In the mind of wine consumers, Bordeaux evokes a number of great images; grand chateaux, rare wine, hearty foodstuffs. One could be forgiven, however, for not knowing that Bordeaux produces a fair amount of quality sparkling wine under the Crémant de Bordeaux appellation. Produced via the traditional method, it utilizes the region’s famous grapes – Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon – to produce both white and rosê bubbles. Given its affordable price, I like to utilize Crémant de Bordeaux in cocktails.
A simple option is the Cru Royale, a quick riff on the Kir Royale.
Cru Royale
1oz Lillet*
4 oz Crémant de Bordeaux
Lemon twist, for garnish
Directions: In a flute glass, begin with the Lillet before adding the Crémant. I prefer to use a white version of Crémant de Bordeaux, however, the pink kind works as well. Finish the cocktail with a lemon twist garnish.
*Lillet is a lightly sweet wine-based aperitif made in the Bordeaux region
