The Wine: L’Extra par Langlois Crémant de Loire Brut — Loire Sparkling with Flair
This wine comes from the Loire Valley — a terroir known for vibrant, expressive sparkling wines L’Extra par Langlois Crémant de Loire Brut embraces the region’s cool‑climate acidity and meticulous winemaking. Crafted in the traditional method (the same used for Champagne), this Crémant delivers fine bubbles and a delightfully crisp framework. Expect flavours of green apple, lemon zest, light toastiness and a hint of brioche — all wrapped in refreshing minerality that keeps the palate begging for the next sip.
On the program here’s how Ollie introduced this wine:
“So, we’ve got rotisserie chicken — well, actually, just roast chicken and chips — and I don’t know if it’s just a wine trade thing, but fizz goes brilliantly with it. It’s one of those little treats you’ve got to try if you haven’t already.
This one’s amazing quality. It’s called L’Extra Par Langlois, a Crémant de Loire Brut, from about £14 at Majestic. It’s a Crémant from the Loire Valley in northern France — but here’s the cool bit — the estate is owned by Champagne Bollinger. So you get all that expertise behind it.
It’s made using the same traditional method as Champagne — which gives those lovely tiny bubbles — but with different grapes, mainly Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. Tasting it, you get this gorgeous fruitiness, almost like apples coated in sherbet. There’s 12 months of ageing on the lees, the yeast cells, which adds that lovely creamy texture. And they’re really good at supporting their growers to go sustainable too — which just makes it taste even better somehow.”
Why It Complements the Dish — The Pairing Science
- Support the textures: Roast chicken and golden roast potatoes bring both tender meat and crunchy edges to the plate. The lively effervescence of this Crémant cleanses the palate between bites, preventing richness from lingering.
- Cut through richness: A roast dinner has fat from the chicken skin and oil on potatoes. The crisp acidity and fine bubbles in the Crémant slice through that richness beautifully, balancing oil with freshness and making each bite feel light and joyous.
- Enhance simplicity with brightness: Corn on the cob and lightly seasoned roast potatoes call for a partner that doesn’t overpower, but lifts. Notes of citrus and green apple in the wine mirror the natural sweetness of corn and brighten the herbs on the chicken.
In short, L’Extra par Langlois Crémant de Loire Brut isn’t just an accompaniment — it’s a partner to this roast. It highlights the juicy chicken, refreshes the palate after rich bites and adds a touch of sparkle that turns everyday comfort into something a little more special. Pick up a bottle from Majestic.