Why Crémant? Maison Ackerman: the Loire pioneer

Champagne is beautiful, no one disputes that. But there's another sparkling wine that increasingly surprises wine lovers: Crémant de Loire. Refined, aromatic, and made using the same traditional method as champagne. With its own character deeply rooted in the Val de Loire. And if you want to understand where that sparkle comes from, you need to know one name: Maison Ackerman.

The birth of a pioneer, Saumur, 1811

It all started with an ambitious young Belgian. Jean-Baptiste Ackerman was born in Brussels in 1790 and, in his twenties, moved to Saumur, France. This was no coincidence: the chalky tuffeau soil of the Saumurois proved ideal for making sparkling wines, and its location on the Loire allowed for transport across Europe.

In 1811, at the age of 21, he founded the Maison that still bears his name today. What followed was a lifelong passion for what would become sparkling wines. After years of experimentation, Ackerman presented his cuvée at the industrial exhibition in Angers in 1838 and won a gold medal. This officially recognized him as the first producer to apply the traditional method in the Val de Loire. A historic moment, not only for the Maison, but for the entire region.

The traditional method: what makes it so special?

Ackerman's wines are made using the méthode traditionnelle, the same labor-intensive technique used in Champagne. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle itself, which creates those characteristic fine, persistent bubbles and a complex flavor structure.

What's the big difference with champagne?

The region and the grape varieties.

Ackerman works with the typical Loire cépages: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, and Chardonnay. The result is a fresher, more aromatic style.

More than two centuries of craftsmanship

From the monumental troglodyte cellars in Saint-Hilaire Saint-Florent, Ackerman built its reputation. The constant temperature and perfect humidity of these caves make them ideal for the aging of sparkling wines.

Today, Maison Ackerman is the oldest and leading producer of fines bulles in the Val de Loire. Two centuries after its founding, the house combines tradition with innovation: from classic cuvées to surprising, modern blends that push the boundaries of the Loire appellations.

The Maison also carries the HVE label (Haute Valeur Environnementale), a recognition for sustainable viticulture, because quality begins in the vineyard.

Why choose Crémant?

Crémant de Loire is perhaps the best-kept secret of the French wine world. Made with the same care and technique as champagne, but more accessible in price and with its own unmistakable Loire character. For an aperitif, with a festive dinner, or simply because the evening calls for it.

Discover the collection of Maison Ackerman and let yourself be carried away by more than two centuries of passion for fines bulles.