Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs, Domaine du Bicheron, Nv
Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs, Domaine du Bicheron, Nv
- Sparkling
- 75CL
- 12.5%
- Chardonnay
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Domaine du Bicheron is located in Péronne, in the department of Saône et Loire in southern Burgundy. Committed to offering quality wines, Domaine du Bicheron has signed the charter of the independent winegrowers to ensure that the highest standards of winemaking are always upheld, that the finest traditions are preserved and respected and that the culture and pleasure of their wines is shared whenever possible.
Fresh and lively, this Crémant is full of crisp green apple and citrus, and showcases excellent fruit and a lingering finish on the palate. Made in the same method as Champagne, it drinks in the same way but at a much-reduced price. A stellar choice for a first-class aperitif.
What the critics say:
"Wonderful honey laced brioche on the nose, sweet and round. This is definitely less acidic than many of the others, it has a richer, deeper, more medium-bodied texture with grip and depth of lemon, orange, honey, apricot and peach flavours. A really interesting profile from a Blanc de Blancs made with Chardonnay. Supple and refined, if not a classic high-acid, super refreshing style. This would pair excellently with heartier foods, white meats, fish dishes and creamy pasta foods."
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale gold with persistent, fine bubbles forming delicate chains.
NoseHoneyed brioche aromatics dominate, accompanied by ripe stone fruit character. The bouquet reveals apricot and peach alongside citrus brightness, creating an inviting and rounded profile. Subtle yeast autolysis adds depth without overwhelming the fruit expression.
PalateMedium-bodied texture with softer acidity than typical Blanc de Blancs, offering immediate appeal and richness. Lemon and orange flavours interweave with honey and stone fruit, whilst the mousse provides gentle grip and structure. The wine displays more weight and depth than many Crémants, with creamy texture balancing the fruit intensity.
FinishClean and persistent, with lingering citrus and subtle brioche character.
Overall impressionA refined Crémant with unusual richness and accessibility, perfect for those seeking Champagne-method quality at approachable pricing.
Food Pairings
In Burgundy, Crémant traditionally accompanies the region's rich cuisine, particularly gougères (cheese choux pastry) and escargots de Bourgogne with garlic butter. The local preference pairs these sparkling wines with coq au vin blanc during festive occasions, whilst jambon persillé (ham and parsley terrine) provides an elegant match for the wine's richness. Burgundian cheese specialties like Chaource and Époisses complement the wine's creamy texture, especially when served with crusty pain de campagne.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 6-8°C in tulip-shaped Champagne flutes to concentrate the aromatics and maintain the mousse. No decanting required; open just before serving to preserve the bubbles' vibrancy. The wine benefits from proper storage on its side in a cool cellar, and should be consumed within 2-3 years of purchase for optimal freshness.
The vineyards around Péronne in Saône-et-Loire benefit from the continental climate typical of southern Burgundy, with warm summers and cool autumns that preserve acidity in the grapes. The limestone-rich soils provide excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for steady ripening. This terroir combination produces Chardonnay with bright fruit character and mineral backbone, ideal for traditional method sparkling wine production.
Crémant de Bourgogne represents Burgundy's traditional method sparkling wines, produced under strict regulations similar to Champagne but allowing greater grape variety flexibility. The appellation requires hand-harvesting, gentle pressing, and a minimum nine months on lees for complexity development. Blanc de Blancs versions must use only white grapes, typically Chardonnay, resulting in wines with greater elegance and finesse than the region's red grape blends.
FAQs
How does this compare to Champagne?
Made using identical traditional method techniques including second fermentation in bottle and lees ageing, but from Burgundian Chardonnay rather than Champagne's chalky terroir. The result offers similar quality and complexity at significantly lower pricing, with a rounder, more approachable style.
What makes this a Blanc de Blancs?
Blanc de Blancs means 'white from whites' - made exclusively from white grapes, in this case Chardonnay. This creates a more delicate, elegant style compared to blends containing red grapes, with greater finesse and citrus-driven character.
How long will this keep once opened?
Like all traditional method sparkling wines, this should be consumed within 24-48 hours of opening for best quality. Use a proper sparkling wine stopper and keep refrigerated to maintain some bubbles, though the wine will gradually lose its mousse and freshness.
Is this suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely. The traditional method production and Burgundian Chardonnay create a wine worthy of celebrations, offering Champagne-quality bubbles at more accessible pricing. The elegant presentation and refined character make it appropriate for any formal occasion.
What temperature should I serve this?
Serve at 6-8°C (43-46°F) for optimal taste and bubble retention. Too cold and you'll mute the aromatics; too warm and the wine becomes flabby. Chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours or in an ice bucket for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Can I age this wine?
This Crémant is designed for immediate enjoyment and is best consumed within 2-3 years of purchase. Unlike vintage Champagnes, it won't improve significantly with extended cellaring and may lose its fresh fruit character and lively bubbles over time.
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