Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

Exports of Crémant de Loire wine to the UK soar

Published:  06 June, 2018

Exports of Crémant de Loire wine to the UK rose 34.2% in volume in 2017 to 4,255 hl, according to data released by InterLoire - the association for Loire Valley wines.

Benefitting from the same wine making (traditional) method as Champagne, Crémant de Loire exports were boosted by retailers and consumers alike being quick to take advantage of the price variation between Champagne and Crémant de Loire, said the organisation.

“Many of the Crémant de Loire wines sit within the £10 – 15 price bracket, offering consumers a quality alternative to champagne,” said president of the communications committee Pierre-Jean Sauvion.

At present, the Loire Valley was the largest sparkling wine producer in France after Champagne, with a “real know-how that combines tradition, delicacy and modernity”, he added.

“The fact that Crémant de Loire is made with the same wine making method as Champagne inevitably leads to many comparisons between Champagne and our French sparkling wine,” he said.

Predicting Crémant de Loire to become one of the bestsellers on the UK market in the next couple of years, InterLoire said it was “not at all surprised” at the sharp increase in exports seen in the past year.

“Crémant de Loire has been a long time favourite amongst wine professionals and is now becoming more available to everyday consumers due to its increasing popularity,” said Sauvion.

As the third largest inter-professional association for AOC wines in France, InterLoire -brings together the Nantais, Anjou, Saumur and Touraine areas, comprising around 50 appellations and designated areas across 38,000 hectares. I

It includes 2,700 winegrowers, 190 négociants and 13 cooperatives, together selling an average of 2,000,000 hl per year.

In February, Interloire joined forces with nine wine producers to launch a premium category for Crémant de Loire and sparkling wines.

‘Prestige de Loire’ exclusively includes vintage wines made under strict production specifications, with the new category comprising 17 wines: 10 Crémants, five wines from Saumur and two Vouvray wines from the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 vintages.

Keywords: