As the summer season approaches, now is the time to pop the cork on a chilled bottle of bubbles. Crémant de Loire is a wonderful way to start the celebrations, whether opening a garden party, BBQ or picnic in the park or simply for sipping on the sofa. It’s elegant, refined and brings a real sense of occasion – without the Champagne price tag.   

Cracking Crémant - Domaine de Haute-Perche, Thierry Denjean, Crémant de Loire Blanc Brut 

  Domaine de Haute Perche, Crémant de Loire Blanc Brut NV 

Stockist: The Modest Merchant 

Price: £22.95 

ABV: 12.5% 

Grape: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay 

Description: This Crémant de Loire produces a lively, full mouse with tangy citrus, slatey minerals and racy acidity. Pairs well with rich or fatty foods, or with oysters or olives. 

  Founded in the 1960s and acquired by wine enthusiast Thierry Denjean in 2019, the winery is a model of social and environmental responsibility, practicing sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices using precise, non-intrusive techniques and minimal sulphur. Thierry is committed to achieving carbon neutrality with initiatives such as solar panels, bottle reuse and rainwater collection. 

  The wines from Domaine Haute-Perche are a classic expression of Anjou, offering clean, mineral and saline profiles with elegant fruit and vibrant acidity, 

 

 

Rosé – fun and fruity 

Domaine Joel Delaunay, Les Cabotines Touraine Rosé 2024, London End Wines, £15 

Touraine rosé offers light bodied, crisp rosé wines and Les Cabotines hails from the banks of the Cher Valley, 50 kilometres east of Tours near the famous Château de Chenonceau. Family-owned and run by the fifth generation, the winery practices sustainable viticulture and bottles under screwcap.   

ABV: 13.5% 

Grapes: 70% Gamay and 30% Pineau d’Aunis 

Description: A pale pink salmon hue and an expressive nose with vibrant scents of red berry fruits and floral notes. Lively and tense with a silky texture that leads to a lingering, fresh finish. Food friendly, this wine is an excellent choice for aperitifs, grilled fish, or for enjoying with snacks on sunny afternoons.