When most people think sparkling wine, one word tends to dominate — Champagne.
And fair enough. It’s iconic. It’s luxurious. It’s… expensive.
But here’s the thing many wine lovers don’t realise:
some of the best value sparkling wines in the world are being made just a short drive south of Champagne, in Burgundy — especially by producers like Veuve Ambal.
In this blog, we’re diving into:
- Who Veuve Ambal is and why they matter
- What Crémant de Bourgogne is (and why it’s so Champagne-like)
- Why Crémant delivers serious quality at a friendlier price point
- Two key Veuve Ambal cuvées worth knowing: Grande Cuvée & Blanc de Blancs
Let’s pop the cork. 🥂
Who is Veuve Ambal?
Founded in 1898, Veuve Ambal is Burgundy’s largest and most respected Crémant producer — and the benchmark name for the region.
Unlike smaller maisons, Veuve Ambal has scale, heritage, and decades of experience refining the méthode traditionnelle. They source fruit from across Burgundy, allowing them to blend for consistency, quality, and style — while still honouring terroir.
Today, they’re still family-owned and remain the market leader in Crémant de Bourgogne, exporting globally and earning awards for quality and affordability.
Put simply:
If you’re dipping your toes into Crémant for the first time, Veuve Ambal is where you start.
Crémant de Bourgogne — Champagne’s cooler sibling
Here’s the fun part:
Crémant from Burgundy and Champagne share more similarities than differences.
Same traditional method
Crémant de Bourgogne is made using the exact same technique as Champagne:
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- secondary fermentation in bottle
- lees ageing for texture and brioche notes
- riddling and disgorgement
Similar grape varieties
While Champagne leans heavily on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier…
Burgundy uses Chardonnay and Pinot Noir too — varieties it already excels in.
The difference?
Reputation and postcode.
Champagne has strict marketing rules, prestige, and centuries of brand power.
Crémant? Less hype. Less ego. More value.
Which brings us to the question everyone asks:
So… why is Crémant cheaper if it’s so similar?
Three key reasons:
🍇 Region prestige
Champagne commands premium pricing because of global branding, availability, and demand. Burgundy is famous for still wines — not sparkling — making its Crémant comparatively undervalued.
🥂 Production scale & grape cost
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced for Crémant often come from vineyards less expensive than Grand Cru & Premier Cru parcels in Champagne.
💸 Market perception
Crémant doesn’t carry the same luxury halo.
Yet.
Which is exactly why it's such an opportunity for:
- drinkers who love Champagne flavours
- collectors looking for value
- entertainers wanting premium bubbles without a premium price
Think of Crémant de Bourgogne as:
👉 Champagne’s insider tip
Veuve Ambal bottlings worth knowing
🥂 Grande Cuvée Brut NV
A flagship style made using the traditional method. Expect:
- citrus and orchard fruit
- gentle brioche notes
- fine mousse
- crisp acidity
- beautiful balance
“Grande Cuvée” signals a blend of the best parcels and base wines — delivering complexity at a price that still sits well below Champagne.
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🥂 Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
A Chardonnay-only expression. Think:
- lemon zest
- green apple
- chalky minerality
- white flowers
- refreshing finish
If you love:
- Champagne Blanc de Blancs
- Chablis-esque minerality
- lighter, finer bubbles
— this is your pick.
Why Veuve Ambal deserves a place in your glass (and cellar)
If you want…
- a sparkling made in the traditional method
- with classic Champagne grapes
- from Burgundy’s leading Crémant house
- without paying Champagne prices
…then Veuve Ambal ticks every box.
It’s one of the best value sparkling regions on earth, and right now, Crémant de Bourgogne feels like Champagne did 30 years ago — high quality, still underrated, and ripe for discovery.
Final Sip
Whether you're stocking the fridge for celebrations, pairing oysters on a Sunday, or looking for a Champagne-like experience without the financial sting, Veuve Ambal is an essential name to know.
Great producer. Traditional méthode. Burgundy pedigree. Champagne-adjacent quality.
All at a price point that feels almost unfair.
Want to explore Veuve Ambal? Find them in our Sparkling & Champagne collection here.
