Ep 233 – Champagne vs. Crémant: Sparkling Wine Regions, Wine Studies & Blind Tasting Tips with Cokie Ponikvar (Cokie’s World of Wine)

In this sparkling episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina is joined by Cokie Ponikvar – shortlisted (and later winner) for the IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication, Advanced Sommelier, and now on the path to both Master Sommelier and Master of Wine. Known to nearly half a million Instagram followers as Cokie’s World of Wine, Cokie’s infectious passion and disciplined study style have inspired a new wave of wine lovers worldwide.

Together they dive into the fascinating world of Champagne vs. Crémant – uncovering why Champagne’s history and terroir make it unique, what the grower Champagne movement means for drinkers, and how eight French regions (plus Luxembourg) produce high-quality Crémant that can rival Champagne at a fraction of the price. Expect insights into blind tasting challenges, producer styles, and practical tips for studying sparkling wine.

You’ll also discover:

[02:26] – Luxembourg’s Crémant: spotlight on Bernard-Massard, the country’s leading producer

[04:43] – How Cokie approaches studying wine and structuring learning. 

[05:26] – The most difficult part of passing the Advanced Sommelier exam. 

[09:22] – How long it really takes to become a Master Sommelier and Master of Wine. 

[11:35] – The “craziest” decision Cokie has considered: attempting both titles simultaneously. 

[14:11] – What Champagne truly means to her – and how a visit to Roman-dug caves in Reims changed her perspective forever.  

[15:44] – Visiting Champagne houses like Taittinger and Ruinart: history carved into chalk cellars.
[21:41] – The rise of grower Champagne: unique stories, pros and cons versus the grandes marques. 

[24:14] – Understanding Champagne bottle labelling (RM vs NM codes). 

[27:16] – Why Champagne commands higher prices – and when it’s worth it. 

[30:07] – Breaking down Crémant: eight French regions and their grape varieties, terroirs, and styles. 

[34:00] – Spotlight on Savoie and the Altesse grape: alpine freshness and minerality. 

[37:02] – Carcassonne and Limoux: tasting history in the birthplace of sparkling wine. 

[38:45] – The challenge of lining up Crémants in comparative tastings – and why producer style matters as much as region. 

[42:28] – The purpose of the Crémant appellation and how to use it as a reliable Champagne alternative. 

[44:22] – Study tips for identifying sparkling wines in blind tastings.  

[46:53] – Making wine inclusive: pronunciation, accessibility, and why wine should be for everyone.

Follow Cokie on her Crazy wine journey HERE.

📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Until next time – cheers to you! 🥂

 

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES, AND NAMED BY FEEDSPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE PODCAST.

RECOGNITION:
– FINALIST, 67 PALL MALL AWARD FOR BEST GLOBAL WINE COMMUNICATOR IN AUDIO (2025)
– SHORTLISTED, IWSC EMERGING TALENT IN WINE COMMUNICATION (2025)
– RANKED #18 IN 2024 AND #22 IN 2025 ON DRINKS RETAILING’S MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN DRINKS LIST