Cremant vs Champagne: The real deal for bubbles.

The world of sparkling wine is a vast one. While champagne has long been the reigning king, there's another contender that’s not only equally delicious but also offers great value for money - Cremant.

Cremant hails from various regions in France and Luxembourg. It uses the same traditional method as champagne (méthode champenoise) to achieve its delicate bubbles, yet it often comes at half the price or less! The secret? Well, it’s all about location; while Champagne can only be produced in its namesake region under strict regulations, cremants are free to flourish across multiple French territories.

But don't let their affordable prices fool you into thinking they’re inferior – these wines are nothing short of exceptional when it comes to quality and taste. In fact, many top producers have garnered impressive scores from esteemed wine critics worldwide.

Let's talk grapes first though. Unlike champagne which primarily uses Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes; cremants enjoy a more diverse palette including Chenin Blanc (Loire), Riesling (Alsace), Mauzac (Limoux) among others depending on their region of origin.

We have two fabulous recommendations that are great values:

1) Sylvain Bzikot - Cremant de Bourgogne NV. Priced at a modest $23.99, this sparkling wine is an absolute steal considering its quality and taste.

Sylvain Bzikot hails from a family of winemakers that has been rooted in Puligny-Montrachet since 1940s. Over the years, they've perfected their craft and today produce some of Burgundy's most sought-after wines.

The Cremant de Bourgogne NV embodies all the qualities you'd expect from such a distinguished producer; it's elegant yet full-bodied with complex aromas of ripe apples, toasted brioche and subtle hints of honeycomb. The palate reveals fine bubbles that lead to a crisp finish – making it perfect for any celebration or as an accompaniment to seafood dishes.

Critics are equally impressed with this cremant sparkler; Wine Enthusiast awarded it 90 points while praising its "bright acidity" and "rich apple flavors". It’s no wonder why many consider this bubbly as one of Burgundy's best-kept secrets!

2) François Baur - Crémant d'Alsace Brut Reserve NV priced at just $17.99! This wine comes from one of Alsace’s oldest estates dating back to 1741 which transitioned into biodynamic farming in early 2000s – showcasing their commitment towards preserving nature whilst producing top-quality wines.

This crémant is made predominantly from Pinot Blanc grapes along with small proportions of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir adding depth and complexity to its profile. Expect fresh notes of green apple, pear coupled with creamy undertones resulting in well-rounded mouthfeel balanced by lively acidity.

Wine critics have showered praises on this bubbly; Decanter Magazine awarded it 91 points, noting its "delicate mousse" and "persistent finish". This is a testament to the winery's dedication towards producing high-quality wines that deliver exceptional value.

Both Sylvain Bzikot - Cremant de Bourgogne NV and François Baur - Crémant d'Alsace Brut Reserve NV are outstanding examples of what cremants can offer. They’re not just affordable alternatives to champagne but also quality sparklers in their own right – proving once again that great wine doesn't have to break the bank!

So how do we best enjoy these fantastic bubblies during summer? With food pairings galore! For starters try pairing your favorite crémant with a plate of fresh oysters or grilled prawns, the acidity and bubbles work wonderfully to cleanse your palate. If you're planning a picnic in the park, why not bring along some creamy brie cheese or smoked salmon sandwiches? The rich flavors are beautifully balanced by crémant’s crispness.

So, cremants offer incredible value without sacrificing quality or taste - they truly deserve their place at our tables alongside (or even instead of) champagne this summer season! So next time you reach for that bottle of bubbly remember – there's more than just champagne out there waiting to tickle your tastebuds. Cheers!