Sometimes I feel like an idiot, forgetting about a sparkling wine like the Baumard Cremant de Loire. And then I do my best to make up for lost time by being contrite. I must atone for this neglect! A long-time favorite in the category of non-Champagne sparkling wines (with a non-Champagne price), the Baumard Cremant de Loire is a style of wine I have a penchant for (dry, elegant, bubbly), from a region I love (France's Loire Valley), and a producer I adore (Baumard). And it's as good as I remember it. I don't think you're going to find a sparkling wine with this kind of quality and complexity for the money. The versatile Chenin Blanc grape (which can also make wines in the Loire Valley from dry to a little bit sweet to very sweet) plays a large role here, along with some Cabernet Franc. (And don't pass up excellent still red wines from the Loire made from Cab Franc!)
The Baumard Cremant de Loire also sports a pretty cool-looking turquoise flourish on the label. But what caught my eye was the last phrase on the back label: "Try it even late in the evening."
I like the sound of that.
For more about the Loire Valley and the rest of the (wine) world, check out my blog at jamesonfink.com. And if you're in the Seattle area, you can find the Baumard Cremant de Loire where you can find me: Bottlehouse. Or just ask your friendly local wine merchant to track it down.
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