Crémant d’Alsace

An AOC at the heart of Alsace

Having been classified as an AOC since 24 August 1976*, Crémant d’Alsace earned its letters and reputation down the years. Today, Crémant d’Alsace accounts for more than 32.9 million bottles further consolidating its position as market leader in the AOC sparkling wine market, excluding champagne. The geographical region stretches from the row of hills beneath the Vosges, in the east, at an average altitude of 300 metres, from Marlenheim (to the west of Strasbourg) to the north as far as Thann (west of Mulhouse) in the south.
* The decree was amended in 2002 and 2005.

Consult Specifications of Crémant d’Alsace.

A dry and sunny continental climate

We should not omit the fact that there are favourable climate conditions: the Vosges protect the vineyards from oceanic influences, so as this area has the lowest rainfall amounts in France. The region also enjoys warm summers, sunny autumns, which contrast with rather rigorous winters. The geology of the region is rich in diversity, to such a degree that often people talk of the Alsace Mosaic.

Several grape varieties

The Crémants d’Alsace generally come from the harmonious combination of several grape varieties (pinot blanc, reisling, pinot gris, chardonnay, auxerrois and pinot noir). However, they can also come from a single grape variety. For instance, the majority of Crémants d’Alsace, the “whitest of whites”, are produced using pinot blanc grapes. Just as the pinot noir is the only variety which is used in producing rosé Crémant d’Alsace, and more rarely the “whitest of reds”.

Flavours

Crémants d’Alsace have a pale golden robe (or nuanced with strawberry hints for rosé varieties). The bubbles are fine, even and rise in columns up the flutes – preferred to champagne glasses. To the smell, there is a real freshness with the scents of white-fleshed fruits (pear, apples), peaches or apricots, and sometimes dry fruits, with white leaves, and brioche. There is a really freshness to the fruit flavour when tasting the wine and enjoying its light sparkle. When served shaken between 5 °C and 7 °C, Crémant d’Alsace constitutes a sophisticated aperitif and a perfect cocktail wine or an ideal accompaniment to a reception. Its discretely fruity freshness also make this a suitable accompaniment to some of the most diverse types of cuisine: cold or hot starters, seafood, white meats, skinned cheeses (brie, camembert), and, of course, desserts.

Key figures (2018)

• Total surface area of production : 3,900 ha
• Production area : 119 villages
• Number of producers : 530 mixers and 3,200 producers
• Annual production : 310,000 hl
• Sales : 21 % exports
• Number of bottles sold : 32,9 million per year