Australians love their sparkling wines aka bubbles, and the season between the Melbourne Cup and Australia Day – basically three months including the holiday period – is prime bubbles drinking time. Normally the go-to is Champagne or Prosecco. However when the opportunity appeared to taste several Cremant de Loire wines at a trade tasting, I couldn’t resist sampling them.
De Chanceny Cremant de Loire Brut Rose NV
This wine immediately stood out with its gorgeous nose. Made from 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Grolleau, it was redolent of strawberry and raspberry. These berry flavours came through on the palate, especially the raspberry, along with a touch of red plum, pink grapefruit, grass and whipped cream. This wine was quite dry and light bodied despite having obvious residual sugar
Very quaffable and was basically an Eton Mess in a glass. I am tracking this down to purchase some bottles.
Rating: Bloody Delish Price: AUD 38 (as part of a case)
Domaine Le Capitaine Vouvray Methode Traditionnelle NV
I am a fan of Blanc de Blancs from Champagne and this wine headed me straight to that stylistic direction. Made from 100% Chenin Blanc, it was bone dry. Surprisingly aromatic wine with initial wafts of lees, wager and dough. Then came some interesting notes with a strong aroma of jasmine, talc and fresh carrot leaf. The carrot leaf flavour followed through on the palate, which also showed a touch of wet stone and flint.
Crisp and angular with beautifully fresh acidity. To be drunk on its own or with fresh seafood and crisp lettuce-based salads. Definitely a good champagne substitute.
Rating: Bloody Delish Price: AUD 53
Domaine Arnaud Lambert Cremant to Loire NV
A very dry wine made from 90% Chenin Blanc and 10% Chardonnay. Initially I smelled and tasted peach blossom (a signature of Chenin Blanc for me) along with white peach before the lemon and lime flavours came screaming through – most definitely a highly acidic wine. Then flavours of wafer biscuit (it had been aged on lees for 24 months), pine nut and a faint hint of guava appeared along with a touch of slightly wet stone. Towards the finish flavours of red and yellow apple were also appearing. Another good champagne substitute.
Rating: Delish Price: AUD 52