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Tasting Crémant d’Alsace: tips and advice
At what temperature and at what time should you enjoy a Crémant?
To fully enjoy its delicate bubbles and freshness, a Crémant d'Alsace should be served between 7 and 9°C. Too cold and it will lose its aromas; too warm and it will lack liveliness.
Ideal as an aperitif, it also goes perfectly with a light meal, refined dishes or a fruity dessert. An ice bucket filled with water and ice cubes is the best way to chill it gently.
Tip: avoid storing your Crémant in the fridge for several days in a row, as this breaks its bubbles in the long term.
Which glass to choose and how to taste a Crémant?
The shape of the glass is important.
A flute is suitable, provided it is not too narrow, to allow the aromas to express themselves. The ideal is a tulip glass, slightly closed at the top, which allows the aromas to be concentrated while admiring the finesse of the bubbles.
Serve the Crémant in small quantities to preserve its freshness, and take the time to observe its color and smell its aromas before the first sip. On the palate, note the balance between acidity and roundness, the creamy texture of the bubbles, and the aromatic length.
Our selection of Crémants d'Alsace to be tasted in the proper manner
Storing Alsace wines: our expert advice
Giving wine or Crémant d'Alsace as a gift: our gift ideas
The art of winemaking in Bestheim – Wines & Crémants d'Alsace
Questions you may have
When you think of wines for aging, Alsace doesn't immediately spring to mind... and yet...
Although there is no limit to how long wine can be kept, it is not uncommon for certain vintages, even those over a hundred years old, to still show surprising youthfulness!
Ultimately, it's mainly a matter of personal taste. Some people like wines that develop aromas from long aging (known as tertiary aromas), while others prefer them when they are still fruity (primary and secondary aromas).
Generally speaking, wines from terroir will have a longer shelf life due to their substance and structure. For Crémants, it's a matter of taste. The patina of time on the effervescence can sometimes be surprising, but if you're looking for freshness and pronounced effervescence, it's best to consume your cuvée within two years of purchase.
In addition to its initial potential, the shelf life of a wine depends mainly on how it is stored. It is important to assess the quality of your cellar and regularly check the condition of the bottles you keep there. We discuss this in more detail in our article"Should you invest in a wine cellar ?"
Dry white wines do not keep for long, even when tightly sealed with a cork. When stored in the refrigerator, they should not be kept for more than 3-4 days. However, sweet or syrupy white wines can be kept for longer and can still be enjoyed within a month of opening.
Like dry white wines, red wines do not keep very long. Once opened, red wine can only be kept until the day after opening without being altered.
What about Crémant? With a good airtight closure, Crémant can be kept in the refrigerator for 48 to 72 hours, or even 1 to 2 days longer if more than half the bottle remains and it has not been reopened.
Read the full article, "How long can you keep an open bottle of wine?"
Crémant d'Alsace is a sparkling wine that should be served chilled (between 42°F and 48°F) as an aperitif, during a meal, or to celebrate dessert. To fully appreciate its aromas and the finesse of its bubbles, serve it in flutes like Champagne. Avoid serving it in glasses that are too wide, as this will cause the bubbles to escape in record time. After tasting, if you have not finished the bottle, reseal it with a Crémant (or Champagne) stopper that seals tightly. You can then store it in the refrigerator for 48 to 72 hours.
