Sparkling Wines Crémant de Loire Jaillance

This non-vintage Crémant de Loire Brut from Jaillance is a sparkling white wine crafted in the traditional method, the same meticulous process used for Champagne. Typically composed of a blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and sometimes Cabernet Franc or Grolleau, Crémant de Loire wines are known for their finesse and vivacity. The use of the traditional method means that secondary fermentation occurs in bottle, providing delicate, persistent bubbles and a complexity marked by subtle autolytic notes such as brioche and toasted almond, alongside fresh citrus, green apple, and white flower aromas. As a 'brut', this wine is refreshingly dry, balanced by lively acidity and mineral undertones.

The Loire Valley, gracefully stretching along the banks of France’s longest river, is one of the country’s most diverse and historically rich wine regions. Crémant de Loire can be produced throughout this vast area, benefiting from clay-limestone soils that lend a marked freshness and elegance to its sparkling wines. The relatively cool, temperate oceanic climate slows grape ripening, preserving acidity and producing the crisp, zesty profile so prized in these wines. The region is steeped in history, celebrated for its Renaissance châteaux, and has a long-standing tradition of sparkling wine production dating back to the 19th century, making it a benchmark for French effervescence outside Champagne.

Crémant de Loire is wonderfully versatile at the table. Its dryness, energetic bubbles, and refreshing acidity make it an ideal companion for a wide array of appetisers, such as oysters, smoked salmon blinis, or goat’s cheese toasts. It pairs beautifully with light main courses like grilled sea bass, poultry dishes in cream sauce, or the local rillettes de Tours. For a regional match, serve it alongside a classic tarte tatin or Sainte-Maure de Touraine cheese.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well chilled, ideally between 6-8°C, in a tulip-shaped sparkling wine glass to accentuate its aromatic complexity and effervescence. This temperature will preserve its freshness and allow the subtle nuances of the méthode traditionnelle to shine through.