Champagne has long been the benchmark region for sparkling wine, but within France there are also exciting and delicious bubbles being produced. Here is a set of French bubbles that also packs a ton of value.
Parigot & Richard, 'Quartier Libre' Crémant de Bourgogne Extra Brut NV
Parigot & Richard are sparkling wine specialists based in the heart of the Cote de Beaune, in Savigny-Les-Beaune. Beyond uncommon in the world of traditional method sparkling wines, they produce their own liqueur de tirage and liqueur d'expedition in house, using their own base wines and cane sugar. They riddle each of their bottles by hand in lieu of a gyropalette. These are wines of both tradition and refinement, in an area where sparkling wine production goes distinctly against the grain. A rarity for a Burgundy Crémant this is 100% Aligote, from 20-50 year old vines. Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation occur in tank, followed by 24 months on tirage lees. Bottled with a low dosage of 2 g/L.
Bodet-Herold, 'Aerlinn' Brut Nature Rosé 2023
Etienne Bodet is a native of the Saumur region, where his family owns a domaine in Montreuil-Bellay. He trained with Sylvain Pataille, Aurélien Gerbais, Bernard Baudry, François Dal, Romain Guiberteau (who is also his stepfather), and he is currently one of the winemakers at Clos Rougeard. 100% Grolleau, from a single parcel on limestone parent rock in northern Anjou. The grapes were macerated briefly during a long, overnight press cycle. Made in the ancestral method, it underwent only one fermentation, being bottled before primary fermentation was complete. It went dry in bottle, and was aged 6 months sur lie prior to disgorgement and re-bottling. Gorgeous notes of underripe strawberry, rhubarb, dried rose petals and white pepper. The palate is greeted by a lively acidity that brings forth a juicy, mineral-forward texture and frothy mousse. The wine sways towards a bone dry, fruity and floral finish with a spicy undertone.
Domaine Bott-Geyl, Crémant d'Alsace NV
Domaine Bott-Geyl has been a family run enterprise spanning back to 1795 - spanning the end of the French Revolution, the Napoleonic wars, and two World Wars. Jean-Cristophe Bott has been heading up the family domaine since 1993, converting their 15 hectares of vineyards to organic farming in 2000, and biodynamic (certified) in 2002. Despite their small size, they are able to offer some of the best estate-produced values in the region. A blend of 60% Pinot Blanc, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay that sees a minimum of 2 years in bottle and a dosage betwee 1-4g/L.