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Crémant de Bordeaux has become the region's most dynamic wine, with a fivefold increase in production over the past ten years. The volume increased from 10,000 hl of base wine in 2010 to 55,000 hl in 2020. Dominique Furlan, chairman of the Bordeaux Crémant Producers Association, expects production to increase further in 2022 despite the below-average harvest.
He points out that crémant currently accounts for only about 1 percent of the wine volume produced in Bordeaux and 90 percent is marketed by eight companies. As demand is clearly increasing, production should also be further increased. "In Entre-deux-Mers, the preferred area for Crémant de Bordeaux, we have enough land to catch up with the leading Crémant regions such as Alsace, Burgundy or Loire. Winegrowers who can restructure their vineyards and have suitable terroirs for Crémant production are already responding. In addition, we are aiming to raise the quality level by developing special cuvées, for example."
According to Furlan, crémant currently has the highest profitability for winegrowers. The trade now pays up to 1,600 euros for a 900-litre barrel of basic wine. Thus, sparkling wine has developed into an opportunity for businesses that comply with the strict production specifications and achieve the necessary yield level. "With Crémant, yield is an important factor for profitability. The upper limit is 78 hl and 12 tonnes per hectare. As a minimum, 65 to 70 hl should be aimed for." To achieve this, planting density should be increased from 3,000 to 4,500 to 5,000 vines per hectare, Furlan explained.
Merlot remains a mainstay of production, according to Furlan, despite its sensitivity to the effects of climate change. "The grape variety still gives good results because it is harvested early. Merlot is what gives Crémant de Bordeaux its typicity. Thanks to it, we distinguish ourselves from other appellations, especially with our rosé crémants."
(al / source: mon-viti; photo: 123rf)