Patriarche Cremant de Bourgogne Brut

Patriarche Crémant de Bourgogne Brut is a traditional method sparkling wine from Burgundy, France, bottled at 12% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by one of Burgundy's oldest houses — founded in 1780 — this cuvée earned Silver medals at both the Hong Kong IWSC and The Global Masters competitions, underscoring its consistency and quality within the Crémant category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12%  |  Origin: Burgundy, France  |  Style: Crémant de Bourgogne Brut  |  Producer: Patriarche, Beaune

Production & Heritage

Patriarche was established in 1780 in the heart of Beaune, housed within the former Couvent des Visitandines — a landmark that remains the company's home today. This Crémant de Bourgogne is made using the traditional method (méthode champenoise), the same technique employed in Champagne, with a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 15% Gamay, and 5% Aligoté sourced across the Bourgogne appellations of Yonne, Côte d'Or, and Saône-et-Loire. A critical distinction is the extended lees aging of 12 months — three months longer than the minimum nine months required for Crémant — which contributes a richer, more developed character to the finished wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with yellow apple and lime zest before moving into riper stone fruit territory. Underneath, toasty, pastry-like notes emerge alongside subtle citrus — a direct result of the extended time on lees.

Taste: On entry, the mousse is soft and plush, coating the palate with green apple and lemon curd flavors. At mid-palate, a gentle creaminess takes hold, balanced by a saline, mineral quality and baked-goods richness. Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast described it as "attractive, soft and creamy" with "ripe apple flavors" and a "touch of pepper."

Finish: Clean and crisp with balanced acidity that lingers without heaviness. A faint echo of toast and white stone fruit keeps the close engaging and refreshing.

How to Drink Patriarche Crémant

Serve well chilled at 6–8°C in a tulip-shaped glass to appreciate the fine bead and aromatic complexity. This Crémant is versatile enough for both standalone sipping and mixed drinks.

• French 75: The Chardonnay-led blend and toasty depth stand up beautifully to gin and lemon, adding body where lighter sparklers fall flat.
• Kir Royal: A classic Burgundian pairing — the Crémant's crisp acidity and soft mousse complement crème de cassis without being overpowered.
• Bellini: The ripe apple and stone fruit aromas in this wine harmonize naturally with white peach purée.

Best For

• Hosting a brunch or aperitif gathering where Champagne-quality sparkling is desired at a more accessible price
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates traditional method sparkling from historic producers
• Celebrating milestones — anniversaries, promotions, or holidays — without the premium Champagne markup
• Introducing someone new to French sparkling wine beyond entry-level Prosecco

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Patriarche Crémant taste like? It delivers ripe apple and lemon curd flavors with a soft, creamy mousse and toasty undertones from 12 months of lees aging. The finish is clean, crisp, and refreshingly balanced.

How does Patriarche Crémant compare to Champagne? Crémant de Bourgogne is the closest French sparkling category to Champagne in terms of grape varieties, terroir, and production method, though it typically comes in at a significantly lower price point. Patriarche's blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — the same core grapes used in Champagne — along with extended lees aging narrows that gap further in terms of complexity.

Is Patriarche Crémant good for beginners? Yes — the soft mousse, approachable fruit-forward profile, and balanced acidity make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring traditional method sparkling wines. Its gentler effervescence is less aggressive than some Champagnes, which newer sparkling drinkers often prefer.

Where is Patriarche Crémant made? Patriarche is based in Beaune, in the Côte d'Or department of Burgundy, France, operating from the historic Couvent des Visitandines since its founding in 1780. The grapes are sourced from across the Bourgogne appellation, spanning the departments of Yonne, Côte d'Or, and Saône-et-Loire.

What foods pair well with Patriarche Crémant? Gougères (Burgundian cheese puffs) mirror the wine's regional roots and match its creamy texture. Smoked salmon plays off the saline mineral notes. Fresh oysters complement the bright acidity. Mild soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Chaource echo the toasty, buttery character. Light fruit tarts align with the apple and citrus aromatics.

What sizes does Patriarche Crémant come in? The standard bottling is a 750ml format, which is the most widely available size for this Crémant de Bourgogne.

Is Patriarche Crémant worth the price? Patriarche Crémant positions as a premium-quality Crémant that punches above its price tier, particularly given the 12-month lees aging, four-grape blend, and dual Silver medal pedigree. It represents strong value for anyone seeking traditional method sparkling without entering the Champagne price bracket.

Why Patriarche Crémant?

What separates this bottling from the crowded Crémant de Bourgogne field is the combination of extended lees aging and a thoughtfully constructed four-grape blend. The 12-month maturation on lees — exceeding the legal minimum by 33% — builds a textural richness and toasty complexity that simpler Crémants lack. Silver medals at both the Hong Kong IWSC and The Global Masters validate that ambition. Backed by nearly 250 years of winemaking history in the heart of Beaune, this is a sparkling wine rooted in Burgundian tradition that delivers well beyond its category's reputation.