Crémant de Bordeaux French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Crémant de Bordeaux is the traditional-method sparkling wine of Bordeaux, a fresh, elegant and affordable alternative to Champagne made from the region's classic grapes.
More info about Crémant de Bordeaux
Geographic position
Southwestern France, across the entire Bordeaux wine region in the Gironde department, with most production in the Entre-Deux-Mers and Côtes de Bordeaux areas and around Bourg and Blaye.
Origin & history
Bordeaux has made sparkling wines since the late 19th century, when producers began copying the Champagne method. The Crémant de Bordeaux AOC was created in 1990, replacing the older "Bordeaux Mousseux" with stricter quality rules such as hand harvesting and whole-bunch pressing.
Wines & grape varieties
White and rosé sparkling wines, made by second fermentation in the bottle and aged at least 9 months on lees. Whites rely on Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Ugni Blanc; rosés on Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Expect citrus, pear and brioche in whites, strawberry and redcurrant in rosés, with fine, lively bubbles.
Climate & soil
Temperate oceanic climate. Clay-limestone, gravel and sandy soils.
Wine region: Bordeaux
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc