Sparkling wine season is here, and we are kicking it off with one of our favorite styles for everyday bubbles. This episode dives into Crémant and puts the focus on Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire, a Loire Valley sparkling wine that delivers serious quality without the Champagne level price tag.

This week, we talk about why Crémant is such a smart value play, how it compares to Champagne, and what makes traditional method sparkling wines stand out. The conversation explores what to look for when buying sparkling wine, why acidity matters, and how lees aging shapes texture and character. Along the way, we dig into  Bouvet Ladubay’s history in the Loire Valley and why they are considered one of the region’s top producers.

This episode is all about understanding sparkling wine beyond the label and rethinking when and how you open a bottle of bubbles. If you love value driven wines and want better options for everyday drinking, this one is worth the listen.

Chapters
00:00 - Sparkling Wine Season Begins
01:59 - Why Crémant Is a Value Alternative to Champagne
04:23 - What to Look for in Quality Sparkling Wine
05:33 - Introducing Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire
07:31 - First Impressions and Early Tasting Reactions
12:16 - Traditional Method and Why It Matters
14:43 - Wine Drops: Understanding Crémant
15:07 - Crémant de Loire and the Role of Chenin Blanc
17:16 - Bouvet Ladubay and Loire Valley Heritage
19:18 - The 2023 Vintage in the Loire Valley
21:23 - Why Crémant Shines at the Table
24:17 - Final Tasting Reflections and Mouthfeel
26:57 - Value, Quality, and Everyday Bubbles
28:52 - Final Verdict: Is This a Must Share
29:26 - PiNope or ChardonnYAY!
36:06 - What’s Next in the Sparkling Series