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Crémant de Bourgogne Strengthens Its Role in Burgundy’s Wine Economy

Crémant de Bourgogne continues to expand its economic and international importance within the Burgundy wine sector.

According to a statement released in March 2026 by the Union of Producers and Makers of Crémant de Bourgogne, the 2025 vintage stands among the most significant years in the history of the appellation, reflecting both strong production levels and growing global demand for sparkling wines.

Production Near Record Levels

In 2025, Crémant de Bourgogne production reached 231,000 hectoliters, making it the second-highest production level ever recorded, surpassed only by the 2023 vintage. This strong performance is largely driven by the steady expansion of vineyard area dedicated to the appellation.

Today, nearly 4,000 hectares of vineyards in Burgundy are devoted to Crémant de Bourgogne production. As a result, the sparkling appellation now represents 15% of total wine production in Burgundy, up from 13% just two years ago.

This evolution marks a structural change in the regional wine economy. Once considered a complementary product to Burgundy’s still wines, Crémant de Bourgogne has become the third-largest wine appellation in Burgundy by volume, establishing itself as a significant pillar of the region’s production landscape.

Strong Sales Growth Despite Market Challenges

The appellation also recorded impressive commercial performance in 2025. Sales volumes increased by 9%, demonstrating resilience despite the challenging global environment for sparkling wines.

Exports played a key role in this growth. For the first time in the history of the appellation, more than half of total production (51%) was exported, representing a 14% increase compared to 2024.

Over the past decade, Crémant de Bourgogne has contributed approximately 20% of the growth in French sparkling wine exports outside Champagne, highlighting its increasing relevance in international markets.

Diversifying Export Markets

Crémant de Bourgogne’s global presence continues to expand with a diverse portfolio of export markets.

North America remains a major destination, with the United States and Canada ranking among the leading markets both in volume and value. Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries—Sweden, Norway, and Denmark—have emerged as strategic markets, where Crémant de Bourgogne is currently the best-selling wine from Burgundy.

The United Kingdom also experienced a notable recovery, with more than one million bottles sold, supported by a 27% increase in volume and a 29% rise in value.

Another notable development is the entry of Italy into the top five export markets for the first time, particularly in premium segments with higher added value.

Only the Netherlands and Japan recorded slight declines, which industry representatives attribute to cyclical market adjustments rather than structural demand changes.

Stable Domestic Market in France

In France, Crémant de Bourgogne maintains a solid market presence. Large retail chains account for 28% of domestic sales, equivalent to around six million bottles, representing a 1.4% increase in purchases.

The average retail price stands at approximately €8 per bottle, around €1 higher than comparable sparkling wines, allowing the appellation to position itself as an accessible yet quality-focused alternative in the sparkling wine segment.

Expanding Styles and Market Positioning

The diversity of styles within the appellation has grown significantly in recent years. Crémant de Bourgogne now covers a wide range of expressions, including:

  • Classic aperitif sparkling wines
  • Gastronomic cuvées suited for food pairing
  • Vintage wines
  • White and rosé sparkling wines
  • Single-vineyard and special cuvées

This segmentation has helped strengthen the identity of the appellation and broaden its appeal to different consumer segments, from casual drinkers to wine enthusiasts.

Controlled Growth and Future Strategy

Despite challenging climatic conditions affecting vineyards in recent years, the sector remains stable. Current stock levels allow producers to meet market demand without pressure on supply, supporting a strategy of controlled and sustainable growth.

Industry representatives point to several factors driving the appellation’s continued development:

  • Increasing public recognition
  • Burgundy’s reputation for winemaking expertise
  • Strict production standards and quality control
  • Consistent quality across vintages

Celebrating 50 Years of the Appellation

The year 2025 was particularly symbolic as Crémant de Bourgogne celebrated its 50th anniversary. The milestone highlighted the historical importance of sparkling wine production in Burgundy and its evolution over the past five decades.

Looking ahead, regulatory developments may further strengthen the identity of the appellation. An amendment is currently under review by the Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO) that would allow the official registration of lieux-dits (named vineyard parcels) for certain Crémant cuvées.

This measure would formalize a long-standing Burgundian tradition where vineyard parcel identification has played a central role since the 19th century, reinforcing the terroir-driven identity of the region’s sparkling wines.

With strong export growth, expanding vineyard area, and increasing international recognition, Crémant de Bourgogne appears poised to further strengthen its role in both Burgundy’s wine economy and the global sparkling wine market.

Source: Vinetur

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