Tired of High-Priced Champagne?

It seems that many people are suffering from a sharp sensation in the back pocket of their jeans where their wallet is sitting as prices everywhere (including at the wine shop) elevate, but fear not, for there is a silver lining. Instead of foregoing the celebratory bottle of bubbly, why not raise our spirits by looking toward sparkling wines of other regions that offer a more affordable price? This should lead to discoveries of lesser known, but thoroughly enjoyable wines of quality, of which Cremant is undoubtedly one.

What is Cremant?

The word ‘cremant’ refers to a shorthand used by the French for the best dry sparkling wines made outside of the Champagne region by the same traditional wine-making method utilized in this historic region. There are several provinces within France that specialize in this style of sparkling wine including Burgundy, Jura and Loire, but some of the most interesting ones originate in Alsace.

Cremant d’Alsace

Alsace is a beautiful region of France that runs parallel between the Vosges Mountains and Germany’s Rhine River. The protection from wild winds and rains afforded by the Vosges allows this area to produce wines (mostly white interspersed with commendable Pinot Noir) with distinct typicity of terroir so admired among the world’s wine lovers. Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Gewurztraminer are the predominant varieties in Alsace and are some of the finest examples of the beauty of each individual grape.

Cremant d’Alsace dates back to the 19th century, but became important to the region in the 1980’s and today accounts for about 20% of the total wine production in Alsace. By law, the grapes permitted in the blend of Cremant d’Alsace are three different Pinots: Blanc, Noir and Gris along with Auxerrois, Riesling and Chardonnay (which is only allowed to be planted for inclusion in Cremant, not as a single varietal).

A Pioneer in the Field

One family has perfected this ancient wine-making tradition and is one of the best known producers of Cremant in Alsace: Dopff au Moulin. In 1900 Julien Dopff saw a practical demonstration of the making of champagne at the Universal Exhibition in Paris and took the concept home where he introduced it to his winery. Through the decades, this style has been refined by the generations of Dopff family members until today it is the preeminent house for Cremant d’Alsace. Currently Dopff au Moulin produces six styles of Cremant, including a Blanc de Noirs, a Chardonnay Brut and a ‘Wild Brut’ (zero dosage).

So the next time you are considering a Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco as a bubbly alternative, why not reach for the classic, timeless and immensely satisfying option of Cremant d’Alsace – your friends and your wallet will thank you for it.

For more information on the wines of Dopff au Moulin visit www.dopff-au-moulin.fr.

Traditional Building in Alsace

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds