World Champagne Day today- and I adore Champagne- but I’m going rogue and recommending an affordable rival from southwest France- the estimable and delicate Cremant de Limoux. Gently sparkling, it has Chardonnay & Pinot Noir in the mix – as do most Champagnes- but also Chenin Blanc, the root of wonderful Crémant de Loire. All in all this peachy little number will cheer your autumnal weekend and- even better- it’s currently on offer I award it 17.5 points. What to serve it with? Seize your copy of Escoffier (!) and think fish or seafood- it would be marvellous with crab or scallops.

About this Vineyard

The Cuvee Royale Cremant de Limoux is produced by Sieur d’Arques (Aimery), a cooperative founded in Limoux in the Languedoc-Roussillon. The region’s sparkling wine heritage dates back generations, when Benedictine monks created the first fizz here — making Limoux arguably the birthplace of sparkling wine, well before Champagne.

About The Author

I’m Rosalind and I’m here to talk to you about Rosé. Whether it’s your first choice or your last on a wine list, this site is for you. After years of writing about and tasting wine, there is something truly special to me about the pink stuff. On the Rose Report, I write reviews of the best Rosé Wines. You can find out more about me HERE.