Think It’s Champagne? Think Again. (And No, It’s Not Prosecco.)

A Medal-Winning Champagne Alternative

For those who love the elegance of Champagne but not the price tag, Prosecco often feels like the obligatory compromise. But why settle? Allow me to introduce our new favorite in bubbles: Domaine Dutertre Crémant de Loire. And by the way, it just won two major French awards.

What on Earth is a Crémant?

To see why Crémant wines are (in our view) superior to Prosecco, its important to first understand the two prevailing sparkling wine methods. You have the "Méthode Traditionelle," or Champagne method as well as the "Charmat Method" or tank method. Crémant uses the former method and Prosecco the latter. In other words, a French Crémant is not a Proscecco with a beret. It gets its bubbles the same way Champagne does—from secondary fermentation inside the bottle as opposed to a tank. This results in greater flavor complexity as well as a finer, more persistent bubble that delivers a softer mouth feel.

A Crémant affords us the opportunity to take a bubbly journey across France's finest wine regions, delivering the finesse and complexity of Champagne at a fraction of the cost. Our current favorite is the Domaine Dutertre Crémant from the Loire Valley.

This is Champagne in everything but name (and price tag). Made from a blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, it offers all the hallmarks of top-tier sparkling wine—zippy acidity, fine mousse, and layered complexity.

On the nose, it’s bright and expressive, with notes of green apple, pear, and lemon zest. You will also get a touch of white flowers and fresh-baked brioche. The bubbles are delicate and perfectly integrated, sans the soda-pop fizz typical of tank-fermented wines. Perfect for seafood, creamy cheese, or a Wednesday night.

Did we mention this Dutertre Crémant won two major French awards in the last year?

• Gold at the 2024 Concours National Des Crémants (French National Crémant Competition)
• Silver at the 2025 Concours Général Agricole (French General Agriculture Competition)

As mentioned, the one difference from Champagne is the price tag—this wine is just $22 a bottle ($19 if you get six).

At this price, there’s no reason not to pop a bottle and taste for yourself.

Order online or stop by Blanc et Rouge in Dumbo to pick up a bottle—we have it cold!

- The Team at Blanc et Rouge