Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/913027
6 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017/2018 by Karen Moneymaker For many sommeliers, passionate collectors, and savvy consumers, there is nothing better than Bourgogne. One does not "dabble" in the luxury of red Bourgogne, culled from the tiny clusters of Pinot Noir that dot the vines of some of the most sought-after vineyards in the world. And don't get us started on the almost transcendental experience that can occur when tucking into a glass of expertly- crafted white Bourgogne. It only makes sense, then, that the sparkling wines of this region would be carving a niche for them - selves amongst the consumers and buyers in the know. While the history of Crémant de Bourgogne dates back to the early 19th century, it wasn't officially recognized as an AOP until 1975, when it was regulated for production of white and rosé sparkling wine. Although the Châtillonnais—a 250-hectare (618-acre) area situated 45 miles northwest of Dijon and a scant 50 miles from the south - ernmost border of Champagne—is the self- declared "kingdom of Crémant," Crémant de Bourgogne is produced throughout the whole region of Bourgogne. "From the chalky soils and cool climate in the very north of Bourgogne, to the granitic soils and moderate climate in the south, the possibility for expressing great complex - ity and sense of place here is significant," explains Mary John Baumann, a certified WSET wine educator at the International Wine Center in New York. "During a recent visit to Bourgogne, I had the great pleasure of spending an afternoon with the UPECB, the union of producers and growers of Crémant de Bourgogne. A broad tasting of these fantastic sparkling wines revealed that they are unquestionably the best values in terms of quality-to-price ratio for tradi - tional method sparkling wines." As the second-most imported French sparkling wines to the U.S., Crémant de Bourgogne is enjoying a continued upswing in popularity here in the States. According to French export figures, there was a 23.5% increase in Crémant de Bourgogne shipped to the U.S. in 2017 from the same time period in 2016 (BIVB). "Crémant de Bourgogne belongs on any serious beverage director's wine list," says Baumann. "I believe that as quality con - tinues to improve through sourcing from multiple parcels, meticulous blending, and extended lees aging, the future of Crémant de Bourgogne is quite bright. With the help of an enthusiastic community of sommeliers, wine educators, and wine journalists, we are certain to see continued growth." "Crémant de Bourgogne wines are particularly desirable in wine bars due to their affordability, and for any by the glass program. The crisp acidity makes it a welcome, palate- cleansing option for pairing." —Mary John Baumann, certified WSET wine educator at the International Wine Center in New York PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY JOHN BAUMANN PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY JOHN BAUMANN first press