Sparkling Wines Crémant de Loire Plou et Fils - MDVIII

Plou et Fils Crémant de Loire Cuvée MDVIII Brut is a sparkling white wine crafted from a selection of traditional Loire Valley grape varieties. As a non-vintage (NV) cuvée, it embodies the house style, blending multiple harvests to ensure consistency and balance. The wine is produced by the méthode traditionnelle, where the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle, resulting in the fine and persistent bubbles characteristic of quality French sparkling wines. The blend for this Crémant often includes Chenin Blanc as the dominant grape, accompanied by Chardonnay and sometimes Cabernet Franc, providing structure, vibrant acidity, and subtle fruit nuances.

The Loire Valley, stretching along the eponymous river, is renowned for its diverse terroir, encompassing tuffeau limestone, clay, and sand. The relatively cool climate encourages a slow and balanced ripening, preserving freshness and aromatic finesse in the grapes. This region carries a long history of sparkling wine production, dating back to the 18th century, with Crémant de Loire now celebrated for its remarkable value and expressive style compared to other sparkling appellations in France.

For food pairings, this Brut Crémant de Loire is wonderfully versatile. Its crisp acidity and lively mousse make it an ideal companion for apéritifs, shellfish such as oysters or prawns, and delicate fish dishes like poached trout with lemon. It will also shine alongside regional specialities, such as rillettes de poisson or goat’s cheese (notably the famed Valençay or Crottin de Chavignol). For a more decadent pairing, try it with a tartelette aux fruits frais; the wine’s vibrancy will cut through sweetness and cleanse the palate.

To appreciate its freshness and fine bubbles, serve this Crémant de Loire Brut well chilled, ideally between 6-8°C. Enjoy it in slender sparkling wine flutes to concentrate its aromatic profile and visual appeal. This wine is delightful now for its youthful character, but can also be kept a year or two for increased maturity.