Cremant de Loire

Crémant is the umbrella name given to French sparkling wine made in the same way as champagne (aka Traditional Method) but from a designated region other than Champagne. This one – as the name tells you – is from the Loire Valley in northern France and is made from a blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay grapes. Much lighter than most champagnes but with that same toasty character, it’s a brilliant – relatively cheap – alternative to the Real Thing. And being French still gives it that je ne sais quoi (as they say).