Crémant, a sparkling wine produced using the traditional method, is gaining significant traction both in France and internationally. Often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, Champagne, Crémant is now carving out a reputation of its own.
Offering a similar level of quality at a more affordable price point, Crémant is becoming the sparkling wine of choice for many consumers. The latest data underscores this trend, revealing that in French supermarkets and hypermarkets, nearly as many bottles of Crémant are sold as Champagne. This shift is attributed to several factors, including rising living costs, improved quality-to-price ratios, and changing consumer preferences.
The Rise of Crémant: A New Favorite Among Consumers
In 2023, Crémant sales in France reached an impressive 29.6 million bottles, almost matching the 29.7 million bottles of Champagne sold, according to data from Circana. This surge in Crémant's popularity isn't confined to France alone; exports account for a significant 40% of Crémant sales, with international demand continuing to grow. As Champagne sales face a decline, Crémant is enjoying a boom, driven by consumers seeking high-quality alternatives that don't break the bank.
Overall, 108.1 million bottles of Crémant were sold in 2023, marking a 5.7% increase compared to 2022. This upward trajectory reflects the growing appeal of Crémant across different regions and markets.
Crémant d'Alsace: The Heart of Crémant Production
Crémant d'Alsace remains the dominant force in the Crémant category, with 40.3 million bottles sold in 2023. In Alsace, one in three bottles of wine is now Crémant, a testament to the region's expertise and dedication to this sparkling wine. Over the past five years, Crémant d'Alsace has experienced a remarkable 20% growth, fueled by both domestic and international demand. Exports of Crémant d'Alsace surged by 15% in 2023 and have already increased by over 20% this year, with the United States emerging as a key growth market.
Crémant de Bordeaux: A Rising Star
While Crémant d'Alsace continues to lead, Crémant de Bordeaux is quickly becoming a new sensation in the world of sparkling wine. The Crémant de Bordeaux AOC appellation was only established in 2003, yet it has seen incredible growth in a relatively short period. Production skyrocketed from 10,000 hectoliters in 2010 to 91,000 hectoliters in 2022. This expansion was supported by a 35% increase in vineyard area in 2023, now totaling 1,825 hectares.
Sales of Crémant de Bordeaux rose by 12% in 2023, reaching 10 million bottles. This growth is partly driven by Bordeaux producers shifting their focus from red wine, which has seen declining sales, to Crémant de Bordeaux Blanc de Noirs. Made from red grapes and aged for up to eight years in underground natural stone cellars, this style of Crémant has captured the attention of new consumers who appreciate its expressive and powerful flavors. In fact, many Bordeaux wineries have announced multi-million-euro investments to transition their production to Crémant, which has proven to be more profitable than generic red wine. Dominique Furlan, president of the Association of Crémant Producers of Bordeaux, highlights this shift as a strategic move that is paying off for local winemakers.
Other Notable Crémant Regions: Loire and Limoux
Beyond Alsace and Bordeaux, other regions such as Crémant de Loire and Crémant de Limoux are also gaining recognition. The simplicity and appeal of the name "Crémant," combined with high-quality production methods, have helped raise global awareness of these sparkling wines. The term "Crémant" was adopted from Champagne in the 1970s when Champagne producers permitted its use as long as the "traditional method" rather than the "Champagne method" was employed. However, Crémant production has roots that date back to the 19th century and even earlier.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its growing popularity, the Crémant industry is not without its challenges. The Union of Alsatian Crémant Producers (SPCA) withdrew from the Federation of French Crémant Producers last year, citing concerns over the enforcement of strict rules to ensure quality. The SPCA is particularly concerned about some wineries' winemaking methods, which they believe could compromise the integrity of the Crémant appellation.
A specific point of contention is the aging process. In July 2023, the French government allowed Crémant de Bourgogne producers to sell their Crémant after just 10 months of aging, instead of the usual 12 months, due to climate change impacts. Similarly, Crémant de Loire producers were permitted to reduce their aging period to nine months last year because of adverse weather conditions. Alsatian producers, however, reject these shortcuts and advocate for maintaining the highest production standards. They argue that such exceptions could dilute the quality and reputation of Crémant, ultimately harming the category's long-term success.
Conclusion
Crémant is clearly on the rise, both in France and internationally, offering a compelling alternative to Champagne. With increasing sales, expanding production, and growing global recognition, Crémant is well-positioned to continue its ascent in the world of sparkling wine. However, maintaining high standards and addressing the concerns within the industry will be crucial to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Crémant retains its newfound popularity and reputation for quality.
Source: Vinetur