When it comes to sparkling wine, many consumers think of Champagne first. That is because it has long stood as the wine that symbolizes celebratory moments and fine dining. But Champagne is not all there is to French sparkling wine. France's world-class wine region Bourgogne also has a sparkling wine made on the basis of a long tradition and strict production standards. It is "Crémant de Bourgogne."
For a long time in Korea, Bourgogne has been perceived as a high-priced region that is hard to approach. The intimidating, astronomical price tags created a barrier that kept it far from everyday consumption. But if you step out of the shadow of its dazzling fame and broaden your view a little, you will find plenty of approachable gems you can enjoy on an ordinary table without burden.
Recently in Korea's alcohol market, the driver of this practical-premium trend is Crémant de Bourgogne. Produced through the same process as France's top Champagne while keeping prices at a reasonable level, it is rapidly emerging as a new alternative.
The Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) held a professional masterclass in Seoul on the theme "Crémant de Bourgogne, high-end sparkling wine" on the on the last month, explaining to about 80 domestic media and industry officials the market competitiveness and culinary value of Bourgogne sparkling. The session was led by Lee In-soon, head of Wine Lab and an officially certified Bourgogne wine instructor.
◇ Sticking to the traditional method… completeness born of meticulous control
Among French sparkling wines, the term Champagne is reserved only for those from the Champagne region. By contrast, sparkling wines produced with the same high-difficulty method in other renowned French regions, including Bourgogne, are granted the unique appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) "Crémant." Officially established in 1975 and marking its 50th anniversary last year, the roots run deep enough that this region's history of making bubbly wines began as far back as the 19th century.
Lee said, "The secret to Crémant de Bourgogne being recognized in the global market as an alternative for high-quality sparkling lies in uncompromising production standards," and added, "Through this, it maintains consistent and high quality."
According to the Bourgogne Wine Board, this wine is subject to some of the most stringent rules among global sparkling wine standards. Unlike low-priced wines that force carbon dioxide into large tanks, it strictly adheres to the French traditional method of inducing a secondary fermentation directly inside the bottle and aging for a long time on the lees. On top of this, Bourgogne's pride—Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties—forms the core, with Aligoté and Gamay precisely blended in.
Crémant de Bourgogne is steadily growing its share within the Bourgogne wine industry. Annual production is about 22 million bottles, accounting for roughly 12% of Bourgogne's total wine output, and playing a strategically vital role. In particular, in 2025, solid demand in North America and Northern Europe drove export growth, setting a milestone as, for the first time ever, more than half of total production was exported.
◇ Sales up 66% in the Korean market
Korea has established itself as a key Asian hub that consumes the value of Bourgogne wine most dynamically after the pandemic period. Before 2010, Crémant de Bourgogne had almost no presence in the domestic market, but imports rose noticeably from the "home drinking" trend during COVID-19.
A look at Korea's import statistics shows the growth trend clearly. On 2021, more than about 105,000 bottles were imported, hitting a peak. Then in 2023 and 2024, imports temporarily slowed depending on market conditions, but last year more than 103,000 bottles were imported, achieving a strong rebound. That is an increase of more than 59% from the previous year. Import value is also surging. Last year's import value was about 770,000 euros (about 1.34 billion won), up 66% from the previous year.
◇ "A perfect match for Korea's rich, oily table"… awareness is key
In Europe, there is a strong tendency to limit sparkling wine to an aperitif or specific seafood dishes. But domestic experts cite Crémant de Bourgogne's true value as its high compatibility with everyday tables, including Korean cuisine.
Sommelier Yoon Hyo-jung (winner of the 2023 Korea Sommelier Competition), who led a tasting at the event, said Crémant de Bourgogne pairs broadly not only with formal dining but also with a wide range of dishes domestic consumers enjoy in daily life. The wine's taut acidity and mouth-tingling mineral components excellently cut through the richness of oily Korean dishes, making it an optimal wine to broaden the spectrum of gastronomy in the Korean market.
An industry official said, "Crémant de Bourgogne is less a simple substitute for Champagne and more a gateway to experiencing the luxury region of Bourgogne in a different style," adding, "It combines the terroir-driven credibility unique to Bourgogne wines with the popular accessibility of sparkling wine."