Recipes That Pair Best with Sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne
Crémant de Bourgogne Pairs Well With Escargots de Bourgogne
When you think of Burgundy, you probably first imagine silky Pinot Noir and elegant Chardonnay, but Burgundy’s sparkling treasure—Crémant de Bourgogne—deserves a place at the table too. This méthode traditionnelle wine, crafted using the same techniques as Champagne, offers exceptional value and remarkable versatility. As we shall see, Crémant is not just an aperitif – it can be enjoyed with meals and will enhance a wide variety of foods. In this article, we explore some dishes and give you an insight into how our very own chef Ellie cooks dishes to be enjoyed with Crémant wines.
Crémant’s Sparkling Star Is Rising
Crémant, like most Burgundy wines, uses almost exclusively Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, but sometimes two additional grapes—Aligoté and Gamay—are included in the blend. This results in a wide range of interesting flavors and nuances to discover. The appellation spans many villages, each with its own unique soil and rock, known as terroir. This diversity is something the Burgundy wine region takes great pride in. Exploring these different villages and their distinct characteristics is one of the joys of drinking Crémant, a pleasure that is increasingly being discovered in America as well in the export market, as we have found through our BurgundyWine.com wine shop.
Crémant de Bourgogne is quite different from its more famous sparkling counterpart, Champagne, and that’s how it should be. It doesn’t attempt to replicate Champagne; instead, it has its own unique regional identity. Throughout France, there are a total of eight AOCs (Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée) that produce Crémant, so you might come across bottles from Bordeaux, Jura, and other regions. However, Burgundy is regarded as the true spiritual home of sparkling wine—though we might be a little biased!
Pairing food with Crémant isn’t just about finding good matches—it’s about celebrating regional harmony. Burgundy is a gastronomic powerhouse, and its cuisine reflects the richness and finesse of its wines. Below, we explore the best ways to pair local Burgundy dishes with Crémant de Bourgogne for a truly authentic culinary experience.
Why Crémant de Bourgogne Works So Well with Food
Crémant de Bourgogne is typically brut (dry), with vibrant acidity, fine bubbles and a creaminess on the palate. These qualities make it an ideal partner for a wide range of foods:
Acidity cuts through fat and richness – think especially of deep-fried dishes or rich seafood recipes and try these with sparkling wine for a delicious counterpoint
Bubbles add texture and refresh the palate.
Subtle fruit and minerality complement rather than overpower dishes.
Top Burgundy Dishes to Pair with Crémant de Bourgogne
1. Gougères (Cheese Puffs)
These airy choux pastry puffs, made with Gruyère or Comté, are a traditional apéritif snack in Burgundy. The light, savory richness of gougères pairs perfectly with a brut Crémant de Bourgogne. The wine’s acidity balances the cheese, while the bubbles lift the pastry’s delicate texture. Click here to see Ellie’s recipe for this amazing dish.
Pair with: Classic Brut Crémant, especially those made primarily from Chardonnay for a crisp, elegant finish.
2. Jambon Persillé (Parsleyed Ham)
A cold terrine made with chunks of ham in a parsley-garlic gelatin, this dish is a Burgundy staple. The saltiness and herbal notes go wonderfully with Crémant, especially rosé styles that include Pinot Noir for a hint of red fruit.
Pair with: Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne such as this one, which brings freshness and subtle fruit to match the herbaceous, savory elements.
3. Oeufs en Meurette (Poached Eggs in Red Wine Sauce)
This rich and earthy dish of poached eggs bathed in a red wine sauce is traditionally paired with Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais made from the Gamay grape. However, this dish can also be made using a white wine sauce, and the creamy yolk and depth of flavor can then be beautifully contrasted by serving it with a sparkling white Crémant. Between each bite your palate will be cleansed by the bubbles. Sometimes it’s good to be a little different; why not experiment and see which wine type you think works best with this dish? Click here to see Ellie’s ingredients and method for this dish.
Pair with: A fuller-bodied Brut Crémant aged on lees, which offers enough structure to hold its own against the dish’s richness.
4. Escargots de Bourgogne (Snails with Garlic-Parsley Butter)
The garlicky butter of this iconic dish is a dream with Crémant. The wine's acidity cuts the fat, and its minerality complements the earthy escargots. Ellie also has a recipe for Snail Ravioli in a White Wine, Garlic and Herb Bouillon, which you can see by following the link.
Pair with: Blanc de Blancs Crémant (100% Chardonnay), for a bright, mineral-driven pairing.
5. Coq au Vin Blanc
A variation on the classic dish, using white wine instead of red. This dish offers creaminess, herbs, and tender chicken—perfect for a sparkling white with finesse.
Pair with: A richer Crémant with extended lees aging to match the depth of the dish.
6. Burgundian Charcuterie Boards
Think pâté, rillette, saucisson, and regional cheeses like Époisses and Chaource. Crémant brings freshness and balance to these salty, rich treats.
Pair with: Brut or Extra Brut Crémant; or experiment with Rosé Crémant for contrast with the creamy cheeses and spicy sausages.
Desserts to Pair With Crémant de Bourgogne
Sparkling wines excel when they are paired with desserts. Many Crémants work well with lighter, sweet dishes:
Tarte aux Pommes (Apple Tart): Pairs beautifully with a slightly off-dry Crémant.
Crème de Cassis Sorbet or Kir Royale: Blend Crémant with crème de cassis, both Burgundy specialties, for a regional match made in heaven. Click here to see how Ellie does it!
Brioche with fruit compote: Soft, buttery pastries with Crémant bring the meal full circle – click here for our take on it.
The Different Styles of Crémant de Bourgogne
Crémant de Bourgogne comes in several styles, which can subtly shift the best pairing strategy:
Blanc de Blancs: 100% white grapes (Chardonnay, Aligoté). Light, citrusy, and mineral. Great with seafood, escargots, and cheese.
Blanc de Noirs: 100% Pinot Noir or Gamay. Fuller-bodied, with red fruit tones. Excellent with richer terrines, duck, or coq au vin.
Rosé: Red berry and summer fruit aromas; pairs well with charcuterie, soft cheeses, or berry-forward desserts.
Vintage (Millésimé): Aged longer for depth and complexity. Ideal for main courses or special dishes like foie gras.
Hopefully by now you will agree that pairing sparkling Burgundy wine with its traditional foods can really highlight the deep connection between wine and place. Whether you’re opening a bottle for an everyday aperitif or a celebratory meal, Crémant's flexibility and finesse make it an ideal partner. By keeping things local—matching Burgundy wine with Burgundy food—you tap into a time-honored harmony that continues to delight.
Want to Visit Burgundy? Be our Guest!
Why not sample the Crémants in our cellar, and the other Burgundy wines waiting to be discovered there? You can find your favorite in the perfect conditions of our exquisite tasting room! This is just one of the things you can enjoy as our guest while staying amidst the vines in the heart of Burgundy at our manor house. Book fantastic day trips, connect with like-minded individuals, expand your culinary experiences, and be treated like the Lords and Ladies of Burgundy. Click here to reserve your stay with us today!
