Champagne is synonymous with celebration, luxury, and craftsmanship. But have you ever wondered what makes Champagne so special? The secret lies in its meticulous production process—the traditional method—which creates those fine, persistent bubbles and complex flavours.
However, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a top-quality sparkling wine. Enter crémant, a French sparkling wine made using the same time-honoured process as Champagne but from outside the Champagne region. Wines like Veuve Ambal Crémant de Bourgogne Grand Cuvee NV offer incredible value, delivering the finesse of Champagne at a fraction of the price.
Let’s break down how Champagne is made, and why crémant is the ultimate insider’s choice for budget-conscious wine lovers.
The traditional method: how Champagne gets its signature bubbles
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The traditional method (or méthode traditionnelle) is a labour-intensive process that gives Champagne its signature mousse, elegance, and depth. It involves multiple fermentation stages, extended ageing, and handcraftsmanship. Here’s how it works:
1. Harvesting & pressing
Champagne production starts with hand-harvested grapes, typically Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The grapes are pressed gently to extract pure juice while avoiding unwanted tannins (and colour) from the skins.
2. First fermentation
The juice undergoes its first fermentation in stainless steel or oak barrels, transforming it into a still wine with high acidity. At this stage, it’s dry and crisp but lacks carbonation.
3. Blending (assemblage)
One of Champagne’s hallmarks is its consistency and complexity, achieved through blending (assemblage). Winemakers mix different base wines—often from multiple vintages (Non Vintage)—to create the house’s signature style.
4. Bottling & second fermentation
The magic of Champagne happens during the second fermentation. The blended wine is bottled with a mixture of sugar and yeast, known as the liqueur de tirage. The bottle is sealed, and fermentation begins again inside the bottle, producing carbon dioxide—the source of Champagne’s bubbles.
5. Ageing on lees
A key difference between Champagne and other sparkling wines is the time spent ageing on lees (dead yeast cells). This process adds complexity, texture, and those signature brioche and toasty notes. By law, Champagne must age for at least 15 months (and 3 years for vintage Champagnes), though many top houses extend ageing well beyond this.
6. Riddling
Once ageing is complete, bottles undergo riddling, where they are gradually rotated and tilted to move sediment towards the neck of the bottle.
7. Disgorging & dosage
The neck of the bottle is frozen, and the sediment is removed in a process called disgorging (dégorgement). A final touch, the dosage, is added—a small amount of sugar and wine that determines the sweetness level (Brut, Extra Brut, Sec, etc.).
8. Corking & final ageing
The bottle is sealed with a cork and wire cage, then aged further before being released for sale.
Crémant: the best-kept secret in sparkling wine
Now that you know what goes into making Champagne, here’s where crémant comes in. Crémant is a category of sparkling wine made outside Champagne but using the exact same traditional method. Because it doesn’t carry the prestigious Champagne name, it’s significantly more affordable—without sacrificing quality.
Why crémant is an exceptional alternative to Champagne
- Made the same way – Crémant follows the traditional method, meaning it has the same fine bubbles and complex flavours.
- Same grapes, different region – Crémant de Bourgogne, for example, is made in Burgundy, often from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, just like Champagne.
- More affordable – Without the Champagne name, you’re not paying for brand prestige—just high-quality sparkling wine.
- Diverse expressions – Because crémant is made in regions like Burgundy, Alsace, Loire, and Jura, it offers a wider range of flavour profiles.
Veuve Ambal: a standout crémant de Bourgogne
A great example of a high-quality crémant is Veuve Ambal Crémant de Bourgogne Grand Cuvee NV. Founded in 1898, Veuve Ambal is one of Burgundy’s most respected sparkling wine producers, specialising in traditional method crémant.
What makes Veuve Ambal special?
- Made using the traditional method – Ensuring the same craftsmanship as Champagne.
- Aged on lees – Bringing richness and depth to the wine.
- Balanced and elegant – Offering crisp acidity, fresh citrus, and delicate toasty notes.
- Great value – Premium quality at a fraction of Champagne’s price.
Champagne vs. crémant: which should you choose?
| Feature | Champagne | Crémant de Bourgogne |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Traditional method | Traditional method |
| Region | Champagne | Burgundy (or other regions) |
| Grapes | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Aligoté, Gamay |
| Ageing | Minimum 15 months (NV) Minimum 36 months (Vintage) |
Minimum 9 months |
| Flavours | Brioche, citrus, minerality | Fresh fruit, floral, toasty |
| Price | $$$ | $-$$ |
Final thoughts: a smart sparkling choice
If you love the taste and elegance of Champagne but want a budget-friendly alternative, crémant—especially Veuve Ambal Crémant de Bourgogne—is a fantastic choice. Made using the same time-tested traditional method, it delivers refined bubbles, complex flavours, and excellent value.
So next time you’re celebrating (or just fancy a glass of bubbly on a Tuesday), consider pouring a crémant. You might just find your new favourite sparkling wine!
