Crémant de Die (France)
Crémant wines are produced the same way as Champagne, but often with other grapes.
The primary grapes used in Crémant de Die are Clairette, Aligoté, and Muscat.
Crémant de Die Flavors
Citrus and Green Fruit are typical Crémant de Die flavors.
 Lemon |
 Lime |
 Apple |
 Pear |
Fermentation flavors:
 Butter |
 Yeast |
 Bread |
 Almonds |
Tertiary Flavors from Aging:
 Oak |
 Vanilla |
 Toast |
 Nuts |
Crémant de Die Profile
Crémant de Die is lighter and dryer than Champagne.
| SUGAR: | Dry 3g/l |
| BODY: | Light |
| FRUIT: | Low |
| ACIDITY: | High |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Crémant de Die Food Pairing
You can drink sparkling wines to almost everything whether it is French Champagne, Spanish Cava, or Italian Prosecco.
Sparkling Wines pair well with salt, because the bubbles break up the salt in the mouth.
 Aperitif |
 Salads |
 Tapas |
 Fries |
 Seafood |
 Oysters |
 Fish |
 Sushi |
 Chicken |
 Pork |
 Egg Dishes |
 Pasta |
Excellent Pairings
Green Salad. Fries.
Seafood. Oysters. Clams.
Fried Fish. Fried Chicken.
Egg Dishes. Pasta.
Sushi. Sashimi.
The Ideal Glass for Crémant de Die
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A Champagne Glass with a bell that points to the bottom, allows a pilar of bubbles to build up inside the glass. This is not only beautiful, but also extends the "life" of the champagne. A wide middle section lifts the aromas out of the wine. A smaller opening concentrates the scent to the nose and directs the drink to the front of the tongue where it heightens an experience of sweetness. |
Crémant de Die Cheese Pairing
Brie and Camembert
The creamy, buttery texture and mild flavors of Brie or Camembert pair well with Crémant de Die's soft bubbles and fruity notes. Serve the cheese at room temperature with slices of pear or apple.
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
The tangy, fresh flavors of goat cheese complement the acidity often found in Crémant de Die, especially those made from Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc. Drizzle with a bit of honey or sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Chaource
This creamy, slightly tangy cheese enhances Crémant de Die's gentle acidity and complements its soft bubbles. Serve with fresh berries or a touch of apricot jam.
Langres
This mild, washed-rind cheese has a creamy texture and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with Crémant de Die. Add a small drop of honey or serve with fresh grapes.Tomme de Savoie
This semi-hard, nutty cheese pairs beautifully with the gentle effervescence and often fruity character of Crémant de Die. Add some dried fruits or nuts to highlight the pairing.
French Crémant
The production method of Crémant is he same as Champagne, but often with other grapes.
In France, there are 8 Crémant appellations:
Crémant d'Alsace
Crémant d'Alsace is an AOC for sparkling wines made in the Alsace wine region.
The allowed grapes are: Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
For rosé wines, only Pinot Noir is allowed.
Crémant de Bordeaux
Crémant de Bordeaux is an AOC covering the entire Bordeaux region.
The Primary grapes used are: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
Crémant de Bourgogne
Crémant de Bourgogne is a sparkling wine AOC, produced from the Burgundy terroirs and grape varieties.
The Primary grapes are the same as used in Champagne: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Crémant de Die
Crémant de Die is an AOC from vineyards around the town of Die, in the eastern part of the Rhône region.
The primary grapes used are: Clairette, Aligoté, and Muscat.
Crémant de Jura
Crémant du Jura is an AOC established in 1995 that covers sparkling wines made in the Jura mountais of eastern France.
The primary grapes used are: Min 70% Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Trousseau.
For Rosé: 50% Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
Crémant de Limoux
Crémant de Limoux is produced in the small villages around the town of Limoux in Languedoc.
The wines are normally composed of 70% Mauzac and a 30% combination of Chardonnay and Chenin blanc. The AOC regulation requires minimum one year of aging on the lees.
Crémant de Loire
Crémant de Loire is the AOC for sparkling wines from Anjou, Saumur and Touraine in the Loire Valley.
Chenin Blanc is the principal grape, blended with Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir.
Crémant de Savoie
Crémant de Savoie is an AOC for sparkling wine made in the Savoie region of southeast France.
The primary grapes used are: Jacquère, Altesse, and Chardonnay.
Crémant de Die AOC
The Die vineyards are located on the border between Côtes du Rhône North and Côtes du Rhône South. At altitudes are up to 700 metres, these are some of the highest in France.
Côtes du Rhône North
In the Côtes du Rhône North, the main grape is Syrah.
The grapes grow on very steep slopes, and are manually picked in hillside trolleys, wich adds to the price.
Red Wine Appelations
| Appelation | Grapes |
|---|---|
| Côte-Rôtie AOC | Syrah and max 20% Viognier |
| Saint-Joseph AOC | Syrah and max 10% Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Crozes-Hermitage AOC | Syrah and max 15% Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Hermitage AOC | Syrah and max 15% Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Cornas AOC | 100% Syrah |
White Wine Appelations
| Appelation | Grapes |
|---|---|
| Condrieu AOC | 100% Viognier |
| Château-Grillet AOC | 100% Viognier |
| Saint-Joseph AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Crozes-Hermitage AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Hermitage AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |
| Saint-Péray AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |
Sparkling Applications
| Grapes | |
|---|---|
| Saint-Péray AOC | Marsanne and Roussanne |