Crémant
Pronunciation: kre-mah Also known as: Crémant d'Alsace
French sparkling wine from regions outside Champagne, made by bottle fermentation, often with protected origin such as Alsace or Loire.
In France, Crémant denotes sparkling wines of controlled origin that do not come from Champagne. Well-known regions are Alsace, Loire, Burgundy, Limoux, Jura and Bordeaux. Crémant is also produced in Luxembourg.
Traditional bottle fermentation is required, the grapes must be hand-picked and a minimum time on the yeast observed. Depending on the region, different grape varieties are used, in Alsace for example Pinot Blanc or Riesling. Crémant is regarded as a stylistically independent and often moderately priced alternative to Champagne.
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