Other Traditional Method Sparkling Wines of France

Question 1

What was the term cremant used for before 1985?

Answer 1

-semi sparkling wine within champ
-now- traditional method sparkling outside of champ

Question 2

There are 8 cremant appellations in France, but what are the largest?

Answer 2

-Alsace
-Bourgogne
-Loire (AOC Saumur and AOC Vouvray)

Question 3

What are the common features of all cremant wines?

Answer 3

-whole bunch pressing/hand harvesting
-pear and apple aromas
-min 9 months ageing on lees
-min 12 months maturation between tirage and release (inc 9 months on lees)
-max 13% abv
-min 4 atmospheres pressure