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What to drink in France? Top 13 French Sparkling Wines

Last update: Mon Dec 16 2024
Top 13 French Sparkling Wines
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01

Wine Appellation

CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNE, France
4.1
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Popularly known as the gold standard of sparkling wine, true Champagne only comes from the actual Champagne region in France. It is produced using the so-called méthode Champenoise; the process in which secondary fermentation is done in the bottle with the addition of yeast and rock sugar, and it is made with the basic, traditional blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, all of which are indigenous to the Champagne region.


However, there are four other permitted grape varieties in the Champagne AOP - Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier and Arbane - but these are rarely mentioned as they're almost never used for sparkling wine production outside of France. Varietal Champagne made with solely Chardonnay grapes is designated as Blanc de Blancs, while the one produced by the fermentation of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir is called Blanc de Noirs
02
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Crémant de Bourgogne are the white or rosé sparkling wines produced in Burgundy, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the principal grape varieties, but the blends can also include Gamay, Aligoté, Melon, and Sacy. The wines are produced with a traditional method (méthode traditionnelle) in which the second fermentation must take place in the bottle.


Depending on the grape structure, the wines come in several versions. Floral and citrusy blanc pairs well with poultry, while the Chardonnay-based blanc de blancs is a perfect accompaniment to fish and shellfish. The well-structured blanc de noirs is characterized by the notes of small fruit, and it works well with poultry or snails, while the fruity and floral rosé can be a good match with fruit-based desserts. 
03
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Clairette de Die is a small French appellation located in the department of Drôme that produces sparkling wines based on Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Clairette grapes. They are produced with méthode dioise ancestrale—a unique technique in which the wine is fermented once, starting in the tanks and continuing in the bottle, without the addition of yeast or sugars.


These light and fruity wines are usually enjoyed young, while their aromatic profile usually displays aromas of peaches, apricots, roses, and citrus. It is recommended to serve them well-chilled, preferably in champagne glasses. The wines can pair well with canapés, foie gras, fruit salads, and fruit tarts, but they also make a great aperitif.

04
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These white and rosé sparkling wines are produced in the French wine region of Alsace, with Pinot Blanc as the principal grape variety, though Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are also permitted. The wines are produced with a traditional method—in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle—and they must be aged for a minimum of nine months. Crémant d'Alsace wines are usually lively and fresh, with fine bubbles and fruity notes of apples, pears, apricots, and peaches.


Although they can be enjoyed as an aperitif, these vibrant wines are food-friendly and can match different appetizers, various seafood dishes, poultry, and cheese, while semi-dry varieties can pair well with desserts.

05

Wine Appellation

PAYS DE LA LOIRE, France
4.0
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These white and rosé sparkling wines are produced in Anjou, Saumur, and Touraine wine regions located in Loire valley. The principal grape variety used in its production is Chenin Blanc, but the permitted varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pineau d’Aunis.


White Crémant de Loire wines are fresh and crisp, with typical notes of white fruits, almond, and vanilla, while rosé varieties usually display notes of red berries. Both types can be enjoyed as an aperitif or an accompaniment to different appetizers, cheese, charcuterie, or desserts, but the white version can also be an excellent match to fish from the Loire river, seafood, and poultry.

06
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Crémant de Savoie is a French appellation for sparkling white wines made from local grape varieties and with méthode traditionnelle—a technique in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. The blend has to be based on Altesse and Jacquère varieties, while the latter has to make at least 40% of the blend.


The use of Aligoté, Chasselas, and Chardonnay is also allowed. These refreshing wines have fine bubbles and fruity and floral notes reminiscent of white flowers and citrus fruit. They usually have a pleasant mineral finish. The appellation was established in 2014, making it the latest appellation for French crémants. 
07
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Crémant de Die is a French appellation located in the Drôme department (Rhône wine region). Although in the past these sparkling wines were based only on Clairette grapes, today the production also includes Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Aligote.


Crémant de Die wines are produced with méthode traditionnelle—in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. The wines are characterized by their pale gold color streaked with green hues, and typical aromas of green fruit and white flowers, which are often complemented by butter and brioche notes. 
08
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These sparkling French wines are produced in the Limoux wine region (Aude department) with varying percentages of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, local Mauzac, and Pinot Noir. Although the region is said to be one of the first to perfect the method of sparkling wine production—going back to the 16th century—this young appellation was created in 1990, as an attempt to slightly modernize the approach, which was mainly focused on the production of Mauzac-based Blanquette de Limoux.


The vibrant Crémant de Limoux wines are typically fresh, aromatic, and smooth, with subtle acidity, fine bubbles, floral notes, and apple nuances. They are best served well-chilled as an aperitif, but they can also pair with appetizers, fish, seafood, white meat, or goat cheese, while some rosé varieties may be a good match to desserts.

09

Wine Appellation

MAINE-ET-LOIRE, France
n/a
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This French appellation is exclusively reserved for white and rosé sparkling wines that are predominantly based on Chenin Blanc, while the blends may also include, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and many other.


All sparkling wines under the appellation are produced using the traditional method—méthode traditionnelle—in which the wines go through the second fermentation in the bottle. Both white and rosé sparkling Saumur will have delicate and persistent bubbles, and while white version will display aromas of white and yellow flowers and white-fleshed fruit such as apples and pears, rosés will be dominated by red fruit notes. 
10
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Crémant de Bordeaux is a French appellation for white and rosé sparkling wines that are made from typical Bordeaux grapes such as Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, or Merlot. The wines are produced with traditional method (méthode traditionelle) in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle.


White crémants usually have aromas of hazelnuts, white flowers, citrus, and dried fruits, while rosés tend to display aromas of red berries. These fresh wines make a great aperitif, but they can also match desserts and cheese, while white wines may pair well with seafood.

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French Sparkling Wines