Region
Cramant
Grand Cru village in the Côte des Blancs, near 100 percent Chardonnay. Known for finesse, fine mousse and delicate Blanc de Blancs.
What it is
Cramant is one of the six Grand Cru villages on the Côte des Blancs. Near 100 percent Chardonnay on pure belemnite chalk sitting at or just under the surface. A textbook example of Champagne as chalk-driven wine.
Soil and aspect
East-facing slope of the Côte d’Avize, the geological ridge that forms the Côte des Blancs. Chalk starts almost immediately below the thin topsoil. Roots grow deep into the chalk. Strong morning sun, cooler afternoons.
Style
Finesse is the keyword. Cramant is nicknamed “le tendre” against Le Mesnil-sur-Oger “le serré”. Fine, creamy mousse. White florals (acacia, linden), lemon peel, elderflower. Chalky finish but less mineral-tense than Le Mesnil. Drinkable young without ever feeling superficial.
Producers
- Mumm: has owned Cramant parcels since 1882, the foundation of RSRV Blanc de Blancs Millésimé
- Lilbert-Fils: family grower, exclusively Cramant
- Diebolt-Vallois: among the most respected grower-producers in the village
- Pierre Gimonnet: works Cramant + Cuis for its signature blend
- Sugot-Feneuil: old grower family
In the glass
A good Cramant Grand Cru shows why Côte des Blancs Chardonnay is the benchmark for Blanc de Blancs. Floral nose, generous but never heavy palate, long finish with chalk and citrus. Works with raw oysters, shellfish, sushi and delicate white fish. Not the most age-worthy Côte des Blancs (that’s Le Mesnil), but among the most approachable.
Signature grape