Introduction:
Presentation of Crémant as the expression of excellence in sparkling wines outside the Champagne region.
Historical context of sparkling wine production in France and the emergence of Crémant.
General overview of Crémant production: producing regions, permitted grapes, production methods.
What is Cremant?
Definition and characteristics of Crémant.
Traditional production method: second fermentation in the bottle.
Production regulations and standards: delimitation of regions, permitted grape varieties, aging time.
Differences between Crémant and Champagne: terroir, grapes, style.
History of Crémant:
Origins of sparkling wine production in France.
Influence of monks and scientific discoveries.
Evolution of Crémant over the centuries.
Rise and recognition of the quality of Crémants.
Crémant Producing Regions:
Presentation of the seven Crémant producing regions:
Alsace
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Die (specific region within the Rhône)
Jura
Loire
Limoux (specific region within Languedoc-Roussillon)
Characteristics of each region: climate, soil, grapes grown, style of Crémants.
Detailed maps of each region indicating production areas.
Grapes and Terroir:
Grape varieties used in the production of Crémant:
White grapes: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Aligoté, Mauzac, etc.
Dye grapes: Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, etc.
Influence of terroir on the characteristics of Crémants.
Specificities of the grapes in each producing region.
Preparation of Crémant:
Production stages: from harvest to disgorgement.
Winemaking techniques: pressing, fermentation, assemblage.
Second fermentation in the bottle and aging on yeast.
The role of the winemaker in the creation of a quality Crémant.
Burning Styles:
Classification of Crémants according to sugar dosage: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Sec, Demi-Sec.
Style differences between Crémants from each region.
Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and Rosé.
Tasting and Pairing:
How to taste a Crémant: ideal temperature, suitable glasses.
Sensory analysis: aromas, flavors, perlage.
Pairing with different types of food.
Tips for enjoying and serving Crémant.
Crémant and the Market:
Production and consumption of Crémant in France and around the world.
Value for money compared to Champagne.
Trends and perspectives for the future of Crémant.