I had been meaning to visit for months, but finding the right date was tricky. Let’s just say—it was well worth the wait. The Cave de Lugny is the largest producer of Chardonnay in Burgundy, which is no small feat. But what I found truly fascinating is that, despite working with a single grape variety and producing large volumes, every bottle I tasted had its own distinct identity.
That said, let’s focus on the Crémants produced by the Cave de Lugny and sold under the brand Sainchargny.
What is a Crémant de Bourgogne?
Crémant is often seen as a cheaper and lesser alternative to Champagne. And that’s a real shame. Starting with that kind of comparison prevents any objective evaluation of quality.
To really understand Crémant de Bourgogne, we need to look at its production standards. The appellation rules state, for example, that:
- The grapes must be harvested by hand;
- Bottle fermentation must last at least 12 months.
There are other requirements as well, but even these two alone are crucial in setting the level of quality that this label can represent. Why bother harvesting by hand and aging wine for at least 12 months if the goal is to make a low-quality product?
Visiting the Cave de Lugny’s facilities is truly impressive. Surrounded by nearly 2 million bottles, Stéphane, the General Manager, told me they’ll soon need to expand—and he would love to be able to produce even more Crémant.
The Crémants from Cave de Lugny
Now that we understand the requirements for Crémant, we can appreciate it for what it is. And I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed. During my tasting, I had the chance to explore the full range of Crémants from the Cave de Lugny. Here are the four bottles that stood out to me the most:
Sainchargny Blanc de Blancs
This is exactly what you’d expect from a Blanc de Blancs. It delivers all the hallmarks of a great one: fresh, mineral, with mouth-watering acidity that never turns sharp. The dosage is minimal and only perceptible because the balance is so well done. On the palate, you get floral notes, a hint of butter, and almonds. Perfect as an aperitif, with seafood, or even dessert—this is a versatile wine that will win you over.
Sainchargny Blanc de Noirs
An explosion of red fruits. Just like the previous wine, it meets every expectation for a Blanc de Noirs. This blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir offers notes of strawberries, raspberries, and forest fruits. I found it incredibly charming—an easy choice for a dinner table.
Sainchargny Les Crays 2018
A beautiful expression of terroir. This Blanc de Blancs comes from a single plot with marl and limestone soils. You get a perfect balance between Chardonnay aromatics, added complexity from extended aging (30 months), and a lovely mouthfeel. I thought it was a real success—and it’s the bottle I took home to share with friends at an upcoming dinner.
Sainchargny Immémorial 2017
Now this one really blew me away. This is a true gastronomic sparkling wine. Get the chefs on the phone—this deserves a spot on the menu with their finest dishes. The complexity is outstanding, thanks in part to its élevage: one year on lees in tank, three years on the lees in bottle (sur latte), and another three months under cork. A remarkable wine.
Crémants de Bourgogne from Cave de Lugny – My Conclusion
As you’ve gathered, without exaggeration, I found the Crémants from the Cave de Lugny to be incredibly well-crafted and balanced. Tasting them was a real pleasure, and I look forward to doing so again. From my perspective, the Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Les Crays 2018, and Immémorial 2017 are all fantastic wines. The value for money is outstanding—Blanc de Blancs at around €10, Immémorial 2017 at around €20.
People often say that wine tastes best at the producer’s estate, but these Crémants from Cave de Lugny will shine on your table right here at home. Whether it’s for a celebration, a meal opener, or a gastronomic wine pairing, you’ll find what you’re looking for. You can trust me on this one—no second thoughts needed.
Happy tasting!