Rolling wine hills, wooded countryside, cosy villages and hip cities: that's the Loire Valley. Life is good here for the people, but also for the grapes. The limestone soil and a rural, slightly oceanic climate make for a softly frothy wine with what you might call 'minerality' in its flavour. After the Champagne region, the Loire is therefore the biggest producer of sparkling wines. A crémant de Loire differs nothing from champagne in technique and is just as strictly regulated. Thus, the grapes are always hand-picked and prepared using the classic method, with a second fermentation in the bottle. 'Méthode traditionelle' is now called that because 'méthode champenoise' is no longer allowed. The price-quality ratio of Crémants de Loire is often better than for other classic sparkling wines!
Discover inspired winemakers
What is striking is that Val de Loire winemakers are so inspired. Often young, and intent on doing things just a little differently from their ancestors. For example, by using organically grown grapes. And by reflecting the location of the vine in the taste of the wine. Their vineyards are located in the Anjou, Saumur and Touraine regions. It is so stipulated in the rules of the AOC Crémant de Loire. This designation of origin has existed since 1975, but sparkling wine making goes back much further in the 19th century. Indeed, the cellars carved in tuff were found to be ideal for maturing this type of wine - just like in Champagne. The caves are open to visitors and all winemakers are happy to receive you! (Photo: Bergamote)
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