On the starting line today: two of Bordeaux’s star appellations, both renowned for keeping wine lovers on their toes. In lane one of this long-distance race for your affection, Crémant de Bordeaux, represented by Antoine from Maison Lateyron. In lane two, warming up with equal determination, Bordeaux Rosé, cheered on by Thomas, winemaker at Château Le Grand Verdus.
On your marks, get set… savour.
A few figures to get us warmed up
Crémant de Bordeaux lives up to its name. Crafted by 337 winegrowers across the entire Bordeaux vineyard, it covered more than 1,800 hectares in 2023 — the equivalent of around 120 Stade de France pitches. Even more impressive: this surface area has increased by 278% in just ten years. Proof, if any were needed, of its soaring appeal.
Bordeaux Rosé can also be produced throughout the region, but the Entre-deux-Mers accounts for over 70% of total production. Out of 3,800 hectares (roughly 88 Vélodrome stadiums), more than 1,000 winegrowers proudly champion the distinctive personality of their rosés, shaped by the freshness of the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
Grape varieties in the starting blocks
When it comes to Bordeaux Rosé, several grape varieties can take turns in the blend, with Merlot and Cabernet firmly holding the top spots on the podium.
For Crémant de Bordeaux, blends also reign supreme, varying according to the style sought: Blanc de blancs (white varieties), Blanc de noirs (black varieties — more commonly known as red grapes), or Crémant rosé, made from black varieties too, but vinified differently to achieve that delicate pink hue and expressive fruit profile.
Demanding know-how with real staying power
The production method for Crémant de Bordeaux is ancestral, gradually refined from the 19th century onwards in the limestone galleries along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. To this day, every single grape is harvested by hand — without exception. The first fermentation takes place in tank, followed by a second in bottle, where the famous prise de mousse occurs and the bubbles are born. After a minimum of 12 months ageing on lees, these sparkling wines are ready to make their entrance.
Bordeaux Rosé, produced in the region since the 18th century, actually boasts an even longer history. Its style, however, has been radically refreshed over the past decade, driven by a new generation of winemakers — and epicureans. To preserve aromatic freshness, grapes are harvested with pinpoint precision, often at dawn. Vinification typically mirrors that of dry white wines: the bunches are directly pressed, the clear juice ferments immediately, and finally different grape varieties are blended to achieve the perfect balance between lightness and indulgence.
Sparkling vs rosé: endless possibilities at the finish line
Celebrated for the finesse of their bubbles and aromas true to Bordeaux’s terroirs, Crémants de Bordeaux have plenty of ways to win hearts. Available in white or rosé — sometimes even as blanc de blancs or blanc de noirs — they shine on their own or in cocktails, as an aperitif or at the table. They’re made for sharing: with friends, family, or colleagues at after-work drinks. Our personal favourite? A well-chilled Crémant de Bordeaux enjoyed on a boat trip with old friends, a few baskets of oysters on hand and the Dune du Pilat on the horizon. Hard to beat.
Both relaxed and unmistakably contemporary, Bordeaux Rosés are just as inspiring and versatile. Their vibrant colour spans a full spectrum, from the palest blush to deeper shades, so everyone can find their ideal intensity. Notes of red berries and a generous mouthfeel evoke summer days and Atlantic sea spray. And opportunities to enjoy them abound, all year round — from aperitif to dessert, served straight or reimagined in cocktails. One perfect example? A chilled magnum of Bordeaux Rosé at a lively guinguette, music in the air and the first sunshine of spring.
At the end of this high-level duel, we simply can’t choose. Bordeaux Rosé and Crémant de Bordeaux share the top step of today’s podium.
Fancy more top-flight match-ups? Head over to the reds with Haut-Médoc vs Pessac-Léognan, or join us on social media to catch the full programme alongside the Bordeaux Crew.