Once upon a time, if you ordered a glass of Crémant at a bar, you’d likely be met with a blank stare. But times have changed, and so too have our drinking habits. Crémant, the sparkling wine made in areas outside of France’s Champagne region, has surged in popularity, proving that fine fizz doesn’t have to come with a Champagne price tag.

Why the sudden love affair? Well, the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t exactly made a bottle of Bollinger any more accessible, and people are waking up to the fact that they can get top-quality bubbles for half the price. Crémant is made in the traditional method—the same technique as Champagne—so you still get that refined, biscuity complexity, just without the premium price tag attached to a fancy postcode.

There’s also the sheer variety. Crémant from the Loire tends to be crisp and citrusy, perfect for an aperitif. Crémant de Bourgogne leans richer, often made from Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, delivering a toastier, fuller-bodied experience. And then there’s Crémant d’Alsace, which offers floral, aromatic elegance. This isn’t just budget Champagne; it’s a world of sparkling wine in its own right, each bottle telling a story of its region.

Even the most ardent Champagne purists are getting on board. Sommeliers are championing it, wine bars are proudly listing it, and frankly, your bank balance will thank you for making the switch. So, when you’re thinking about wine for your wedding, consider a bottle of Crémant to drink smarter, not pricier, and take a look at our André Delorme Crémant de Bourgogne.