côte d’Or
What is Cave de Lugny?
- Large co-op of 400 members
- Established in the Maconnais
- Largely produces Chardonnay
- Produces a number of Crémants
Who is the largest producer of Crémant de Bourgogne?
Veuve Ambal
- Established in Rully, now production is centered in Beaune
- Only produces Crémant
What are the main climatic distinctions within Burgundy?
North (Yonne):
- Cooler climate
- Vines need to be south/south-east facing to ripen
- High acid, light body
Central (Côte d’Or):
- Most continental (low winter temps, dry and sunny summers)
- Just ripe fruit w/high acidity
- High value, little becomes cremant
South (Maconnais/Beaujolais):
- Mediterranean influence (higher summer temp)
- Ripe fruit w/lower acid
- At risk of summer storms
What are the common hazards for growers of crémant?
- Frost
- Hail
- Esca
- Fungal diseases
What is the maximum yield for Cremant de Bourgogne?
75 hL/ha (compared to 70 for Macon AOC or 57 for Villages level whites in Côte d’Or)
When must a producer decide to make crémant with the vines? Why?
By the end of March, if they want to achieve the max yield of 75 hL/ha
After pruning decisions have been made
What are all of the grapes permitted in the use of Crémant de Bourgogne production?
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Gamay
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Blanc
- Aligoté
- Melon
Why are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir the dominant grapes in Crémant de Bourgogne?
- Most producers are already growing it, not many plantings of other varietals
- They display autolytic traits well
What are the blending requirements for Crémant de Bourgogne?
- 30% minimum of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Gris, either alone or in a blend
- 20% maximum of Gamay
What is the producer breakdown (by percentages) of Crémant de Bourgogne?
NM ~ 68%
CM ~30%
RM ~2%
The top 10 producers account for 90% of volume
Why is there so little Crémant de Bourgogne coming from small producers?
High production costs
How do many independent winemakers produce Crémant de Bourgogne?
- Buy grapes
- Bring to sparkling wine specialist for production
- Sell finished wine
How has popularity for Crémant de Bourgogne increased?
+30% in sales during the decade up to 2017
Where is the majority of Crémant de Bourgogne sold?
Domestically (~60%)
What are the largest export markets for Crémant de Bourgogne?
- USA
- Sweden
Increasing in: - UK
- Germany
- Belgium
What are the other tiers of Crémant de Bourgogne?
- Crémant de Bourgogne Eminent
- Crémant de Bourgogne Grand Eminent
What are the requirements for Crémant de Bourgogne Eminent?
Only difference is min. 24 months of lees aging
What are the requirements for Crémant de Bourgogne Grand Eminent?
- 36 month min. lees aging, with additional 3 months in bottle before release
- Brut designation only
- White: Chard and PN only
- Rosé: max. 20% Gamay
- Vintage is optional, but common
Why is sourcing grapes for Crémant de Bourgogne a challenge?
- Constant risk of small vintages (frost and hail)
- Rising prices for fruit
