In today’s video, I’ll cover one of the world’s best value-priced categories in sparkling wine. I’ll also taste and discuss a couple of options available at Trader Joe’s that shouldn’t be missed. Crémant is a quality-focused category that offers eight regional versions of sparkling wines from France, all produced outside of the Champagne region. Each expresses regional differences, but there is a consistent set of wine production rules to ensure a high-quality standard, including hand-harvested grapes, established maximum yields, secondary fermentation in bottle, and a required minimum aging time on the lees for added depth and complexity. The dosage levels vary, and sweetness can range from brut natural to demi-sec. A great choice for celebrations and dinner parties.
While it’s not Champagne, it has many similar quality markers at a fraction of the price. All eight are worthwhile, but for me, the standout is Cremant de Bourgogne, in style, it’s the closest to Champagne. In the broad market, they can often be found for $20 to $30 per bottle.
La Burgondie, Cremant de Bourgogne Reserve Brut, made from mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with lesser amounts of Aligote and Gamay, aged 12 months on the lees. The wine producer is a cooperative with over 700 individual growers. The wine is exclusive to Trader Joe’s in the US, but it is sold in several other countries worldwide. The TJs price is $11.99
Next is the La Bourgondie Brut Rosé made mostly from Pinot Noir, with a bit of Gamay, aged 12 months on the lees to provide a broader range of aroma and flavor, along with a more creamy character on the palate. It’s priced at $12.99.
Both are typically available year-round. Both are sold in many international markets as well.
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Chapter Markers:
00:00 – 01:06 Intro to Cremant
01:07 – 04:59 Cremant Reserve Brut
05:00 – 07:01 Cremant Rosé Brut
07:02 – 07:38 Cremant Wrap-up
23 Comments
Hey Bob, I don't believe I've had a Crémant , but I did pick up at my local wine store a Soter Rose Sparkling wine which was on sale , from Oregon. Are you familiar with Soter ? Happy New Year !
Okay, I'm heading to Trader Joe's tomorrow. Fingers crossed that they still have some in stock. Thanks for the review Bob. I think we will get one of each. Happy New Year to you and all the folks here.
You turned me onto this Cremante in another video. I love it and the price! I take it to friends houses as an aperitif and give it as gifts. Everyone so far has loved it! Thanks for that tip ages ago!
35 miles to the nearest Trader Joe’s. Parking lot is almost always full.
Got two bottles of Cremant from Total Wine for under $15 each and another from local Costco for a bit more. We’ll see what’s good if anything.
I picked one up this morning. Obviously for tomorrow. I am going to introduce my friends to this video before we imbibe. Happy New Year, Bob!
thanks.
I bought that TJ's Chilean Red Blend wine. It was much better in the store when I tasted it. It's average, in a glass I can get my Schnabel into. TJ tasting plastic pill-sized 'goblets' are so small, not even a Vitamin C and E can fit in it. The wine finished weak for a red. It has the berry nose. The color is deep, what I would expect from a Chilean wine. I compared it to the Kirkland red blend, which goes for 8.99 for a 1.5L – spare no expense – and the TJ Chilean red blend is superior. The wine is 12.99 at TJs.
On my In N Out 4 by 4 animal style with chopped chili peppers* scale, the Kirkland Red blend 1.5 L is the pairing I would go with with a less guilt to cost ratio, over the TJs. The TJs may be too costly with a hamburger. Instead, the TJs may go well with a steak, Pittsburgh style. The preference at TJs with a steak is that Paso Robles Grenache. This is NOT a hamburger wine.
*No In N Out hamburger was sacrificed during this tasting, darn!
COSTCO carries a Cremant de Alcase that is $11.99 and terrific. A picture of the bottling flashed at the beginning of the video. Blanquette de Limoux is another personal favorite. Great video! Cheers.
Once again, great video. So thankful for your videos so that I can buy really quality wines for outstanding prices. I’m studying for my WSET level 3 exam that I will be taking Feb 16. Using that knowledge and your videos I am getting more and more confident of selecting high value wines at reasonable price points. It really is a fun hobby
Love cremant. I do have to say for me, based on what I’ve had, Loire and Alsace are my favorites so far. Bordeaux has been a bit of a disappointment.
I very much enjoy this Cremant. When I worked at TJ’s I promoted this bubbly, and we sold out often. The Rose is equally as good, with a touch more body.
I found a bottle of this cremant in the back of my storage cabinet. It might be 2-3 years old. Is it ok to drink? What can I look for to help me understand if it’s ok ?
Such a good price for this wine, I always recommend it!
Thanks for the correct procedure on opening and pouring.I never new the importance of the chilling and gentle opening to retain Co2. I will deploy these NYD morning with our favorite Sparkling Wine made here in Nor Cal which is Roederer Estate Brut from the beautiful Anderson Valley.Awesome facility and grounds is a must see. Dungeness Crab omelette San Francisco sour dough on the menu! Happy New Year to all!
This is a great tip. I i’m a big fan of cremant (Alsace, Loire, Bourgogne, Jura) but I haven’t tried this one.
Thanks for the good tip Bob! Happy New Year.
I'm really happy to have served Crémant de Bourgogne at my wedding. It was fantastic value and everyone was pleased. For large purchases or for a more everyday experience, it's absolutely perfect. Cheers!
I'll be honest with you. Letting the cork fly to the ceiling is a guilty pleasure that absolutely belongs to my personal champagne experience – especially in a family setting. Maybe I'll try out your gentle release the next time I open a bottle without company.
Thanks Bob – always great info and insights – allows us to make better buying decision, especially needed today!
Aldi has a Crémant d'Alsace Brut for $14.99 as well.
Thank again Bob. I agree about cremant de Bourgogne. I have enjoyed the blanc de blanc by Albert Bichot which is by the glass at my favourite London burgundy restaurant Cabotte
That La Burgondie is EXCELLENT!!! Gonna go try and grab bottle right now!!!!!!
Happy New Year, Bob and thanks for all the excellent info!!