As a dedicated wine geek with a serious interest in wine, I sometimes have to remind myself that some people – probably the majority of wine drinkers, in fact – don’t take wine as seriously. Many folk just like a glass of wine to relax or while having fun with friends.
It is in that spirit that I present two more wines from the 2025 SuperValu French Wine Event, both sparkling:
Louis Couturier Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Blanc NV
Bordeaux is one of the eight French wine regions that produce a Crémant, but these traditional method sparkling wines receive little publicity compared to the reds, or even the whites, of the region. Unlike many of the other Crémant AOCs, the permitted grape varieties are the same as those for still wines, with no exception made for Chardonnay which can be so useful for making fizz.
This example is made from 90% Merlot, the most widely planted black grape, with 10% Sémillon, the most widely planted white grape. Early removal from the Merlot skins ensures that this remains a white and not a rosé.
Just as Merlot is known for producing fruit-driven reds, so it is here in this Crémant; red cherries, strawberries and raspberries flow through the mid-palate, with a lemon edge provided by the Semillon. The 12 grams of residual sugar are on the high side for modern Crémants, but they reinforce the fruitiness.
This wine is not aimed at Champagne enthusiasts, but it would be great for Prosecco fans who want to try something a little more serious, but still very approachable and very drinkable.
- RRP: €22 down to €15 in French wine sale
- ABV: 12.0%
- RS: 12.0 g/L
- Source: sample
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
Screaming Devil Bubbalicious Rose Spritz NV
Whereas the Crémant above is made during the traditional method, and the vast majority of Prosecco is made with the less expensive tank method, this bottle discloses no information on how the bubbles were produced. And that is fine! I suspect the bubbles might even be added by carbonation (a.k.a. the “soda stream method”). And that is also fine. Because the target market for this wine don’t give a hoot.*
So what is this wine? It’s an off-dry, lightly sparkling rosé. And it’s fun! And delicious! The palate is crammed full of cherries and strawberries, more than seems possible without throwing in a few actual fruits. The residual sugar isn’t mentioned, but given the calories per glass I reckon it’s somewhere around 11.5 g/L – and that sugar emphasizes the fruit rather than coming across as sugariness.
The screwcap makes it ideal for enjoying a glass or two then putting it back in the fridge.
- RRP: €10 down to €8 in French wine sale
- ABV: 10.0%
- Source: sample
- Stockists: SuperValu stores and supervalu.ie
Conclusion
The Louis Couturier is good value at the offer price of €15, though at the regular price of €22 I’d personally spend a little more and buy the Arthur Metz Crémant d’Alsace. For Prosecco drinkers looking to trade up to something a little more elegant then it really fits the bill.
At a regular price of €10 or offer price of €8 the Bubbalicious is well worth a punt. I’d share a picture of its lovely pink colour, but my bottle was finished too quickly!
* Just like Honey Badger – ask Randall
