Crémant de Loire is the regional appellation for Sparkling wines from Anjou, Saumur and Touraine - the heart of France's Loire Valley wine region. Chenin Blanc is the main ingredient. A wide range of other traditional Loire grape varieties can be used. These include the obvious choices of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also Cabernet Franc, Pineau d'Aunis, Grolleau Noir and even Cabernet Sauvignon.
The star grape of the upper Loire, Sauvignon Blanc, is a notable (and intentional) omission here. Despite its high Acidity, Loire Sauvignon is not considered well-suited to sparkling wine production. It is interesting to note, however, that this grape variety is not excluded from Bordeaux sparkling wines. A good Crémant de Loire has a tight, persistent effervescence that denotes a traditional method rather than Tank production, and a Complex, nutty, slightly honeyed Nose.
