Bertrand de Monceny Blanc de Blancs Brut

Champagne may be France's most famous sparkling wine, but it certainly doesn't have a monopoly on great bubbles. François Montand Blanc de Blancs Brut demonstrates how the traditional method of sparkling winemaking can produce a beautifully balanced wine without the Champagne price tag.

The story behind François Montand is rooted in France's Jura region, an area near the Swiss border with a long history of producing distinctive wines. The brand takes its inspiration from this tradition, emphasizing the craftsmanship and patience required to make sparkling wine the old-fashioned way.

Unlike Prosecco, which typically develops its bubbles in large pressurized tanks, François Montand is produced using the traditional method, the same process employed in Champagne. A second fermentation takes place inside the bottle, creating the wine's natural carbonation. Time spent resting on the lees, the spent yeast cells left behind after fermentation, contributes additional texture and subtle notes of freshly baked bread.

The term Blanc de Blancs simply means "white from whites," indicating a sparkling wine made from white grape varieties rather than a blend incorporating red grapes.

In the glass, François Montand is bright and energetic, with fine, persistent bubbles carrying aromas of Granny Smith apple, lemon zest, and white flowers. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with hints of pear and toasted brioche adding interest. Lively acidity keeps everything focused, while a clean, dry finish makes another sip particularly inviting.

Serve well chilled, around 45–48°F. It's excellent with oysters, fried calamari, smoked salmon on toasted baguette, or a simple plate of triple-cream Brie and fresh pears.

For anyone who enjoys the freshness and elegance of Champagne but wants an approachable French sparkling wine for more frequent enjoyment, François Montand makes a compelling case for looking beyond the famous appellation.