[kray-MAHN deh LWAHR] An appellation covering the anjou, saumur and touraine districts in the loire Valley. It produces dry sparkling wines using the méthode champenoise. chenin blanc is the primary grape, but cabernet franc, chardonnay, gamay and Pineau d'Aunis are also used. Although there's a plentitude of sparkling wine produced in these districts, the quality standards for Crémant de Loire AC are higher. For example, this appellation requires lower yields, a higher proportion of free-run juice and longer aging periods (1 year versus 9 months for most others in the area). These higher standards are translating into better sparkling wines, which are generally softer and fruitier than those from the ACs of Anjou Mousseux or Saumur Mousseux.

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