NV Domaine Eugene Meyer Cremant d'Alsace Brut

Grapes: 60% Pinot Auxerrois, 20% Pinot Gris, 10% Pinot Blanc

Region: Alsace

cellar stats: Biodynamic, Demeter certified, Methode Champenoise

Winemaker: Eugene Meyer

Champagne isn't the only game in town when it come to sparkling wine in France.  While some of the greatest sparkling wines are produced in the Champagne region, in France there are other areas that offer excellent bubbly options.  The vinification method used to produced the wines of Champagne, Methode Champenoise, is employed by regions like Alsace to make sparkling wines.  In fact, Crémant is the term used for Methode Champenoise wines produced outside of Champagne, and they're often a lovely, less expensive, alternative to the wine of Champagne. 

The sparkling wines of Alsace focus on local varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois Pinot Gris and Riesling.  Although Alsace is almost as far north as Champagne, it's much drier and warmer, producing grapes that are riper, rounder and more generous.  Crémant wine typically have very little or no dosage (added sugar before bottling). The result is usually a slightly softer wine with lifted floral and citrus notes.  

Domaine Eugène Meyer has been producing wine in Alsace since 1620.  Located in the small town of Bergholtz, the Domaine is the the longest continuous producer of biodynamic wines in the region (they've been working biodynamically since 1969!)  This Crémant is a beautiful introduction to the sparkling wines of Alsace, showing notes of grapefruit, peach and quince with a kiss of brioche and white pepper.  Champagne taste on a Prosecco budget?  This is your new bubbly.