# Jean-Marc Brocard Crémant de Bourgogne AOC (NV)

- **Producer:** Jean-Marc Brocard
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Burgundy, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Average price:** €18
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, lime, apple, pear, biscuit, brioche

## About this wine

The Jean-Marc Brocard Crémant de Bourgogne AOC is a sparkling white wine from the renowned Burgundy region of France. Established in 1973 by Jean-Marc Brocard, the winery is now run by his son, Julien Brocard, who has been a pioneer in biodynamic farming within the Chablis region. The estate is certified organic and deeply committed to biodynamic practices, reflecting a philosophy centered on respect for nature and traditional winemaking. This Crémant is a pure expression of its Burgundian terroir, particularly showcasing the influence of Kimmeridgian limestone soils, which impart a distinctive chalky freshness and mineral precision to the wine. It represents the producer's dedication to crafting high-quality, terroir-driven sparkling wines.

## Interesting facts

- Julien Brocard, son of the founder, pioneered biodynamic farming in the Chablis region.
- The wine's distinct chalky freshness comes from Kimmeridgian limestone soils.
- The Jean-Marc Brocard estate is certified organic and practices biodynamic viticulture.
- Some bottlings, like the Brut Nature, are 'zero-dosage,' meaning no sugar is added after fermentation.

## Food pairing

This Crémant de Bourgogne, with its high acidity, dry profile, and refreshing bubbles, excels as an aperitif and with delicate seafood. Its crispness and effervescence cleanse the palate, making it an ideal match for rich or fatty dishes like crab cakes, while its bright citrus notes complement the natural flavors of fish and shellfish. The wine's mineral-driven finish harmonizes with the salinity of seafood, creating a balanced and elegant pairing.

## Wine making process

The winemaking for Jean-Marc Brocard's Crémant de Bourgogne emphasizes purity and terroir expression. For bottlings like the Brut Nature, Chardonnay grapes are sourced from vineyards with Kimmeridgian limestone soils. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts, followed by full malolactic conversion to soften the wine's acidity. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its vibrant fruit and mineral characteristics, avoiding any oak influence. Extended time on the lees (spent yeast cells) is employed to build texture and complexity, contributing to a clean and refreshing finish. The Brut Nature bottling is also a zero-dosage wine, meaning no sugar is added after secondary fermentation, resulting in a very dry style.