NV Jaillance 'Héritage Brut' Crémant de Bordeaux, France

But when you blend world-class Semillon with world-class Cabernet Franc and utilize the traditional Champagne method in the cellar, you get an exceptional wine — like the Jaillance “Heritage” Brut.

France does not discriminate when protecting the use of the Champagne name. Throughout the winemaking world, “Champagne” may be placed only on bottles of wine from the Champagne appellation. And that’s also true in France, where sparkling wines made anywhere except Champagne are labeled “Cremant” along with their place of origin — in this case, Cremant de Bordeaux.

Jaillance has been a leading producer of fine sparkling wines since 1950, utilizing hand-harvested grapes and giving their cuvees extra time on the lees. The “Heritage” Brut entices the nose with its elegant fine bubbles, and refreshes the palate with its dry and crisp personality. It’s a wonderful sparkling wine from a surprising source.