Batemans are excited to officially introduce a new special edition to the Ridlington’s Wine range – Crémant de Limoux, a sparkling rosé brut wine that brings centuries of history together with a unique flavour profile we know you will love.
Crémant de Limoux joins our special-edition Blanquette de Limoux, in marking five generations of Batemans. Made in Southern France using traditional methods that preserve its classic character and elegance, it’s a standout addition to our Ridlington’s Wine collection.
With a delicate salmon‑pink colour and a refined, expressive style, it complements our growing range of carefully curated wines.
Tasting notes
This elegant dry sparkling wine, is all about balance, bringing you a bright freshness wrapped in gentle southern warmth.
- Perfect blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes.
- Aromas of red fruits, with raspberry and blackcurrant compote.
- Fine and persistent bubbles, give the wine a smooth, elegant feel.
- Crisp acidity keeps everything refreshing from the first sip to the finish.
- Best served chilled, in a tulip-shaped glass or flute to capture aromas and maintain bubbles.
- Pairs harmoniously with cream cheeses and savoury appetisers.
It’s a style that feels both rounded and vibrant, making it an easy, enjoyable choice whether you’re a sparkling‑wine fan or simply curious to try something new.
Crémant de Limoux is the perfect drink for celebrations, more accessible than Champagne, and honestly great for any occasion.
Why Limoux?
Crémant de Limoux stands out for its smooth blend of grapes, giving it a bright, modern elegance with a naturally fresh, lifted style. Our Blanquette de Limoux, by contrast, is built on Mauzac, which gives is it a completely different personality: a dry, full-bodied sparkling wine with a creamy texture and generous fruity aromas.
Together, these two wines reveal the full character of the region.
This is exactly why we chose to bring both sparkling options to the Ridlington’s wine portfolio, as each tells a different side of the same sparkling wine story.
Limoux vs Champagne
If you enjoy sparkling wine, chances are you’ve tried Champagne – the famous sparkling wine produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France.
Crémant de Limoux is made in a similar traditional method, but with its own character and a story that’s far older than most people realise. Winemakers hand-pick their grapes to preserve the delicate notes needed to create bubbles naturally inside the bottle. The wine then rests on its lees for at least twelve months, which smooths out the flavours and gives it a softer, creamier bubble.
This Crémant de Limoux is aged even longer (typically between 18 and 24 months) giving it greater finesse, depth and a beautifully refined foam. This extended ageing allows the wine to develop depth and complexity while maintaining the bright, lively character that makes it so enjoyable.
However, what truly sets this sparkling wine apart is its history. Most people assume sparkling wine began in the region of Champagne, but it actually started in Limoux.
Back in 1531, Benedictine monks at the Abbey of Saint-Hillaire accidentality created the first naturally sparkling wine through bottle fermentation… almost a century before Champagne rose to fame. Champagne only became the global symbol of luxury later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to royal courts and the rise of the big Champagne houses. Crémant de Limoux may not have the same worldwide spotlight, but it was the original pioneer that paved the way.
What makes Limoux Wines so special?
Limoux has been an exceptional winemaking region for over 2,000 years. This long‑standing reputation for quality is why we chose Crémant de Limoux.
The character of the wine begins in the vineyard. Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, the region benefits from a rare mix of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences and cooler temperatures. The low‑yielding vines, partly planted on north‑west‑exposed clay‑limestone soils and partly on south‑facing plots in conditions that create slow‑ripening grapes full of freshness and acidity. The landscape gives the wine its signature balance and elegance – qualities captured beautifully in this Crémant de Limoux.
Much like our beers, every bottle reflects the dedication, tradition, and craftsmanship that have defined Limoux for centuries – and we are proud to share this remarkable sparkling wine with you.
