Gratien & Meyer, Crémant de Loire Brut, France NV

Crémant (sparkling wine made by the Champagne method but elsewhere in France) is flying off the shelves at the moment, appealing as it does to those on a budget. It tends to be made from the grapes associated with the region, so this Crémant de Loire is mainly Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, with 10% Chardonnay added. It has seen 18 months in bottle on the lees, and is a clean and juicy, aperitif style, with crisp green and red apple flavours, and a hint of honeyed sweetness from the 10g/L residual sugar. Would be a good option for summer garden parties.